The Zeal Archives
The Nickscast
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Have you ever wondered how long King Guardia has reigned for? Or wanted to know more about Lucca's (and her family's) crazy inventions? The Zeal Archives explores the world of Chrono Trigger one bit at a time covering the characters, items, mechanics, locales and lore with a dose of your hosts', T and G, personal experiences with the game mixed in.
Each episode contains a healthy potion of the above and is bookended by short vignettes of two characters, T and G, who are trapped in the world of Chrono Trigger (specifically, the "End of Time") and their escapades discovering the world and trying to make their way back home! Put another way, the podcast is part storytelling, part discussion, and 100% love letter to an amazing classic JRPG.
Episodes release in 'books' (9-12 episodes) ... whenever they're ready. Each episode is somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes. Have a topic you'd like to see or an idea for the future of the series? Contact us on [Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenickscast) or [Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), both @thenickscast
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Dec 24, 2021
Curios and Trinkets: The Small Things [Book 3, Appendix A]
No Chrono Trigger? No, we’re back in the past, before the initial experiment! T has been putting in some late nights, but to what end? (a portal machine, we covered that) And do we know who has been stealing parts from the office? It’s all coming together, as is their lovely Final Fantasy 6 audio drama!
T and G discuss… well, honestly, a lot of our favourite moments big and (mostly) small from the game, including dredging up past unsolved mysteries (and alluding to future ones)! Also, they talk a little bit about what a more direct Chrono Trigger sequel might have looked like, and what it means for a game to be a spiritual successor of Chrono Trigger (if that means anything at all)!
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by Nick Terwoord. Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us. Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Ari in the role of Terra, and her fictional self
* Artimage in the role of Emperor Gestahl
* Dan Murray in the role of Kefka
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick H in the role of “the Boss”
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, soldier, narrator, and discussion host
* Nick Z in the role of his fictional self, and “Old Man” Musical Credits
* [00:06] Wake up, T! Notes from a Small Island by JJT from http://ocremix.org used under ocremix.org content policy
* [03:17] Friends: Cold Boot by 744 from http://ocremix.org used under ocremix.org content policy
* [28:39] What a horrible nightmare…
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Dec 14, 2021
Dalton: The Seat of Power [Book 3, Chapter 9]
After restoring most of the Chrono Trigger timeline, our intrepid heroes unfortunately stumble into the path of … Dalton? And Azala?? Thrown into a prison cell on the Blackbird with neither tools nor weapons, how will the party escape and stop whatever nefarious scheme is afoot? Will T and G ever get to go home? There’s only one way out of this sticky situation: a stealth mission.
In our world, T and G dig into the enigma that is the “seat” of power himself (in that he’s a big ass), Dalton!
* What is the deal with Dalton? How is it that a man with such distaste for authority have managed to rise so high in society, especially with such an eclectic fashion sense?
* Villains in Chrono Trigger! All are time-locked, and arguably there’s no main big bad (Lavos doesn’t count, really)
* Again, Chrono Trigger as a game of great moments and set pieces, and how it tried to do different things (like the Blackbird) to different effects
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by Nick Terwoord. Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us. Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Artimage in the role of Announcing Soldier
* Dan Murray in the role of King Dalton
* Manda Whitney in the role of Empress Azala
* Nick H in the role of Basher
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* Patrick "TrickyLove" Moylan in the role of Nizbel III
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear Musical Credits
* [00:00] Oww: Inception by The ARTISANS Beats used under Jamendo’s standard license
* [00:05] Lucky to be alive:
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Oct 31, 2021
Fire and Ice: A Surprising Duo [Book 3, Chapter 8]
Our heroes-to-be reach a pivotal moment in the world of Chrono Trigger as familiar face and friend Marle has a chance encounter with Nick G just before the Millennial Fair. But could that moment cause a ripple in space time that causes the Robo and Lucca we know to cease to be? There’s only one day of fairground fun to try to turn things around!
In our world, T and G dig into the key characters of this episode: the tomboy princess, Marle, and the genius inventor, Lucca! What do they talk about? Glad you asked!
* ...Marle and Lucca (no surprises here
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Sep 3, 2021
Elements of Magic: Mechanics and Minutiae [Book 3, Chapter 7]
The mystery of the rapidly expanding anomalies will have to wait because the party finds itself face-to-face with… the end of time? Well known to our Chrono Trigger companions, the presence of old friends is a bit unusual to say the least. Perhaps, like a certain egg, it presents a certain opportunity?
In our world, T and G try to talk about a key component of the world of Chrono Trigger: magic! Unfortunately, they get a bit distracted talking about…
* The origin and nature of magic in the world of Chrono Trigger? How on earth is everything made up of just four elements? And how did it start??
* A lot of mechanics of Chrono Trigger! Specifically, how techs work and how they play out in the game
* The end of magic?
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Aug 1, 2021
Geno Dome: A Desperate Future [Book 3, Chapter 6]
With their time travel device damaged and losing power, the party must try to find a way to keep it working long enough to fix the anomalies and get the Nicks home. But where in the world of Chrono Trigger would there be enough power for something like time travel? Perhaps a visit to a certain AI would do the trick?
In our world, T and G try to understand more about this understated section of the game, and maybe what could have been improved on. In particular...
* What is going on in this sidequest: How do you get to it, and what might you expect to find?
* Atropos and Mother Brain! Their origins, and the role they play in Robo’s story (and the story of the game)
* Missed potential: How could they have tied this sidequest better into the plot of the game, and into Robo’s character development in particular (and briefly why the developers might not have been able to do this)
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by Nick Terwoord. Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us. Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* D Morton in the role of Atropos
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* Sofa-Cushion in the role of Mother Brain
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear Musical Credits
* [00:00] Think think think think... Inception by The ARTISANS Beats used under Jamendo’s standard license
* [00:35] Mad with power: ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Elements of Time" by Andrew Thompson, Fernando Valencia, Kristy Mezines from
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Jul 7, 2021
Mystic Knights: Swordsman, Sorcerer, Sycophant [Book 3, Chapter 5]
This is it, the end of our intrepid crew… just kidding! Trapped in a cage of worlds new and old, our heroes must devise a cunning escape plan that will require everything that they know about the world of Chrono Trigger… probably! At the very least they might need to call in help from some unexpected friends…
In our world, T and G attempt to unveil the storied past of the trio of misfits Ozzie, Flea, and Slash… if they had one?! In particular:
* What we actually know about these characters (surprise! It’s… not a lot). More interestingly, how differences in localization can dramatically alter how the characters are perceived (with a bunch of examples)
* A tiny bit about localization in the 90s, and in particular, Nintendo’s localization policy
* A lot of speculation around what we don’t know about them, and why such ‘small’ characters (relative to how long they are in the game) have such a big impact. Also, why Flea is the best.
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by Nick Terwoord. Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us. Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Dan Charrington (aka The Video Ninja) in the role of Ozzie
* Manda Whitney in the role of Azala
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, “Magus” and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, “Slash”, Robo, and discussion host
* Patrick "TrickyLove" Moylan in the role of Nizbel III
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear and “Flea” Musical Credits
* [00:00] Context: Inception by The ARTISANS Beats used under Jamendo’s standard license
* [00:05] A delicate situation: ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Subterranean Opus" by zircon
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Jun 1, 2021
Mystic War: A Brief History [Book 3, Chapter 4]
You’d think in a world of time travel, monsters, and magic, there’d be cause for excitement, but the grind of going from anomaly to anomaly has taken its toll on Nick T… that is until the party’s next destination is Magus’ castle! What dangerous horrors await within, and is its powerful master home? Hopefully not…
In our world, T and G delve into the real-life Chrono Trigger trigger archives, [the Chrono Compendium](https://www.chronocompendium.com/), to try to understand more about the Mystics in the lore of Chrono Trigger. They discover…
* Who the Mystics are… probably? As it turns out, there are some interesting differences in the English translations and the original Japanese. Plus, there’s a lot that’s never explicitly spelled out in the game
* The history of the Mystics! We know they hate humans… why is that? Is that true? When do they show up, and why are there not more of them in the present (or any in the future)?
* Personal opinions! Not so much a discovery as revealing some of the development that would have been nice to see regarding the Mystics.
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by [Nick Terwoord](https://nt3rp.io). Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us.
## Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Dan Charrington (aka The Video Ninja) in the role of Ozzie
* Manda Whitney in the role of Azala
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* Patrick "TrickyLove" Moylan in the role of Nizbel III
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear
## Musical Credits
* [00:00] Opening: [Inception](https://www.jamendo.com/track/1208449/inception) by [The ARTISANS Beats](https://www.jamendo.com/artist/464776/the-artisans-beats) used under [Jamendo’s standard license](https://help-licensing.jamendo.com/hc/en-us/articles/211293289-What-can-I-do-with-a-Standard-License-)
* [02:16] 2spoopy4me: [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "The Dark Defender"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR03351) by [Pavos](https://ocremix.org/artist/9847/pavos) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [04:57] Getting out of a pickle: [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Subterranean Opus"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01450) by [zircon](https://ocremix.org/artist/4628/zircon) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [06:07] Subtle subterfuge: [Chrono Symphonic: Confronting the Mystic](https://ocremix.org/album/7/chrono-trigger-chrono-symphonic) by [sephfire](https://ocremix.org/artist/4587/sephfire) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [28:49] The battle commences: [Chrono Symphonic: Confronting the Mystic](https://ocremix.org/album/7/chrono-trigger-chrono-symphonic) by [sephfire](https://ocremix.org/artist/4587/sephfire) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [29:18] The battles… concludes? [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "The Dark Defender"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR03351) by [Pavos](https://ocremix.org/artist/9847/pavos) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [30:22] The reptite’s loss: [ReMix: Chrono Cross "Improvisation on a Moment Seized by
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May 1, 2021
The Green Dream: Ripples Through Time [Book 3, Chapter 3]
The party has tracked down the latest anomaly, but what happens when they are pinned down in a sandstorm in the middle of the middle ages? And can a small act of kindness bloom in the desert of a multi-millennial feud? T, G, Robo, and Lucca will have to depend on new allies to face off against old foes… or will they?
In our world, T and G revisit one of the most eclectic, inspiring, challenging, and surprising sections of the game: the Sunken Desert / Fiona’s sidequest. There’s certainly a lot to cover, but we ‘dig’ into…
* Its difficulty! After beating the game probably more than a hundred times collectively, why is it that this section is so much harder than any of the others?
* What they remember about this influential moment in the game… and if they managed to save HER
* The strangeness of this point in the game! Why is the iconic fireside chat optional, and why is it so easy to miss this sidequest entirely? Whose sidequest is it, anyway?!
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by [Nick Terwoord](https://nt3rp.io). Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us.
## Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Manda Whitney in the role of Azala and Fiona
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* Patrick "TrickyLove" Moylan in the role of Nizbel III
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear
## Musical Credits
* [00:00] It doesn’t make any sense! - [Inception](https://www.jamendo.com/track/1208449/inception) by [The ARTISANS Beats](https://www.jamendo.com/artist/464776/the-artisans-beats) used under [Jamendo’s standard license](https://help-licensing.jamendo.com/hc/en-us/articles/211293289-What-can-I-do-with-a-Standard-License-)
* [01:39] A long time ago... [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "The Dark Before the Dawn"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01314) by [Will Buck](https://ocremix.org/artist/4601/will-buck) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [02:56] We’re getting close! [Chrono Symphonic: Frog’s Intervention](https://ocremix.org/album/7/chrono-trigger-chrono-symphonic) by [ellywu2](https://ocremix.org/artist/4776/ellywu2) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [04:32] These dust storms have gotten a lot worse... [ReMix: Secret of Mana "Cry from the Forest"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00444) by [Kassi](https://ocremix.org/artist/4425/kassi), [Mustin](https://ocremix.org/artist/4304/mustin) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [05:40] The last time we visited Zeal... [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Tears of Contention"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01446) by [Bladiator](https://ocremix.org/artist/4640/bladiator), [The Orichalcon](https://ocremix.org/artist/4619/the-orichalcon) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [07:34] Wait, Fiona’s right, isn’t she? [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Sunrise"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02777) by [Ivan Hakštok](https://ocremix.org/artist/13045/ivan-hakstok) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [27:35] Look at all the foliage! [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Gale of Ages"](https:
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Apr 1, 2021
Secrets of Zeal: Behind Closed Doors [Book 3, Chapter 2]
Their dreams have finally come true--sort of--T and G are on their way to Zeal, kingdom of magic! Ready to shake off the dreck of the bleak future (and their experiences in the distant past), the party sets out to correct the latest time anomaly… until uninvited guests arrive, anyway. So much for a little rest and relaxation!
In our world, T and G have similar dreams coming true as we finally have the chance to talk about the coolest place in all of video game history (probably): Zeal… but only just a taste! This time, we take a look at just the secrets of Zeal, including:
* The things you might have missed: with only a short bit of time spent in Zeal, you may have missed many fabulous treasures and bits of lore (maybe even a side-quest) but we’ve got you covered!
* Secrets of… Chrono Trigger! Specifically, what elements were cut out of Zeal that could have been, and how the gameplay and narrative of this section of the game play out in the rest of the game!
* The ultimate question (which we will probably bring up again): What makes Zeal so great?! Magic? Floating cities? Maybe we’ll never know! We also talk a bit about how it’s at least a little bit problematic for a lot of reasons.
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by [Nick Terwoord](https://nt3rp.io). Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us.
## Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Manda Whitney in the role of Azala
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* Nick Z in the role of Gaspar, and Zeal Scientist B
* Patrick "TrickyLove" Moylan in the role of Zeal Scientist A
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear
## Musical Credits
* [00:00] We’re going to Zeal - [Inception](https://www.jamendo.com/track/1208449/inception) by [The ARTISANS Beats](https://www.jamendo.com/artist/464776/the-artisans-beats) used under [Jamendo’s standard license](https://help-licensing.jamendo.com/hc/en-us/articles/211293289-What-can-I-do-with-a-Standard-License-)
* [01:09] Kajar - City of Magic: [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Zeal Breeze"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR03641) by [RebeccaETripp](https://ocremix.org/artist/14375/rebeccaetripp) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [06:08] Secrets of Zeal - Behind Closed Doors - [Inception](https://www.jamendo.com/track/1208449/inception) by [The ARTISANS Beats](https://www.jamendo.com/artist/464776/the-artisans-beats) used under [Jamendo’s standard license](https://help-licensing.jamendo.com/hc/en-us/articles/211293289-What-can-I-do-with-a-Standard-License-)
* [33:31] What is going on? [ReMix: Chrono Cross "To Times Once Forgotten"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01386) by [Vampire Hunter Dan](https://ocremix.org/artist/4574/vampire-hunter-dan) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [35:18] I hesitate to say… Haunted? [ReMix: Xenogears "Xenosphere"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01319) by [Oceanfire](https://ocremix.org/artist/4507/oceanfire) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [36:35] Outro: [Inception](https://www.jamendo.com/track/1208449/inception) by [The ARTISANS Beats](https://www.jamendo.com/artist/464776/the-artisans-beats) used under [Jamendo’s standard license](https://help-licensing.jamendo.com/hc/en-us/articles/211293289-What-can-I-do-with-a-Standard-License-)
## Special Announcement: The Race Against Time
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Mar 1, 2021
Tyranno Lair: History Repeating [Book 3, Chapter 1]
It’s out of the frying pan and into the fire as our heroes, T, G, Lucca, and Robo frantically flee from an unexpected pack of… dinosaurs?! Fortunately, they’re able to make it back to the End of Time to regroup, but so many mysteries remain about what damage the experiment has caused for the world (the multiverse) of Chrono Trigger. It looks like it’s time for a new adventure to begin!
In our world, T and G revisit Chrono Trigger’s 65,000,00 BC period, specifically, Tyranno Lair, to get a better understanding of what makes this section of the game so great, but also a bit of a mixed bag:
* The impenetrable fortress that it is: How the game sets the stage for this epic locale, and how incredibly impractical it is
* The mini-boss rush of Nizbel II, Azala and Black Tyranno: Epic battles, or road bumps on the way to Zeal?
* The reptiles! What the heck are they, anyway?
Editing, scripting, and podcast visual design by [Nick Terwoord](https://nt3rp.io). Special thanks to Square Enix for making that game that we love, Chrono Trigger ...and for not suing us.
## Episode Cast
Alphabetically, by actor:
* Nick G in the role of his fictional self, and discussion host
* Nick T in the role of his fictional self, Robo, and discussion host
* SMZeldaRules in the role of Lucca Ashtear
## Musical Credits
* [00:00] Chase scene - [Chrono Symphonic: Frog’s Intervention](https://ocremix.org/album/7/chrono-trigger-chrono-symphonic) by [ellywu2](https://ocremix.org/artist/4776/ellywu2) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [01:36] Lucca Explains it all - [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Electric Clouds"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01092) by [posu yan](https://ocremix.org/artist/4290/posu-yan) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [03:53] A moment of expository tension - [Chonopolis: Operation Slash and Dash](https://ocremix.org/album/91/chronopolis-music-inspired-by-chrono-cross) by [prophetik music](https://ocremix.org/artist/4695/prophetik-music), [Tuberz McGee](https://ocremix.org/artist/13677/tuberz-mcgee) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [05:30, 33:25] Primal drums - [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shell Shocked: Rock You Like a Dinosaur [Prehistoric Turtlesaurus]](https://ocremix.org/album/55/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-shell-shocked) by Chernabogue (feat. [Furilas](https://ocremix.org/artist/14980/furilas), [Tuberz McGee](https://ocremix.org/artist/13677/tuberz-mcgee), [Viking Guitar](https://ocremix.org/artist/13432/viking-guitar)) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [36:32] Chill at the End of Time - [ReMix: Chrono Trigger "Driftwood"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR03412) by [Fratto](https://ocremix.org/artist/14336/fratto), [Wiesty](https://ocremix.org/artist/8640/wiesty), [The OC Jazz Collective](https://ocremix.org/artist/14337/the-oc-jazz-collective) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6)
* [38:07] “We’re going to Zeal!” - [ReMix: Chrono Cross "A Timely Victory"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR03884) by [Lemonectric](https://ocremix.org/artist/8998/lemonectric) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info
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Jul 23, 2020
Principles of Time: Complications of Temporal Locomotion [Book 2, Appendix A]
And that night, huddled around a campfire in an unknown future, four friends sat and told the tail (sorry, _tale_) of how the latest chapter of an epic fight for survival had finally come to a close. Though much was uncertain, for now, they cloud rest easy now that the universe was safe, and the problems of the world of Chrono Trigger could be left for another day.
...Or could they?
T and G discuss:
* Time Travel! It’s… complicated? Like, really complicated. We try to wrap our heads around how it is supposed to work in the world of Chrono Trigger (and even a bit of Chrono Cross), even though it hurts our heads a bit.
* Common tropes, techniques, and mechanics used in time travel in other media, in particular, movies! Turns out, lots of works use time travel… and sometimes it is used really effectively (and sometimes it’s just lazy, looking at you Back to the Future)
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Jul 9, 2020
Palace of the Sun: The Power of Radiance [Book 2, Chapter 9]
With world-ending calamity nearly at bay, a critical decision need be made, one that could alter the course of history. Lucca’s mastery of science means that the temporal distortion can be stopped, and save the world of Chrono Trigger, but G must decide whether it is more important to make his way home… or risk it all to save his friend.
T and G discuss:
* The surprisingly relevant (but entirely understated?!) origins of the sun stone; how you can find it in the story, what it means for the world of Chrono Trigger, and WHY NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT?! Seems like a big deal, really!
* The Sun Stone as a metaphor for… greed? Man’s reliance on oil? Would be really nice to talk with one of the developers about this. Could have been a bigger part of the story for sure!
* The weirdness of all of Chrono Trigger’s sidequests. They just threw tradition out the window with this one, eh?
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and…
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Jun 25, 2020
R66Y: Postmodern Prometheus [Book 2, Chapter 8]
With T faded away into the distortion, G is left with only his grief… and the explanation for the mysterious voices, Lucca! With their misdeeds spelled out before them, and the loss of friends Robo and T, can G soldier on to try to own up to the mistakes that have been made, save the world of Chrono Trigger, and find his way home?
T and G discuss:
* Robo’s role in the story of Chrono Trigger, the etymology of his name, and his ORIGIN STORY!
* The mechanics of Robo, and the game. Did you know that Robo can do any magic except water? Not bad for a ‘shadow’ user WITH NO MAGIC!
* Is Robo alive or is he merely a machine? A mere shell to be exploited (no, but...()
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the source at [zealarchives.com](https://zealarchives.com)
For news and other updates about the podcast, you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/zea…
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Jun 11, 2020
Death Peak: At the End of the World [Book 2, Chapter 7]
The world of Chrono Trigger is beginning to fall apart. Robo’s sacrifice brought our heroes one step closer to potential salvation, but hopes are dashed when the distortion begins to impact T as well. Will G and T be torn worlds apart, or... something worse? Is there any hope left in a ruined future? And what is that mysteriously ghostly voice?!
T and G discuss:
* What exactly Death Peak is: How you get there, why you might want to check it out, how FRUSTRATING it can be, and it’s role in the story of Chrono Trigger
* Their thoughts on the whole ‘Death Peak’ sidequest because… well, spoilers, but Crono dies and the canonical ending is that Crono is dead (you don’t have to save him). Oh, did you not know that? This episode has some spoilers!!!
* Well, with that out of the bag… is it worth saving Crono? Does saving him make the story more, or less interesting? The game developers intended that he be dead, that’s for sure.
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is…
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May 28, 2020
Dreamstone: Heirloom of Zeal [Book 2, Chapter 6]
Finally, our heroes arrive at the Keeper’s Dome, but the distortion has worsened, and the party suffers a few more than mechanical failures… But with the sealed gate open, perhaps answers lie within? Or perhaps the trauma of being trapped in a world before later on has finally gotten to them...
T and G discuss:
* The role that dreamstone plays in the world of Chrono Trigger: is it _the_ source of magic? A source? A part of Lavos? Is it… the Frozen Flame?!
* How Dreamstone fits into the storytelling and lore of the Chrono universe, and a bit about how maybe most of the lore got retconned by Chrono Cross!? (If so… be prepare for us to revisit when we get through Chrono Cross)
* A boss MADE of Dreamstone (or at least with it): the Mammon Machine! Why is it so-named, and how the heck do you beat it?
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the source at [zeala…
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May 14, 2020
Ioka and Laruba: The Tribes of 65 Million B.C. [Book 2, Chapter 5]
It’s a hop, skip, and a jump from the Proto Dome to the Keeper’s Dome… if you don’t mind the Sewers, that is. As they make their journey to hopefully discover Balthazar’s lab, the trio encounters a bit of dimensional interference, and the recurrence of a strange voice. Is all well in the world of Chrono Trigger, or is everything starting to unravel?
T and G discuss:
* The different tribes of 65 000 000 BC! At least two different mysterious groups of humans, and the dinomen… er, Reptites?
* Speaking of Tribes, do the Laruba end up becoming the enlightened ones?! Ruling the skies and the earthbound ones below? Is it some sort of self-fulfilling time loop!?
* Why dinosaur times? Was it really that good, in the context of the game? Was 65 000 000 BC all that it could have been?
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the source at [zealarchives.com](https…
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Apr 30, 2020
The Masamune: The Relic that Ended an Era [Book 2, Chapter 4]
To say that their stay at the end of time, or even 2300 AD, has been strange would be a bit of an understatement… After finding a safe way to traverse the wastes of the future, G and T’s tempers begin to flare. But before things can get too heated, an enemy appears! Will they be able to leverage their knowledge of the world of Chrono Trigger and defeat it? And what is with that strange noise?!
T and G discuss:
* The history of that most famous sword! No, the other sword… NO the one in Chrono Trigger! Including how it made its way from 12000 BC to 600 AD… probably!
* How to defeat that jolly boss, Masa and Mune, and Masamune! Including some sweet tricks for speedrunners and lore that is probably hinted at in game but we weren’t paying attention.
* What exactly is/are Masa and Mune? Are they trapped in the sword? Was Cyrus worthy of the blade? Seriously, for such an important part of the game, they certainly play fast and loose with its details (and its importance)!
##…
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Apr 16, 2020
Zombor: Dark Sorcery on Zenan Bridge [Book 2, Chapter 3]
R66-Y, that is his name… but could he be malfunctioning? If nothing else, their new robot pal is acting very suspicious! T and G have a moral dilemma as to whether they should trust Robo, or journey the wastes of the future alone. Really, what choice do they have if they hope to escape the world of Chrono Trigger?
T and G discuss:
* The 25+ year old conspiracy that has been brewing in this Super Nintendo gem: how on earth did the Mystics / Fiends manage to secure Zenan Bridge in the first place? Was it… an inside job?!
* The nature of Ozzie! Brilliant strategist, fiendish necromancer, or foolish spoiled vinegar… perhaps all of the above?
* Zombor: take one part corpses, another part corpses… actually, that’s just a lot of corpses. We talk about how to beat _it_ so _it_ doesn’t beat _you_!
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the source at [zealarch…
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Apr 2, 2020
The Gurus of Antiquity: Life and Death [Book 2, Chapter 2]
Could it be… Robo? T desperately scrambles to repair what may be their future hope as G delves into the Zeal Archives to leverage future knowledge of… well, the future! Could Belthasar still reside in the ruins, and the Epoch as well? Could the spatial anomaly be a way out of the world of Chrono Trigger?
T and G discuss:
* Melchior as a metaphor for world building! How NPCs can help to flesh out the world and add details to the story, even foreshadow, even when they don’t seem important.
* The creations of Melchior! He sure made a lot of stuff, whether it be the Swallow, Prism gear, or… the Mammon Machine?!
* Guru… of Life? For a merchant of death, he sure has a pretty cushy title! What’s the origin of his name, anyway?
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the source at [zealarchives.com](https://zealarchives.com)
For news and other updates about…
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Mar 19, 2020
Heckran Cave: Where the Beast Sleeps [Book 2, Chapter 1]
Their fate is revealed: Gravely disappointed, T and G have _not_ made it home, but instead have opened a portal to the year 2300 AD. Will the Zeal Archives be enough, at this point, to get them closer to their final destination? Will they _ever_ escape the world of Chrono Trigger? And could this machination whirring to life in the dark spell fortune… or doom?!
T and G discuss:
* Heckran Cave! What is the point of it, and what should you know if you find yourself wandering through it? Perhaps there is some deeper lore involving Magus or even… Lavos?!
* The big cheese of the cave, Heckran! How do you beat him, and why was he tasked with defending such an mundane location?
* Storytelling in games. Namely, breadcrumbing the story as compared to railroading the players (hint: Chrono Trigger does a little bit of both)!
## Where to find us
The Zeal Archives is a [Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) production and can be found wherever fine podcasts are listened to, or at the so…
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Dec 29, 2019
A Premonition: In The Beginning... [Book 1, Appendix A]
The fabric of time has been disrupted, and the fate of T and G is uncertain. Gaspar consults the many records of the Zeal Archives to determine how the journey began, both for our characters, and for the world of Chrono Trigger!
T and G discuss:
* The development of Chrono Trigger from it’s convoluted origins as a Final Fantasy game back in 1992 with the “dream team” Hironobu Sakaguchi (producer / creator of _Final Fantasy_), Akira Toriyama (character designer for _Dragon Quest_, creator of _Dragonball_), Yuji Horii (game designer and creator of _Dragon Quest_), as well as key team members Masato Kato (scenario writer and story planner, later for _Final Fantasy VII_), Yasunori Mitsuda (composer), and Nobuo Uematsu (composer, _Final Fantasy_ series)
* What the video game (and JRPG) scene was like in the mid-to-late 1990s, including what the ‘competition’ was, our first experiences with Chrono Trigger, and a bit about advertising of the game and consoles of the era
* Th…
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Jun 8, 2019
Spekkio: Master of War, Mirror of the Self [Book 1, Chapter 9]
With a plan in motion, all that’s left are a few final preparations before the gate machine is activated and the journey will have reached its end. Before their hopeful return to their universe, T tries one last time to consult with a master of war (and magic), Spekkio.
T and G discuss:
* Crono, Marle, Lucca, and Robo’s first arrival at the end of time (after violating the Conservation of Time theorem), time’s point of least resistance, and meeting that Master of War, Spekkio!
* Trivia about Spekkio in the world of Chrono Trigger: Did you know you can encounter Spekkio as a Frog? We’ve played the games more than a dozen times and have only achieved this once!
* Rampant speculation as to what exactly Spekkio is (and the mysterious Q-continuum-esque circumstances as to how it may have acquired the title, “Master of War”
...And that’s it for this book! If you have ideas for future books, or just want to send questions, comments, or kudos, reach out to us on [Twitter…
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Jun 8, 2019
The R-Series: Human Extermination Squad [Book 1, Chapter 8]
After a near fatal encounter activating the gate mechanism (and almost summoning Lavos, potentially), the T and G are out of ideas, Trapped in another world with no way out, the Nicks have a heart to heart and look towards the future: literally. Perhaps the R-Series of robots is a good place to start?
T and G discuss:
* What the factory is like when you encounter the R-Series, and what we know of them as a set of robots.
* How to defeat six bosses with only two party members? Yikes. Chrono Trigger, this doesn’t seem fair.
* What it was like to see one of your party members be taken away, and thrown out like literal garbage (RIP Robo; the best katakana speaking robot friend).
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzheimer.ca/)! This year’s…
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Jun 8, 2019
Johnny: The Man, The Machine [Book 1, Chapter 7]
Another experiment put on hold, T’s frustration begins to show. With no foundation in any science, theoretical or otherwise, and no other options on the table, G suggests leveraging the temporal instability and the gate’s whipping in space-time to their advantage. With no other options, the two get to work, inspired by Chrono Trigger’s fast-movin’ fast talkin’ big bro, Johnny.
T and G discuss:
* When you encounter Johnny in the world of Chrono Trigger, and little bit about how things have changed in the year 2300 AD.
* How you can beat Johnny in his race, why he’s a jerk (we already raced for all of Site 32, JUST LET US PASS), and why you might _consider_ coming back to race him again.
* Just… trying to understand why in a world of robots bent on killing all humans, Johnny exists at all, or rather, what his true purpose may have been.
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](…
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Jun 8, 2019
Dragon Tank: Care & (Dis)assembly [Book 1, Chapter 6]
As the Nicks ascertain their mortality (alive), good luck finally goes their way after managing to stabilize a gate, albeit a small one. Of its own accord, their slapdash machine summons… the instruction manual for the Dragon Tank?
T and G discuss:
* What is going on in the world of Chrono Trigger when you face off against the Dragon tank?
* How to beat the Dragon tank (and other mechanics of it). Protip: Start with the head.
* Rampant speculation about the construction of the Dragon Tank, in particular, who might have built it (could all the inventors in Guardia please raise their hands? No, not you Ashtears *wink*)
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzheimer.ca/)! This year’s event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight…
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Jun 8, 2019
The Gate Key: A Preamble on Time-Space Gates [Book 1, Chapter 5]
With no other leads, G rests on the hard floor at the end of time and has a familiar dream of the beginning of a different journey. That dream is cut short with an announcement: amidst Gaspar’s books lies a volume about the Gate Key, the Gates, and possibly a clue to get the two of them home!
T and G discuss:
* What exactly are the gates, and how do they work? Did you know that they are ‘locked’ to the same point in space at different times? We didn’t!
* Rampant speculation as to why the gates exist. They seem to dissipate after Lavos is defeated, and also appear at mysterious times, under mysterious circumstances
* Their own experiences TRAVELING THROUGH TIME FOR THE FIRST TIME HOLY CRAP THIS IS AMAZING
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](…
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Jun 8, 2019
Yakra: 13 Generations of Vengeance [Book 1, Chapter 4]
The discovery of a Guardian hairpin leads to new possibilities with the mostly inert (and seemingly multiplying) time gates. After some experiments, the trail goes cold again and the Nicks trace back to where the pin was found in the first place: a record of the villian from the middle ages, Yakra!
T and G discuss:
* The nature of Yakra. Is he (she? they? it?) a fiend? A shapeshifter like Flea and Spekkio? Or something more sinister… like some spawn of Lavos?!
* Tips to beat Yakra quickly (or at least to avoid taking damage). Did you know Yakra counterattacks if you are far away? Now you know!
* Their own experiences beating Yakra for the first time, and exploring the Manolia Cathedral in the world of Chrono Trigger
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Can…
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Jun 7, 2019
The Lineage of Guardia: A Family Spanning the Ages [Book 1, Chapter 3]
With renewed energy and a plan to open a gate home, the two are on a hunt for knowledge as they pore through volume after volume in search of any hint as to how. Gaspar’s organizational system is less than chronological, and the two end up learning of his plans for world domination… and of the lasting legacy of another royal family, the Guardias.
T and G discuss:
* The long (and storied) lineage of the Guardias, from 65 000 000 B.C. to 2300 A.D., including a brief tangent about the lore of Chrono Cross.
* The implications of time travel on familiar lineage, in particular, a discussion about how time travel works in the world of Chrono Trigger (but not in depth because holy crap that’s a whole episode on its own).
* A comparison of the reign of the Guardia family to reigning governments, empires, and uninterrupted states in the world of… Earth (congratulations Ethiopia on almost 3000 years of uninterrupted statehood)!
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Ag…
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Jun 7, 2019
The Ashtear Line: Guardia’s Treasured Inventors [Book 1, Chapter 2]
After being transported to Chrono Trigger’s “end of time”, the Nicks have a new challenge to overcome: the self-destruction of their experimental device! Perhaps Gaspar’s repository has some clues to aid them? Or perhaps someone in that family of geniuses, the Ashtears!
T and G discuss:
* The short (and questionable) lineage of the Ashtear family, including what is known of Banta (ancestor), Taban (father), Lara (mother) and, of course, a bit about Lucca (daughter / genius / protagonist with science on the brain)!
* The inventions and developments of the Ashtears, from the relatively mundane (Leene’s bell) to the anachronostically extraordinary (The Telepod / time travel?)
* Rampant speculation about the relationship between the Ashtears and the Guardia family, along with a certain lack of other inventors around the globe?!
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenick…
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Jun 7, 2019
The Millenial Fair: The Journey Begins [Book 1, Chapter 1]
A mysterious experiment goes awry landing T and G in a bizarre repository of knowledge in an otherwise desolate void. The two find the space familiar, despite a strange geometry to it, and with a certain nostalgic allure. Fortunately, a particular tome is on hand to help describe how it all began… at the Millenial Fair!
T and G discuss:
* The fun and games that can be found at the fair, and why the fair is relevant in Guardia’s history.
* Tips to save time while visiting the Millenial Fair for the first time playing Chrono Trigger
* Rampant speculation about the true nature of the fair, including conspiracy theories about Norstein Beckler, the Green Ambler, and time travellers from pre-historia!
## What is “the Race Against Time”?
The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzhei…
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