The Nightmare Rock Vol. 1
THE NIGHTMARE ROCK
VOLUME 1
The Initial Effects
”The passing of time will shatter the nightmare rock and will reveal the path of light." ~Apple of Enlightenment
Deep under the back hills of Onett, an evil was growing in power day by day that would inevitably change the course of history. It would actually change the course of history twice. You see, this evil was a seed. A weapon designed to eliminate or pacify a threat long before it would realize that it was, in fact, a threat at all.
The first time it changed the course of history, it was allowed to take all the time it needed to corrupt the one who would be the threat. But, through the efforts of a time-traveling entity known only to our time as 'Buzz Buzz', this course of history was altered forever.
The second time it changed the course of history, it had to take alternative measures, but not until after it had planted the seeds of defeat inside its target.
Where did the Mani Mani statue come from? All of this is, of course, exposition and theory. It might be nothing but a nice story fabricated by me.
Far be it from me, Rabid Dog, to decide what was subtly written in the game and what was left out completely. It's entirely understandable to think that the original writer of the game didn't have anything so grandiose planned when he wrote much of the dialogue. Prophecies tended to be in games at the time and gave the player a sense of specialness. Ness wasn't just any kid from Eagleland, he was chosen specifically for this task. It means that you're not playing just anybody, you're playing the chosen one. Why we feel the need to make our heroes even more special than they already are is beyond me. There is no reason why Link from Legend of Zelda has to be specifically designated for his task every time. Considering the feats that he pulls off on his own, he is a hero in his own rights and not because the Goddesses chose him.
But I digress. In all probability, it seemed like a good story hook and the writer used it. It was cliche, but it worked. The actual theory, or what I would call, 'The Theory of Realistic' states that anytime something isn't explicitly stated in the game or implied via text or character action, it was, in fact, an oversight. Considering that likely no one ever thought that this game would be looked over with a fine-tooth comb to find more story where there probably isn't any, this is the most obvious and likely theory.
But that's not why we're here today.
The Mani Mani statue is an enigma. No one knows where it came from or what its purpose was. It does, however, have an undeniable impact not only on the overall plot of the game, but also on the characterization of Ness' psyche.
We'll start this exposition on the Mani Mani statue with the basic facts, detailing its travels in the game from start to finish.
Lier X. Agerate, self-employed treasure hunter and garlic enthusiast first discovered the statue in the hills of Onett, under his house. There are a few interesting points I'd like to make before we move on.
1. The statue is found on its own. There are no other cultural artifacts to explain its origin, as we might expect if this was once the site of a primitive people.
2. The statue is found within close proximity to Ness' house.
3. Mr. Agerate felt the need to show this statue to Ness. Far be it from us to conclude whether or not Ness and Mr. Agerate shared some sort of friendship before the events of the game. But it does seem odd that Mr. Agerate would feel the need to show a treasure he had discovered under his house to the kid of a neighbor, rather than, as would be supposed, any sort of press or reasonable adult. (ex. A museum curator)
The statue is stolen and is next seen in the hands of Carpainter who has used it for his cult, the Happy Happyists. There is evidence to suggest that he hadn't decided to kidnap local psychic child Paula until after he had come into possession of the statue. Once Carpainter is broken of his subjugation of the statue, it is stolen again.
The next time we see the statue it is in the indirect possession of Mr. Monotoli, the most important man in Fourside.
We find out that Mr. Monotoli used to just be a real estate agent. A small-timer, if you will. Everyone who he trampled to get to his throne of power makes mention of how quickly he seemed to gain power. Some even call it a deal with the devil.
The Mani Mani statue is then directly interacted with by Ness and Jeff. It's hiding in the warehouse behind Jackie's Cafe, a bar where Mr. Monotoli frequents. Coming near it, Ness and Jeff begin to hallucinate. Their minds are transported to Moonside, the bizzare and illogical representation of Fourside.
There they encounter a man who looks like Monotoli and the statue itself which turns on them with violent power. Once the statue is destroyed, the spell is broken. Almost all of the power that Monotoli had accrued vanishes immediately.
The last time Ness would encounter the Mani Mani statue, it was the representation of his evil-self.
Wherever the statue goes, it influences people to slow down and inhibit Ness in his journey. First by trying to get him side-tracked with promises of hidden wealth. Twice by kidnapping the person who Ness is implied to have feelings for. Once by trapping Ness in another world. And the last time as a last-ditch effort to trump Ness.
Influence in Onett
On the night when Ness starts his adventure, something in the meteorite crashing causes the Sharks to go crazier than usual. Buzz Buzz mentions that already Giygas is using the influence he has over the evil in the hearts of people and animals to control them.
What caused the local gang to start acting up? One view is that since a majority of the police force was up at the crash-site, they took the opportunity to raise a ruckus. Another is that the Mani Mani statue is a pawn. An influence transmitter, if you will.
Had Buzz Buzz never crashed in his meteor, the Mani Mani statue would never have left its spot. It would've stayed in close proximity to Ness, broadcasting its influence over him until it finally broke his innocent soul and enslaved him just like so many other people.
Buzz Buzz crashing upset this whole plan. By interfering with the timeline, Buzz Buzz was able to get Ness out of Onett, and therefore, out of reach of the statue's immediate influence. By accessing spots of power, the “My Sanctuary” locations, Ness increased his self-power and was able to actively crush the opposing influence that would've been growing over him. With its influence waning over the Chosen One, the statue had no other choice but to change tactics.
Proximity was an important issue. It influenced Lier to dig it up and get Ness to come and examine it himself. Ness felt the strange power for himself and it was there, when Ness touched the statue, that a seed was planted inside of him. But that will be addressed much later.
The people that are the most influenced by the statue's power are those with vices. Things like hedonism (Annoying Old Party Man) or gluttony (Bag Lady). Those who actively search for spiritual wisdom, but are unconcerned of its origin (New Age Retro Hippie) or, more usually, those with a thirst for power. (Crooked Cop) It's no stretch of the imagination as to why one Porky Minch (AKA Pokey Minch) would be the perfect candidate for this influence. Already established as a friend to Ness, it could be that the statue saw this as a wonderful point of leverage against Ness.
Enter Porky
Porky is not a likeable kid. Porky doesn't live in a happy home. His family are irresponsible people who are constant victims in their own lives and often abuse their power over their children. The marriage isn't a happy one. They have no friends to speak of, other than Ness' family. They resent Ness' family for living there. It's stated that Ness' dad borrowed a large sum of money from Mr. Minch, but considering what has gone before, it's likely an exaggeration of the facts.
Porky is fat. It's possible, nay, probable, that Porky is not his name. He is fat. And while it's not impossible that his vindictive parents gave him this name at birth, it seems far more likely that it's a nickname given to him later, as his porcine features became more apparent.
With his parents constantly explaining that they should be in better situations than the one they're in now, blaming everyone else but themselves (despite claiming to live in poverty, Mr. Minch was at an extravagant restaurant with Mrs. Minch during the meteorite crash). Porky is brought up with a sense of entitlement and that justice hasn't been served. This is the perfect candidate to be influenced by the statue. Instead of planting the feelings of entitlement and greed and thirst for power, the statue needs only to reap what is already there. To nourish the darkness already present in Porky's life.
Now that Ness has lost the ability to be completely influenced by the statue (thatnks to the power gained at Giant Step) it turns its attention to Porky, and more importantly, how to become mobile. It encourages Porky to steal the statue and deliver it to another soul who is hungering for power. A religious leader who is looking for a spiritual power to guide him to enlightenment. Porky delivers the statue to Carpainter, in the podunk town of Happy Happy Village.
Continued in Volume 2: Mani Mani Expands
THE NIGHTMARE ROCK
VOLUME 1
The Initial Effects
”The passing of time will shatter the nightmare rock and will reveal the path of light." ~Apple of Enlightenment
Deep under the back hills of Onett, an evil was growing in power day by day that would inevitably change the course of history. It would actually change the course of history twice. You see, this evil was a seed. A weapon designed to eliminate or pacify a threat long before it would realize that it was, in fact, a threat at all.
The first time it changed the course of history, it was allowed to take all the time it needed to corrupt the one who would be the threat. But, through the efforts of a time-traveling entity known only to our time as 'Buzz Buzz', this course of history was altered forever.
The second time it changed the course of history, it had to take alternative measures, but not until after it had planted the seeds of defeat inside its target.
Where did the Mani Mani statue come from? All of this is, of course, exposition and theory. It might be nothing but a nice story fabricated by me.
Far be it from me, Rabid Dog, to decide what was subtly written in the game and what was left out completely. It's entirely understandable to think that the original writer of the game didn't have anything so grandiose planned when he wrote much of the dialogue. Prophecies tended to be in games at the time and gave the player a sense of specialness. Ness wasn't just any kid from Eagleland, he was chosen specifically for this task. It means that you're not playing just anybody, you're playing the chosen one. Why we feel the need to make our heroes even more special than they already are is beyond me. There is no reason why Link from Legend of Zelda has to be specifically designated for his task every time. Considering the feats that he pulls off on his own, he is a hero in his own rights and not because the Goddesses chose him.
But I digress. In all probability, it seemed like a good story hook and the writer used it. It was cliche, but it worked. The actual theory, or what I would call, 'The Theory of Realistic' states that anytime something isn't explicitly stated in the game or implied via text or character action, it was, in fact, an oversight. Considering that likely no one ever thought that this game would be looked over with a fine-tooth comb to find more story where there probably isn't any, this is the most obvious and likely theory.
But that's not why we're here today.
The Mani Mani statue is an enigma. No one knows where it came from or what its purpose was. It does, however, have an undeniable impact not only on the overall plot of the game, but also on the characterization of Ness' psyche.
We'll start this exposition on the Mani Mani statue with the basic facts, detailing its travels in the game from start to finish.
Lier X. Agerate, self-employed treasure hunter and garlic enthusiast first discovered the statue in the hills of Onett, under his house. There are a few interesting points I'd like to make before we move on.
1. The statue is found on its own. There are no other cultural artifacts to explain its origin, as we might expect if this was once the site of a primitive people.
2. The statue is found within close proximity to Ness' house.
3. Mr. Agerate felt the need to show this statue to Ness. Far be it from us to conclude whether or not Ness and Mr. Agerate shared some sort of friendship before the events of the game. But it does seem odd that Mr. Agerate would feel the need to show a treasure he had discovered under his house to the kid of a neighbor, rather than, as would be supposed, any sort of press or reasonable adult. (ex. A museum curator)
The statue is stolen and is next seen in the hands of Carpainter who has used it for his cult, the Happy Happyists. There is evidence to suggest that he hadn't decided to kidnap local psychic child Paula until after he had come into possession of the statue. Once Carpainter is broken of his subjugation of the statue, it is stolen again.
The next time we see the statue it is in the indirect possession of Mr. Monotoli, the most important man in Fourside.
We find out that Mr. Monotoli used to just be a real estate agent. A small-timer, if you will. Everyone who he trampled to get to his throne of power makes mention of how quickly he seemed to gain power. Some even call it a deal with the devil.
The Mani Mani statue is then directly interacted with by Ness and Jeff. It's hiding in the warehouse behind Jackie's Cafe, a bar where Mr. Monotoli frequents. Coming near it, Ness and Jeff begin to hallucinate. Their minds are transported to Moonside, the bizzare and illogical representation of Fourside.
There they encounter a man who looks like Monotoli and the statue itself which turns on them with violent power. Once the statue is destroyed, the spell is broken. Almost all of the power that Monotoli had accrued vanishes immediately.
The last time Ness would encounter the Mani Mani statue, it was the representation of his evil-self.
Wherever the statue goes, it influences people to slow down and inhibit Ness in his journey. First by trying to get him side-tracked with promises of hidden wealth. Twice by kidnapping the person who Ness is implied to have feelings for. Once by trapping Ness in another world. And the last time as a last-ditch effort to trump Ness.
Influence in Onett
On the night when Ness starts his adventure, something in the meteorite crashing causes the Sharks to go crazier than usual. Buzz Buzz mentions that already Giygas is using the influence he has over the evil in the hearts of people and animals to control them.
What caused the local gang to start acting up? One view is that since a majority of the police force was up at the crash-site, they took the opportunity to raise a ruckus. Another is that the Mani Mani statue is a pawn. An influence transmitter, if you will.
Had Buzz Buzz never crashed in his meteor, the Mani Mani statue would never have left its spot. It would've stayed in close proximity to Ness, broadcasting its influence over him until it finally broke his innocent soul and enslaved him just like so many other people.
Buzz Buzz crashing upset this whole plan. By interfering with the timeline, Buzz Buzz was able to get Ness out of Onett, and therefore, out of reach of the statue's immediate influence. By accessing spots of power, the “My Sanctuary” locations, Ness increased his self-power and was able to actively crush the opposing influence that would've been growing over him. With its influence waning over the Chosen One, the statue had no other choice but to change tactics.
Proximity was an important issue. It influenced Lier to dig it up and get Ness to come and examine it himself. Ness felt the strange power for himself and it was there, when Ness touched the statue, that a seed was planted inside of him. But that will be addressed much later.
The people that are the most influenced by the statue's power are those with vices. Things like hedonism (Annoying Old Party Man) or gluttony (Bag Lady). Those who actively search for spiritual wisdom, but are unconcerned of its origin (New Age Retro Hippie) or, more usually, those with a thirst for power. (Crooked Cop) It's no stretch of the imagination as to why one Porky Minch (AKA Pokey Minch) would be the perfect candidate for this influence. Already established as a friend to Ness, it could be that the statue saw this as a wonderful point of leverage against Ness.
Enter Porky
Porky is not a likeable kid. Porky doesn't live in a happy home. His family are irresponsible people who are constant victims in their own lives and often abuse their power over their children. The marriage isn't a happy one. They have no friends to speak of, other than Ness' family. They resent Ness' family for living there. It's stated that Ness' dad borrowed a large sum of money from Mr. Minch, but considering what has gone before, it's likely an exaggeration of the facts.
Porky is fat. It's possible, nay, probable, that Porky is not his name. He is fat. And while it's not impossible that his vindictive parents gave him this name at birth, it seems far more likely that it's a nickname given to him later, as his porcine features became more apparent.
With his parents constantly explaining that they should be in better situations than the one they're in now, blaming everyone else but themselves (despite claiming to live in poverty, Mr. Minch was at an extravagant restaurant with Mrs. Minch during the meteorite crash). Porky is brought up with a sense of entitlement and that justice hasn't been served. This is the perfect candidate to be influenced by the statue. Instead of planting the feelings of entitlement and greed and thirst for power, the statue needs only to reap what is already there. To nourish the darkness already present in Porky's life.
Now that Ness has lost the ability to be completely influenced by the statue (thatnks to the power gained at Giant Step) it turns its attention to Porky, and more importantly, how to become mobile. It encourages Porky to steal the statue and deliver it to another soul who is hungering for power. A religious leader who is looking for a spiritual power to guide him to enlightenment. Porky delivers the statue to Carpainter, in the podunk town of Happy Happy Village.
Continued in Volume 2: Mani Mani Expands
