Dark Cloud/Walkthrough

Opening
The game starts with an introduction about the story being found in an old book. This really has nothing to do with the rest of the game though. You can change your name from the default, Toan, here.

The opening cutscene involves a military type, Flag, releasing a genie from a giant urn. The upshot is that once released, the genies uses his magic to destroy much of the world.

Meanwhile you, Toan, leave your house to attend the Harvest Festival of Norune, your village. The genie attacks just as you arrive and you lose consciousness.

You are awoken by the Fairy King. He tells you that while it appeared that Norune was destroyed, enough so that the genie was fooled, it was actually saved in spheres called Atla. He gives you something called an Atlamallia, which you can use to restore what was hidden in the Atla.

The Fairy king gives you some encouragement and a bit of advice, then you can start playing.

Game start
Start by going to the Mayor’s house which is the only building still standing. It's the barrel shaped thing on the ledge. A dialog start when you enter.

The Mayor is thankful you survived but distressed that you and he seem to be the only ones. He asks you to contact Dran, the guardian of the village, who is to be found in the Divine Beast Cave. The mayor gives you the Cave Key so you can enter, and a few basic supplies for your journey. After you visit the dungeon, but only up certain point in the game, he tops these off if you talk to him. Eventually he no longer does this and you’re on your own. Items replaced are Tasty Water, Bread, Repair Powder, Escape Powder, Antidote Drink.

Head for the cave and use the key to enter. The key disappears after use.