Examination of the world map indicates that there are no ports to dock this ship on the entire northern half of the map. I think someone tells you that explicitly in the NES version, but I didn't see them this time around. On the right side of this screen: Melmond (the red square), the Cavern of Earth, both ends of the giant's tunnel, and the Sage's Cave. To the right: Just about the only place left to dock. It's east of Elfland, so I've sailed all the way around the globe.
In the middle of this crescent-shaped lake is a town.
Yep.
The "Silver" sword that used to be sold in Elfland is here now. Mythril gear has higher accuracy (for weapons) or much higher evasion (for armor), so moving it up was an issue of game balance.
Behind the magic shops is a little path leading into the woods...
In the woods are twelve old dudes in a circle. Did we stumble into some druid ritual or something? Well, better start chattin' 'em up.
Secundus: For Great Crystals exist in this world. The light that once shone within them is now lost... The four Fiends of Chaos block the power of the Crystals, claiming it as their own.
Tertius: Fire, earth, water, and wind... These are the four forces that compose our world.
Quartus: The source of the four forces are the altars scattered throughout the world. Defeat the Fiends that have taken root there and lift up the crystal you carry to the altar. The crystal should regain its brilliance.
(To be fair, you
can come here before you defeat the Lich.)
Quintus: The four Fiends plot to rule the world both past and present. The Fiend of Wind appeared for hundred years ago, followed two hundred years later by the Fiend of Water. Together they laid waste to the civilization in the north.
Sextus: The Fiend of Earth rots the land...
Septimus: Where the Fiend of Fire passes, all is cast into flame...
Octavius: When all four Crystals shine once more, return here. All will be revealed...
Novus: Bring the light of the four Crystals to us! Warriors of Light, only you can do this!
Decimus: The volcano Mount Gulg rises to the west of this town. The Fiend of Fire long slept within its passages, but she has awoken two hundred years before her time. Vanquish her before the world is consumed in flame!
Eleven...tus: Well done, Warriors of Light.
Well done, Beef!
Eleventus: You have defeated the Fiend of Earth and restored the Crystal's light. Sadly, this has drawn the notice of the Fiend of Fire, who was not to have stirred for another two hundred years. Take this canoe, and go face the Fiend in Mount Gulg!
Good, I was ran out of theme names for you guys two sages ago.
I promise you that no amount of illumination of the background plot makes Lukahn any less cryptic.
The canoe lets the party travel up rivers the ship can't enter. Look at that adorable, tiny world map icon! There's a "little man in the canoe" joke to be made here, if I can just put my finger on it...
...
...
hey-o!