Dahnans

Lore & Background

For generations, the Dahnans have lived under the shadow of the Renan Empire, a society that views them as little more than livestock or raw materials. The Renans enforce this hierarchy through strict laws and military might, ensuring that no Dahnan can ever threaten their dominance. This systemic oppression is not merely physical but psychological; the Dahnans are taught to believe they are inferior, a lie designed to keep them compliant and prevent any thought of rebellion. However, beneath the surface of this enforced silence lies a rich tapestry of culture and spirit that refuses to be extinguished. The Dahnans share a unique connection to their land and each other, often finding ways to preserve their traditions in secret. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their suffering has forged an unbreakable bond among them. This shared trauma transforms into a collective power, driving a new generation of heroes to question the status quo and fight for a future where both worlds can coexist as equals.

In Their Own Story

The sun set over the dusty plains of Dahna, casting long shadows across the makeshift homes of the village. Alphen sat on a wooden crate, watching the distant silhouette of a Ziegian patrol ship hover silently in the sky, its blue lights scanning the ground below. Around him, the low murmur of voices spoke of ration shortages and the latest curfew extension. There was no fear in their eyes tonight, only a quiet, burning resolve. He looked at his hands, once empty and weak, now capable of striking down giants. The wind carried the scent of rain, promising relief to the parched earth, just as hope began to bloom in the hearts of those who had forgotten how to dream.

Reader's Guide

Historical records within the game's universe reveal that the Ziegian occupation of Dahna is not a recent development but a centuries-old institution. In-game texts and dialogue suggest that the Zieg arrived on Dahna long ago, establishing a system where they harvest resources from the land and its people without regard for consequence. The legal framework imposed by the Zieg explicitly categorizes Dahna as non-citizens, stripping them of basic rights such as self-defense or freedom of movement. This is documented through various in-game documents found in occupied zones, which detail the severe penalties for any attempt at resistance or unauthorized travel between regions. Despite these oppressive measures, oral histories passed down among the Dahna speak of a time before the chains, hinting at a forgotten era where their world stood independent. These stories serve as a beacon for the current generation, inspiring them to uncover the truth about their past and challenge the false narrative of Ziegian superiority.

Did You Know?

• The Dahnans are forbidden from owning weapons, making any act of self-defense a capital crime under Renan law.
• Many Dahnan characters possess unique abilities tied to their spirit arts, which they must often hide from authorities.
• The cultural divide between the two worlds is so deep that many Renans do not even consider the Dahnans to be fully sentient.
• Resistance among the Dahnans has existed in secret for generations before the main events of the story take place.

Development Origins and Technical Evolution

Tales of Arise represents a pivotal revitalization effort for the long-running action role-playing franchise, developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment with a mixed team of series veterans and fresh talent. To achieve this goal, the studio adopted Unreal Engine 4, marking a significant technical shift from previous entries. Minoru Iwamoto, known for his work on Tales of Zestiria and Berseria, returned to serve as both character designer and art director, ensuring visual continuity while pushing artistic boundaries. Originally slated for a 2020 launch across multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the title faced a delay until September 2021. This postponement was driven by internal quality assurance needs and the strategic ambition to enable a worldwide simultaneous release, a first in the series' history. The decision paid off critically; upon its debut, the game garnered widespread acclaim from reviewers and secured the Best RPG award at The Game Awards 2021. Commercial success followed swiftly, with sales surpassing three million copies by early 2024, proving that the development team's focus on quality over speed successfully reinvigorated interest in the franchise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat Philosophy

While retaining the signature Linear Motion Battle System inherent to the Tales series, Tales of Arise introduces substantial alterations designed to modernize its combat experience. The gameplay places a heavy emphasis on evasion and counter-attacks, drawing direct inspiration from the highly praised mechanics found in the 2009 entry, Tales of Graces. A notable departure from tradition is the removal of local co-op control sharing; instead, developers chose to deepen individual character interactions within battles. This shift facilitates new cooperative dynamics, most notably through the introduction of the 'Boost Strike' feature. This mechanic allows multiple party members to synchronize their efforts and unleash devastating destructive attacks under specific conditions, rewarding players for mastering timing and team synergy rather than simply splitting control duties. These changes reflect a broader development goal to refine the action elements while maintaining the core identity that fans cherish, creating a combat system that feels both familiar and dynamically fresh compared to its predecessors.

World-Building and Societal Conflict

The narrative unfolds across two distinct worlds: the technologically advanced realm of Rena, situated on an artificial moon named Lenegis, and the medieval world of Dahna below. Three centuries prior to the game's events, Renan forces invaded Dahna, enslaving its population and fracturing the land into five isolated realms: the fiery Calaglia, the frozen Cyslodia, the plains of Elde Menancia, the mountainous Mahag Saar, and the rainforests of Ganath Haros. Each region is governed by a Lord who participates in the periodic 'Crown Contest' to determine the next Renan Sovereign. Resistance against this occupation is fragmented into four independent movements spread across the planet, though the realm of Ganath Haros remains devoid of rebellion due to its Lord's total subjugation of all races. This geopolitical structure sets the stage for a story centered on liberation, as the protagonists navigate these divided territories to challenge the oppressive hierarchy and unite the fractured Dahnan people against their celestial overlords.

Protagonist Origins and Narrative Arc

The central plot follows Alphen, an amnesiac masked slave known initially as 'Iron Mask,' who awakens in the realm of Calaglia. His journey begins when he aids Shionne, a Renan girl imprisoned for stealing a Master Core, leading to his discovery of a blazing sword that breaks his mask and restores his name. As they ally with resistance leaders like Zephyr and Rinwell, Alphen learns that three hundred years ago, he was a test subject in failed Renan experiments involving the 'Spirit Channeling Ceremony.' This traumatic event, which involved Shionne's ancestor Naori Imeris and resulted in mass casualties, forced his memories to be sealed before he was sent into cold sleep on Dahna. Throughout their quest to liberate the five realms and gather Master Cores to cure Shionne's curse, Alphen confronts the tragic history of the invasion. The story culminates after defeating the final Lord, Vholran Igniseri, where a mysterious being appears with a sixth core to form the ultimate Renas Alma, leaving the party to help rebuild Ganath Haros while grappling with the lingering consequences of their shared past.