Tai Ming

Tai Ming is an ancient village located deep within Mt. Bloom. It is first discovered during the quest A Matter of Time and is considered the th area.

The city was the home of Zhamla Meer, the collector who caused the Cataclysm. Because of this, Tai Ming was hit the hardest in this disaster and most if not all of its inhabitants died during this time. Flashbacks to the time before the cataclysm, during Zhamla's youth, are present in this area. Aside from that, there are time rifts which cause the player to travel back to this time and interact with the people who once lived there. These time rifts are also used to progress past obstacles that are now inaccessible by the passage of so much time. Changing things in the past through these time rifts also has some consequences for the present.

Tai Ming was the second largest city in its prime, just after Aitem (now known as Evergrind City). It also had an organization of collectors, where supposedly Zhamla was trained as collector as well. Tannie can also be encountered in old Tai Ming, working on a phase-shift project.

After clearing through the first part of the city, the time rifts become more unstable and start disappearing. Previous areas are now completely inaccessible, although Archie has made sure the path through the areas are still passable. Archie also collects items that are now impossible to get and sells them to you for moderate prices.

Sub-areas

Tai Ming: Inner City

This part of Tai Ming is only accessible to citizens, for which the application process takes ages. However, fortunately the player has access to the time rifts, allowing them to skip past the barrier and enter the city without being an official citizen. In this part of the city, the collector's HQ is located, as well as Mana's home, the graveyard, and Zhamla and Tessen's home. There is a large dam holding back the water, guarded by Bran Di, which the player can activate and deactivate to access chests. Tai Ming's Puzzle World entrance is also located in this area, past the graveyard.

Tai Ming: Sacred Shrine

The Sacred Shrine in Tai Ming is the most sacred place in Tai Ming, where the priests of Grindea reside. Many artifacts are stored here, and it is often used to channel powerful spells. This is also the place where Zhamla Meer was sealed away by the priests, and where the Mimic keeps the Angel's Thirst. Shiidu is also on display here, behind glass.