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'''Dune''' is a continent north of [[Estard]] in the game [[Dragon Quest VII]]
{{LocationInfobox
|game = {{Dragon Quest VII}}
|title = Al-Balad
|type= Village
|image = [[File:DQVII Dune.jpg|300px]]
|caption = PSX art
|japanese= 砂漠の村
|romanji= Sabaku no mura
}}
 
'''Al-Balad''' is a village located on a continent north of [[Estard]] in the game {{DQ7}}.


==History==
==History==
The people of Dune were led by their queen, Fedel. In order to protect her people, she asks her people to build a '''Sphinx''' in honor of the [[Terra Spirit]] who protected the people. The Sphinx was almost completed when the monsters attacked. They took control of the Sphinx and captured Fedel and the priestesses. Afterwards, they forced the men to change the face of the Sphinx to reflect the face of the [[Orgodemir|Demon Lord]]. They ordered the women to pray to the Demon Lord to give him strength. The men who were used to build the statue were locked in the basement of the Sphinx. The monsters demanded that a woman from the village be sacrificed to the statue of the Demon Lord.
The people of Al-Balad were led by their queen, Fertiti. In order to protect her people, she asks her people to build a great [[The Likeness|Likeness]] in honor of the [[Earth Spirit]] who protected the people. The Likeness was almost completed when the monsters attacked. They took control of the Likeness and captured Fertiti and the priestesses. Afterwards, they forced the men to change the face of the Likeness to reflect the face of the [[Orgodemir|Demon King]]. They ordered the women to pray to the Demon King to give him strength. The men who were used to build the statue were locked in the basement of the Likeness. The monsters demanded that a woman from the village be sacrificed to the statue of the Demon King.


In order to protect the village, the people keep their young women in a silo guarded at all times. They also do not trust anyone who is not from the village. The village chief's son, [[Hadeed]], has been in the castle trying to bury his compatriots who died in the castle but is interrupted by a grave robber.
In order to protect the village, the people kept their young women in a storeroom guarded at all times. They also do not trust anyone who is not from the village. The village chief's son, [[Hadid]], has been in the castle trying to bury his compatriots who died in the castle but is interrupted by a grave robber.


==Past==
==Past==
The party goes through the warp and notices that they are in a desert and yet it is so cold. They try to go to the village but are rebuffed by one of the villagers who prevent access to the party. With the town being closed off to them for now, they enter the castle of Dune. There the party notice that there is blood all over the castle like there was a big battle. Looking around for anyone, they find Hadeed. Hadeed tells them that the people who were killed here were abandoned when the queen chose the monsters over them. He tells them that they were building the Sphinx to protect the people of Dune. However, the monsters took that as a challenge and attacked the people and changed the statue into that of the Demon Lord.
The party goes through the teleportal and notices that they are in a desert and yet it is so cold. They try to go to the village but are rebuffed by one of the villagers who prevent access to the party. With the town being closed off to them for now, they enter the [[Temple Palace]]. There the party notice that there is blood all over the castle as if there was a big battle. Looking around for anyone, they find Hadid. Hadeed tells them that the people who were killed here were abandoned when the queen supposedly chose the monsters over them. He tells them that they were building the Likeness to protect the people of Al-Balad. However, the monsters took that as a challenge and attacked the people and changed the statue into that of the Demon King.
 
Hadid tells them to go to his village and tell them that he had sent them. The village guard relents after finding out that they met Hadid at the palace.
 
There they find that the village is under constant threat by the monsters. The villagers find themselves lost without their queen's guidance. Khalid, the chief, asks the party to find his son. Under this request, the party returns to the Palace.
 
While they are searching the palace, a [[Skeleton squire]] catches their scent. The monster is overjoyed to find live humans in the palace to play with. Hadid comes at this moment and helps the party defeat the monster. After landing the finishing blow, the monster yells out that he was Queen Fertiti's favorite and, at that moment, shows that he has her pendant, the Seal of the Sands, that was the emblem of the country. Hadid believes that she had given this to the monster to spare her own life.


Hadeed tells them to go to his village and tell them that he had sent them. The party does so.
After the fight, Hadid offers to take the party back to Al-Balad but sandstorms outside prevent that from happening. So the four of them decide to stay at the palace until the storm dies down. While they are there, Hadid and the party dig graves for the fallen and bury their bones throughout the night.


There they find that the village is under constant threat by the monsters. The villagers find themselves lost without their queen's guidance. The chief asks the party to find his son. Under this request, the party returns to Dune Palace.
In the morning, Hadid escorts the party to Al-Balad. When they arrive, they meet with the chief. There, the party learns of the reason that Hadid left the village: He was looking for any trace of the Great Serpent of the Nihil. Hadid shows his father Queen Fertiti's necklace. He curses her for abandoning her people in the time of their greatest need. Just then, Hadid's mother arrives to reprimand her son, telling her that Queen Fertiti's sacrifice shows great strength and character. She tells him that, in her old age, if monsters were to attack the village, she would not be able to flee. It is due to the queen's actions that the people of Al-Balad are able to remain safe in the village. Her original intent was that the Likeness would keep the monsters at bay and protect her people, even the most helpless and weak. She tells him to never forget that kindness requires great strength as well before retiring to her room. Hadid continues to remain skeptical of her actions considering everything that has happened so far.


While they are searching the palace, a monster, [[BoneRider]], catches their scent. The party encounters BoneRider who says that he will eat them like he did the others. Hadeed comes at this moment and helps the party defeat the monster. After landing the finishing blow, the monster yells out that he was Queen Fedel's favorite and, at that moment, shows that he has the Queen's pendant, that was the emblem of the country. Hadeed believes that she had given this to the monster to spare her own life.
Just then, Chief Khalid notices something hidden underneath the gem on the Seal of the Sands. He pulls free a folded piece of parchment and is shocked upon reading its contents. The chief then hands it to his son to read it aloud. It reads:
{{quote|style=1|quote=''My beloved subjects, I pray that you are safe and well. Rest assured that I have come to no harm. I do, however, have sad news to impart. The construction of the Likeness of the Great Evil has been completed. Its completion is why the skies have darkened. Why Mother Nihil runs high and angry. The monsters increase in number with each passing day. No doubt, you are already finding it impossible to fish, or hunt. Hunger must be a daily reality for you, as it is for us. The enslaved men of Al-Balad are alive and well, but I know not what will become of them now that they have served their purpose. And I do not intend to find out. I must uncover the secret of the Likeness's dark power before those who trust in me can come to any further harm. If I can calm the waters of the Nihil, the men will be free to make their escape. I have already bribed he who guards them, though the price was great... But although relinquishing such a sacred heirloom weighed heavy on my heart, it allowed me to secrete within it this letter to you. He to whom it was given often haunts the Temple Palace. I can only hope that one of you, my faithful subjects, will find him there, and in punishing him, find also my message.''


After the fight, Hadeed offers to take the party back to Dune but sandstorms outside prevent that from happening. So the four of them decide to stay at the palace until the storm dies down. While they are there, Hadeed and the party make graves for the fallen throughout the night.
<center>''Your eternal servant, Queen Fertiti.''</center>|source=|console=|align=center}}
Hearing this letter, Hadid suddenly leaves and decides to find the queen. For that, he needs to find the Great Serpent. Hadid leaves to go to the Nihil river to find any trace of the Serpent. Chief Khalid, after learning that the party helped Hadid bury the dead, gives the party the Seal of the Sands, an emblem that shows the people of Al-Balad they are trusted friends.


In the morning, Hadeed escorts the party to Dune. When they arrive, they meet with the chief. There, the party learns of the reason that Hadeed left the village. He was looking for the legendary beast Tyrannos. Hadeed shows his father Queen Fedel's necklace. He tells the chief about his suspicious. However, the chief doesn't believe that. After examining the necklace, they find a note inside the necklace. It reads:
The party, after gaining information about the Great Serpent, heads to a bank at the Nihil river. There, they find Hadid investigating the water. He doesn't find anything, including fish. He asks the party if they have heard anything about the Great Serpent.


''To my beloved people... don't worry for I am fine. I am sad to report, though, that the Evil Statue has been completed. The statue is the cause of the disasters you've been enduring. I heard the number of monsters has increased. My prayers are with you, my people. All the men sent to work here are still alive, for the time being. I fear that their safety is temporary at best. If we are to have any chance, I must determine where the statue is vulnerable. If the Nila calmed once more, escape would not seem like such a distant hope. I hid this letter inside the necklace and gave it to a monster. I pray it will reach you safely. Please, remain ever strong....''
The party return to the present where the [[Roamers]] Encampment was located. There they find the [[Dig Site]]. A scholar named Dr. Digsby is investigating a fossilized bone. The party asks the scholar about the fossil and he explains that its an aquatic creature that made its home in a large riverbed. When the party tries to tell him that it is the remains of the Great Serpent and try to take it back to Al-Balad, the scholar refuses. He tells them that this fossil is a piece of history and he will not let it go. The party then decides to show him the Seal of the Sands. The scholar remarks that he has seen this emblem in his books. He notices that the Seal is new. With this, he believes that the party has the ability to travel through time. He tells the party that he will give them the fossil if they take him through time. Seeing as they have no choice, the party takes him with them to Al-Balad's past.


To my beloved people of Dune.
After reaching the Temple Palace, the scholar is in awe. He sees the castle and goes on about what he can learn from studying the castle in the past instead of reading and studying about it in the present. Finding the fossil of the Great Serpent insignificant by comparison, he gives it to the party.


Queen Fedel.
The party return to the village and learn that the chief has fallen ill. The villagers believe that he is not long for this world. Hadid returns just in time to hear the last words of the chief. The chief tells Hadid that he wants him to succeed him as the next chief. Hadid initially refuses, saying that he hasn't found the Serpent yet. The chief notices that the party has the fossil of a creature that possesses a golden horn. The chief realizes that this is the remains of the Great Serpent itself. The chief asks a favor of the party; he asks that the Great Serpent be returned to the Nihil. With this, the chief dies.


Hearing this letter, Hadeed decides to find the queen. For that, he needs to find Tyrannos. Hadeed leaves to go to the Nila River to find any trace of Tyrannos. The chief, after learning that the party helped Hadeed bury the dead, gives the party the Dune Charm, an emblem that shows the people of Dune they are friends of Dune.
The village is in mourning over the loss of the chief. The village journeys to the Nihil to pay their respects to the late chief. They prepare his body to be floated down the river. As his body floats down the river, Hadid reminds the party to place the Serpent's skull into the Nihil. The bones drop to the bottom of the river. As the villagers and the party are about to leave, the Great Serpent is suddenly resurrected. With the Serpent reborn, the creature is now able to carry Hadid and the party to the Likeness where they can rescue the Queen and the rest of the villagers.


The party, after gaining information about Tyrannos, heads to a bank at the Nila River. There, they find Hadeed investigating the water. He doesn't find anything, including fish. He asks the party if they have heard anything about Tyrannos.
The party makes their way to the Likeness where they encounter a priestess who will tell the party that the Queen will be killed because she has refused to pray to the Demon King. At that moment, two [[Oinkubus]]es appear to force the priestess to pray again. The party defeats them. The priestess thanks the party and tells them that the Queen is held captive by the monsters. Hadid leaves the party to go and find the Queen. The party follows after him.


The party return to the present to the [[Deja]]n Continent. There they find an excavation site. A scholar is investigating a fossilized bone. The party asks the scholar about the fossil and he explains that its an aquatic creature that made its home in a large riverbed. When the party tries to tell him that it is the remains of Tyrannos and try to take it back to Dune, the scholar refuses. He tells them that this fossil is a piece of history and he will not let it go. The party show them the Dune Charm. The scholar remarks that he has seen this emblem in his books. He notices that the Dune Charm is new. With this, he believes that the party has the ability to travel through time. He tells the party that he will give them the fossil if they take him through time. Seeing as they have no choice, the party takes him with them to Dune's past.
Deep in the Likeness, the party reunite with Hadid, who has found the queen. He tells them that the monsters have killed all the people in the palace. Fertiti relates her disappointment in herself for trusting the monsters. Hadid tells the queen that he will defeat the monsters and save Al-Balad. The queen realizes that he is injured but he goes on anyways. The party speak with the queen after him and she tells them to follow Hadid because he is hurt.


After reaching Dune Castle, the scholar is in awe. He sees the castle and goes on about what he can learn from studying the castle in the past instead of reading and studying about it in the present. Finding the fossil of the Tyrannos insignificant in comparison, he gives it to the party.
The party traverse the dungeon and find [[Setesh the Punisher]], the leader of the monsters in Al-Balad. He is gloating over the defeated body of Hadid. He tells him that it was foolish to fight him while injured. The party confront the monster and is able to defeat him. Afterwards, Queen Fertiti appears and tells the party to remove the rubies in the Likeness's eyes, which give power to the Demon Lord. Removing the eyes causes the entire Likeness to crumble.


The party return to the village and learn that the chief has fallen ill. The villagers believe that he is not long for this world. Hadeed returns just in time to hear the last words of the chief. The chief tells Hadeed that he wants him to succeed him as the next chief. Hadeed initially refuses, saying that he hasn't found Tyrannos yet. The chief notices that the party has the fossil of a creature that possesses a golden horn. The chief realizes that this is the remains of Tyrannos. The chief asks a favor of the party; he asks that Tyrannos be returned to the Nila River. With this, the chief dies.
The party, the Queen, and Hadid float down the Nihil where they are found by the villagers of Al-Balad. The party awakes from unconsciousness and sees that Fertiti is praying over the body of Hadid. Through the power of the [[Earth Spirit]], Hadid is revived to the joy of the villagers. The party is praised by the villagers as saviors of the desert. They allow them to rest in Al-Balad village after their exhaustive battle.


The village is in mourning over the loss of the chief. The village comes out the Nila River to pay their respects to the late chief. They prepare his body to be floated down the river. As his body floats down the river, Hadeed reminds the party to place the remains of Tyrannos into the Nila. The bones drop to the bottom of the river. As the villagers and the party are about to leave, Tyrannos is resurrected. With Tyrannos reborn, the creature is now able to carry Hadeed and the party to the Sphinx where they can rescue the Queen and the rest of the villagers.
The party awakens the next day and head to the Temple Palace. There, the villagers are helping to rebuild it to its former glory. The Queen invites the party to return when they are finished. With that, the party returns to the present.


The party makes their way to the Sphinx where they encounter a priestess who will tell the party that the Queen will be killed because she has refused to pray to the Demon Lord. At that moment, two [[Pigmon]] appear to force the priestess to pray again. The party defeats the Pigmon. The priestess thanks the party and tells them that the Queen is captive by the monsters. Hadeed leaves the party to go and find the Queen. The party follows after him.
==Shops and Services==
{{ItemShop/Start|title=|subtitle=Past only}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Medicinal herb|price=8|attributes=}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Antidotal herb|price=10|attributes=}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Holy water|price=20|attributes=Temporarily wards off monsters}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Bunny tail|price=270|attributes=+2 Style}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Lucida shard|price=500|attributes=+10 Style/Removes confusion [[status effect]]}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Dieamend|price=800|attributes=Protects holder from instant death spells once}}
{{ItemShop/End|note=}}


Deep in the Sphinx, the party reunite with Hadeed, who has found the queen. He tells them that the monsters have killed the people in the palace. Fedel relates her disappointment in herself for trusting the monsters. Hadeed tells the princess that he will defeat the monsters and save Dune. The queen realizes that he is hurt but he goes on anyways. The party speak with the queen after him and she tells them to follow Hadeed because he is hurt.
{{ItemShop/Start|title=|subtitle=Present only}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Medicinal herb|price=8|attributes=}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Antidotal herb|price=10|attributes=}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Holy water|price=20|attributes=}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Bunny tail|price=270|attributes=+2 Style}}
{{ItemShop/Item|name=Dieamend|price=800|attributes=Protects holder from instant death spells once}}
{{ItemShop/End|note=}}


The party traverse the dungeon and find [[Seto]], the leader of the monsters in Dune. He is gloating over the defeated body of Hadeed. He tells him that it was foolish to fight him while injured. The party confront the monster and defeat him. Afterwards, Queen Fedel appears and tells the party to remove the rubies in the Sphinx's eyes, which give power to the Demon Lord. Removing the eyes causes the entire Sphinx to crumble.
===[[Inn]]===
{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="listTable"
!'''Price per person'''
|-
| 25 Gold coins (Present only)
|}


The party, the Queen, and Hadeed float down the Nila River where they are found by the villagers of Dune. The party awakes from unconsciousness and sees that Fedel is praying over the body of Hadeed. Through the power of the [[Terra Spirit]], Hadeed is revived to the joy of the villagers. The party is praised by the villagers to be saviors. They allow them to sleep in Dune village after their exhaustive battle.
===Other notable attribute===
{{LocationAttr|save}}


The party awakes the next day and head to Dune Palace. There, the villagers are helping to rebuild Dune to its former glory. The Queen invites the party to return when they are finished. With that, the party returns to the present.
==Treasures==
{| border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Al-Balad (Past)===
*7 [[Gold]] Coins
*[[Antidotal herb]]
*[[Leather whip]] (Acquired from the storeroom after rescuing Queen Fertiti)
*[[Medicinal herb]] (Acquired from the storeroom after receiving the Seal of the Sands)
*Seal of the Sands
*[[Seed of resilience]]
*{{Yellow Fragment}} (Acquired from the storeroom after rescuing Queen Fertiti)
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Al-Balad (Present)===
*15 [[Gold]] Coins
*[[Dancer's costume]]
*[[Horse manure]]
*[[Medicinal herb]]
*[[Mini medal]]
*Pilchard crackers
*[[Seed of life]]
*[[Seed of magic]]
*{{Yellow Fragment}}
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Greta's Cottage===
*Greta's letter
*[[Pretty betsy]]
*[[Silk robe]]
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Al-Shallal===
* [[Chimaera (Vocation)|Chimaera heart]] ({{3DS}} Version only)
|}
 
==Nearby Monsters==
{| border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Past===
*[[Chimaera]]
*[[Headhunter]]
*[[Slime knight]]
*[[Stingfisher]]
*[[Swinoceros]]
*[[Tongue fu master]]
*[[Vile vial]]
*[[Zepling]]
| valign="top" width="20%" |
===Present===
<small>(After the Demon King's resurrection)</small>
*[[Blighted bloater]]
*[[Bloody hand]]
*[[Damned well]] (Summoned by [[Bloody hand]])
*[[Decayurion]]
*[[Demon thunderer]]
*[[Hellstalker]]
*[[Gold fryling]]
*[[Terrorhawk]]
*[[Sculpture vulture]] (Summoned by [[Vial creature]])
*[[Vial creature]]
|}
 
==Known residents==
*'''Elder Khalid''' (originally Zarathustra) - Elder of Al-Balad in the past and father of Hadid
*'''[[Hadid]]'''
*'''Elder''' (originally Dune Chief) - Elder of the present Al-Balad and father of [[Sa'id]].
*'''[[Sa'id]]'''
 
==Landmarks==
*'''[[Temple Palace]]''' - The royal palace of the desert. It was once the greatest edifice in the desert, before it was abandoned and monsters took over.
*'''Banks of the Nihil''' (originally '''Nila River''') - A great river to the north that flows between the village and the Likeness. It is the home of the Great Serpent. However, when the Likeness of the Great Evil was completed, the rivers raged constantly and all the fish disappeared.
*'''[[The Likeness]]''' - A mighty sphinx that was constructed to look like the [[Earth Spirit|Spirit of the Land]] before monsters attacked and forced the people to change it to one of the Demon King.
*'''The Oasis''' - An oasis located northwest of the village in the present. There is a [[teleportal]] here which leads to the [[Shrine of Mysteries]]. Later the gems acquired from the [[Hidden Pyramid]] are used to awaken the Earth Spirit from his slumber.
*'''Greta's Cottage''' - The residence of an older woman who was the winner of the Best Dressed contest of the [[Excellence Grading Organisation]] in her day.  Greta can be approached after visiting the EGO to receive a letter recommending that she is removed from the contest.  Additionally, her residence remains free of monsters even after the Demon Lord is resurrected.
*'''Al-Shallal''' - A large cave with a waterfall south of Al-Balad that is accessible via ship. There is an enormous ship frozen in ice inside, later revealed to be the [[Sea Dragon (sailing vessel)|Sea Dragon]].
 
==Other languages==
{{OtherLanguages
|fr=Al-Balad|fr-meaning=Same as English name
|de=Al-Balad|de-meaning=Same as English name
|it=Al-Balad|it-meaning=Same as English name
|es=Al-Balad|es-meaning=Same as English name
|zh-tw=|zh-tw-meaning=
}}
 
==Etymology==
Al-Balad means country or land in Arabic. Al-Shallal means waterfall in Arabic. In the original Sony PlayStation version, the chief is named Zarathustra, an ancient Iranian prophet whose teachings developed into Zoroastrianism, which eventually became the main religion of ancient Persia.
 
==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
DQ Stars Android Desert Tribe Elder.jpg|Tribe Elder in {{Stars}}.
</gallery></center>


{{DQVII}}
{{DQVII}}
[[Category:Dragon Quest VII locations]]{{Wikia}}
 
[[Category:Dragon Quest VII locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest of the Stars locations]]

Latest revision as of 17:17, 7 January 2024

Al-Balad is a village located on a continent north of Estard in the game Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.

History[edit]

The people of Al-Balad were led by their queen, Fertiti. In order to protect her people, she asks her people to build a great Likeness in honor of the Earth Spirit who protected the people. The Likeness was almost completed when the monsters attacked. They took control of the Likeness and captured Fertiti and the priestesses. Afterwards, they forced the men to change the face of the Likeness to reflect the face of the Demon King. They ordered the women to pray to the Demon King to give him strength. The men who were used to build the statue were locked in the basement of the Likeness. The monsters demanded that a woman from the village be sacrificed to the statue of the Demon King.

In order to protect the village, the people kept their young women in a storeroom guarded at all times. They also do not trust anyone who is not from the village. The village chief's son, Hadid, has been in the castle trying to bury his compatriots who died in the castle but is interrupted by a grave robber.

Past[edit]

The party goes through the teleportal and notices that they are in a desert and yet it is so cold. They try to go to the village but are rebuffed by one of the villagers who prevent access to the party. With the town being closed off to them for now, they enter the Temple Palace. There the party notice that there is blood all over the castle as if there was a big battle. Looking around for anyone, they find Hadid. Hadeed tells them that the people who were killed here were abandoned when the queen supposedly chose the monsters over them. He tells them that they were building the Likeness to protect the people of Al-Balad. However, the monsters took that as a challenge and attacked the people and changed the statue into that of the Demon King.

Hadid tells them to go to his village and tell them that he had sent them. The village guard relents after finding out that they met Hadid at the palace.

There they find that the village is under constant threat by the monsters. The villagers find themselves lost without their queen's guidance. Khalid, the chief, asks the party to find his son. Under this request, the party returns to the Palace.

While they are searching the palace, a Skeleton squire catches their scent. The monster is overjoyed to find live humans in the palace to play with. Hadid comes at this moment and helps the party defeat the monster. After landing the finishing blow, the monster yells out that he was Queen Fertiti's favorite and, at that moment, shows that he has her pendant, the Seal of the Sands, that was the emblem of the country. Hadid believes that she had given this to the monster to spare her own life.

After the fight, Hadid offers to take the party back to Al-Balad but sandstorms outside prevent that from happening. So the four of them decide to stay at the palace until the storm dies down. While they are there, Hadid and the party dig graves for the fallen and bury their bones throughout the night.

In the morning, Hadid escorts the party to Al-Balad. When they arrive, they meet with the chief. There, the party learns of the reason that Hadid left the village: He was looking for any trace of the Great Serpent of the Nihil. Hadid shows his father Queen Fertiti's necklace. He curses her for abandoning her people in the time of their greatest need. Just then, Hadid's mother arrives to reprimand her son, telling her that Queen Fertiti's sacrifice shows great strength and character. She tells him that, in her old age, if monsters were to attack the village, she would not be able to flee. It is due to the queen's actions that the people of Al-Balad are able to remain safe in the village. Her original intent was that the Likeness would keep the monsters at bay and protect her people, even the most helpless and weak. She tells him to never forget that kindness requires great strength as well before retiring to her room. Hadid continues to remain skeptical of her actions considering everything that has happened so far.

Just then, Chief Khalid notices something hidden underneath the gem on the Seal of the Sands. He pulls free a folded piece of parchment and is shocked upon reading its contents. The chief then hands it to his son to read it aloud. It reads:

"My beloved subjects, I pray that you are safe and well. Rest assured that I have come to no harm. I do, however, have sad news to impart. The construction of the Likeness of the Great Evil has been completed. Its completion is why the skies have darkened. Why Mother Nihil runs high and angry. The monsters increase in number with each passing day. No doubt, you are already finding it impossible to fish, or hunt. Hunger must be a daily reality for you, as it is for us. The enslaved men of Al-Balad are alive and well, but I know not what will become of them now that they have served their purpose. And I do not intend to find out. I must uncover the secret of the Likeness's dark power before those who trust in me can come to any further harm. If I can calm the waters of the Nihil, the men will be free to make their escape. I have already bribed he who guards them, though the price was great... But although relinquishing such a sacred heirloom weighed heavy on my heart, it allowed me to secrete within it this letter to you. He to whom it was given often haunts the Temple Palace. I can only hope that one of you, my faithful subjects, will find him there, and in punishing him, find also my message.

Your eternal servant, Queen Fertiti.
"

Hearing this letter, Hadid suddenly leaves and decides to find the queen. For that, he needs to find the Great Serpent. Hadid leaves to go to the Nihil river to find any trace of the Serpent. Chief Khalid, after learning that the party helped Hadid bury the dead, gives the party the Seal of the Sands, an emblem that shows the people of Al-Balad they are trusted friends.

The party, after gaining information about the Great Serpent, heads to a bank at the Nihil river. There, they find Hadid investigating the water. He doesn't find anything, including fish. He asks the party if they have heard anything about the Great Serpent.

The party return to the present where the Roamers Encampment was located. There they find the Dig Site. A scholar named Dr. Digsby is investigating a fossilized bone. The party asks the scholar about the fossil and he explains that its an aquatic creature that made its home in a large riverbed. When the party tries to tell him that it is the remains of the Great Serpent and try to take it back to Al-Balad, the scholar refuses. He tells them that this fossil is a piece of history and he will not let it go. The party then decides to show him the Seal of the Sands. The scholar remarks that he has seen this emblem in his books. He notices that the Seal is new. With this, he believes that the party has the ability to travel through time. He tells the party that he will give them the fossil if they take him through time. Seeing as they have no choice, the party takes him with them to Al-Balad's past.

After reaching the Temple Palace, the scholar is in awe. He sees the castle and goes on about what he can learn from studying the castle in the past instead of reading and studying about it in the present. Finding the fossil of the Great Serpent insignificant by comparison, he gives it to the party.

The party return to the village and learn that the chief has fallen ill. The villagers believe that he is not long for this world. Hadid returns just in time to hear the last words of the chief. The chief tells Hadid that he wants him to succeed him as the next chief. Hadid initially refuses, saying that he hasn't found the Serpent yet. The chief notices that the party has the fossil of a creature that possesses a golden horn. The chief realizes that this is the remains of the Great Serpent itself. The chief asks a favor of the party; he asks that the Great Serpent be returned to the Nihil. With this, the chief dies.

The village is in mourning over the loss of the chief. The village journeys to the Nihil to pay their respects to the late chief. They prepare his body to be floated down the river. As his body floats down the river, Hadid reminds the party to place the Serpent's skull into the Nihil. The bones drop to the bottom of the river. As the villagers and the party are about to leave, the Great Serpent is suddenly resurrected. With the Serpent reborn, the creature is now able to carry Hadid and the party to the Likeness where they can rescue the Queen and the rest of the villagers.

The party makes their way to the Likeness where they encounter a priestess who will tell the party that the Queen will be killed because she has refused to pray to the Demon King. At that moment, two Oinkubuses appear to force the priestess to pray again. The party defeats them. The priestess thanks the party and tells them that the Queen is held captive by the monsters. Hadid leaves the party to go and find the Queen. The party follows after him.

Deep in the Likeness, the party reunite with Hadid, who has found the queen. He tells them that the monsters have killed all the people in the palace. Fertiti relates her disappointment in herself for trusting the monsters. Hadid tells the queen that he will defeat the monsters and save Al-Balad. The queen realizes that he is injured but he goes on anyways. The party speak with the queen after him and she tells them to follow Hadid because he is hurt.

The party traverse the dungeon and find Setesh the Punisher, the leader of the monsters in Al-Balad. He is gloating over the defeated body of Hadid. He tells him that it was foolish to fight him while injured. The party confront the monster and is able to defeat him. Afterwards, Queen Fertiti appears and tells the party to remove the rubies in the Likeness's eyes, which give power to the Demon Lord. Removing the eyes causes the entire Likeness to crumble.

The party, the Queen, and Hadid float down the Nihil where they are found by the villagers of Al-Balad. The party awakes from unconsciousness and sees that Fertiti is praying over the body of Hadid. Through the power of the Earth Spirit, Hadid is revived to the joy of the villagers. The party is praised by the villagers as saviors of the desert. They allow them to rest in Al-Balad village after their exhaustive battle.

The party awakens the next day and head to the Temple Palace. There, the villagers are helping to rebuild it to its former glory. The Queen invites the party to return when they are finished. With that, the party returns to the present.

Shops and Services[edit]

ICON-ITEM-SHOP.png Item Shop (Past only)
Item Price Attributes
ICON-Medicinal herb.png Medicinal herb8?
ICON-Antidotal herb.png Antidotal herb10?
ICON-Holy water.png Holy water20Temporarily wards off monsters
ICON-Bunny tail.png Bunny tail270+2 Style
ICON-Lucida shard.png Lucida shard500+10 Style/Removes confusion status effect
ICON-Dieamend.png Dieamend800Protects holder from instant death spells once
ICON-ITEM-SHOP.png Item Shop (Present only)
Item Price Attributes
ICON-Medicinal herb.png Medicinal herb8?
ICON-Antidotal herb.png Antidotal herb10?
ICON-Holy water.png Holy water20?
ICON-Bunny tail.png Bunny tail270+2 Style
ICON-Dieamend.png Dieamend800Protects holder from instant death spells once

Inn[edit]

Price per person
25 Gold coins (Present only)

Other notable attribute[edit]

   Save icon.png    This is a location where the game can be saved.

Treasures[edit]

Al-Balad (Past)[edit]

Al-Balad (Present)[edit]

Greta's Cottage[edit]

Al-Shallal[edit]

Nearby Monsters[edit]

Past[edit]

Present[edit]

(After the Demon King's resurrection)

Known residents[edit]

  • Elder Khalid (originally Zarathustra) - Elder of Al-Balad in the past and father of Hadid
  • Hadid
  • Elder (originally Dune Chief) - Elder of the present Al-Balad and father of Sa'id.
  • Sa'id

Landmarks[edit]

  • Temple Palace - The royal palace of the desert. It was once the greatest edifice in the desert, before it was abandoned and monsters took over.
  • Banks of the Nihil (originally Nila River) - A great river to the north that flows between the village and the Likeness. It is the home of the Great Serpent. However, when the Likeness of the Great Evil was completed, the rivers raged constantly and all the fish disappeared.
  • The Likeness - A mighty sphinx that was constructed to look like the Spirit of the Land before monsters attacked and forced the people to change it to one of the Demon King.
  • The Oasis - An oasis located northwest of the village in the present. There is a teleportal here which leads to the Shrine of Mysteries. Later the gems acquired from the Hidden Pyramid are used to awaken the Earth Spirit from his slumber.
  • Greta's Cottage - The residence of an older woman who was the winner of the Best Dressed contest of the Excellence Grading Organisation in her day. Greta can be approached after visiting the EGO to receive a letter recommending that she is removed from the contest. Additionally, her residence remains free of monsters even after the Demon Lord is resurrected.
  • Al-Shallal - A large cave with a waterfall south of Al-Balad that is accessible via ship. There is an enormous ship frozen in ice inside, later revealed to be the Sea Dragon.

Other languages[edit]

Language Translation Meaning
ICON-FLAG-ES.png EspañolAl-BaladSame as English name
ICON-FLAG-FR.png FrançaisAl-BaladSame as English name
ICON-FLAG-DE.png DeutschAl-BaladSame as English name
ICON-FLAG-IT.png ItalianoAl-BaladSame as English name

Etymology[edit]

Al-Balad means country or land in Arabic. Al-Shallal means waterfall in Arabic. In the original Sony PlayStation version, the chief is named Zarathustra, an ancient Iranian prophet whose teachings developed into Zoroastrianism, which eventually became the main religion of ancient Persia.

Gallery[edit]

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
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