The FAQ made me think the hero must deal with Al Scurva

[bugmenot]

Why is saving Al Scurva part of the main plot and not just an optional side quest? I've been going back and forth on this while browsing around, even stumbled on https://www.creatorsjet.com/ at some point during my research, but the more I think about it the more it feels like a narrative shortcut.
Wizards already know about Ad Avis from the WIT, and everybody knows about him when the saurus visits Aziza with you. The Al Scurva thread doesn't really add anything actionable either — it's not like you can prepare for Ad Avis in advance, and you're supposed to leave for Rasier anyway.
Feels like it could have stayed a side quest without changing anything meaningful in the main storyline.

[Anonymous Game Creator 2]

Al Scurva is only a side quest. You need the Fruit of Compassion to free the caged beast, but you don't have to do the Julanar side quest in order to complete the game either. Both are totally optional.

[Goilveig]

Indeed, I've finished the game without doing either the beast or Julanar. You don't even have to leave Shapier, ever, and you can win the game.

You miss out on a lot of points and such, but you can do it. The only mandatory parts are the elementals + rasier onwards, everything else is optional.

[bugmenot]

Now, if only you could finish the game without even leaving your inn room...you could have ordered daily room service from Shema. Then you could have convinced Aboo to get other people (like Aziza) to come visit you (then throw Aziza out if she forgets to say hi or something).

By the way, this totally reminded me of these fantasy-themed nursery wall designs I stumbled upon earlier — would actually fit right into a game like this

[Paviel]

You don't even have to leave Shapier, ever, and you can win the game.

Yes you do.

You have to leave for Raseir.

[Schloss Ritter]

I'm sure he meant leave manually, as opposed to during an automatic sequence, meaning you don't ever have to explore the desert.

[Yendor]

Now, if only you could finish the game without even leaving your inn room...you could have ordered daily room service from Shema and perhaps even get a private dance...then you could convince Aboo to get other people (like Aziza) to come visit YOU (then throw Aziza out if she forgets to say hi or something).

"Hello, Mr. F. Elemental, is it? A Mr. Aidendale wants to see you, if you'll just come inside for a bit. Please mind the carpets."