Beyond the Beyond: Update 49: Like Thieves in the Night (return to Marion)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 49: Like Thieves in the Night (return to Marion)

When last we saw the team they were in the inn at the crossroads between Marion and Zalagoon. It was a lonely place with an innkeep and a priest seemingly content to live far from civilization.

Leaving the border inn behind the team stares at the cave that they know leads to Marion.

So what's our plan for the gate?
What kind of gate are we talking about?
A heavy iron portcullis.
If it comes down to it I might be able to break bars off.

The group approaches the gate only to find things are not what they expected.

The gate is broken. I hope Percy is all right.
I thought this gate was supposed to be closed!
It was when we left.
Somebody really did a number on this. There are pieces of broken metal on the ground here.
Somebody must have really wanted to follow in your footsteps, Finn.
Brother Thomas said he hadn't seen anyone else in the area. Odd.
I suppose we should be thankful Bandore soldiers weren't waiting to ambush us.
Maybe they got bored and wandered off.
I guess that makes some sense. We have been gone for a long time.
Yeah but that doesn't explain why they didn't at least try to close off this passage.
Well, Finn, we should go.

The lever that Percy broke is still broken.

What are all these scratch marks?
Someone must have forced a bar or something in there in order to operate the mechanism.
Couldn't they just replace the lever then?
Finn stop making sense. Clearly whoever did this wasn't interested in that.
Oh well.

The old shrine and grove are deathly quiet as the team walks through.

I wonder if this place is always this deserted.
I'm getting the impression that any place that is really old and even vaguely religious has been abandoned.

Fortunately someone left the door open - as in the sliding section of wall is missing entirely.

Prraarn. Hello there human. What's going on?
Oh my a talking dragon!
See, Tont, I told you I get that reaction from people.
Huh. Well whaddaya know.
And what in the world are you?
The dragon's partner in crime.
Seriously though what the hell happened around here? Doesn't a priest live here?
The pastor of this church was arrested for aiding Prince Edward and his friends.
*awkward laugh* So what are you doing here?
I'm keeping watch for looters.
What can you tell us about Bandore?
Bandore? Soldiers are crawling all over the place trying to find out where the rebels are hiding. Say where are you folks from anyway?
We're returning from a trip.
I see... Well be careful out there.

The team heads outside.

Finn, wait!
What's wrong?
I don't want to go to the bridge right away.
But you said we need to hurry to take advantage of the situation.
We do but we also need to know what that situation is.
Sis why do I have this sudden feeling like we're about to be sent out on a spying mission?
Probably because we are.
Don't take any foolish risks. Just get an idea of where Bandore has stationed its troops and get back here in one piece.
No problem.
What about me? What's my mission?
Well you can sit around here and wait or you can come with us and risk being captured.
As if I would stay here.

Here's our map of Marion in case you've forgotten how things are laid out. It's been awhile since we've been here.

After an uneventful hike the kids enter Isla Village to see things have changed and not for the better.

Hey! Have you seen Sir Galahad?
What kind of question is that to just ask someone you've never met out of the blue?
He is the leader of the Marion resistance and is interfering with Bandore.
I don't know this Galahad guy. Sorry.
Damn!

The kids walk away putting a reasonable distance between themselves and the soldier.

I take it he's not from around here?
No.
Neither is that guy.

Oh hi kids. What are you doing here?
*shrugs*
I'm new to Marion and they're showing me all the sights!
Oh. My parents used to live here but after they were arrested I moved back to take care of things.
Why were they arrested?
Suspicion of aiding rebels. I don't know if I'll ever see them again. Anyone who was involved with Marion is being tortured.
Tortured!
Finn keep your voice down.
Yeah. I feel for Sonya. Her daughter is missing, her husband is hiding, and her son...
What about her son?
It's just so awful. I'm sorry I even brought it up. Please forget I said anything.

The kids walk away but only moments later see another Bandore soldier wandering around.

Things sound really bad don't they?
Yeah. I mean, I knew... I just sort of held out hope that out here things would be more normal, ya know?
I hear ya.
Kurruru. We'll fix things, Annie.
Annie? Wait, what are you kids doing back here?
Hey there Mr. Nelson. I'm a little surprised you're still here.
I couldn't very well abandon the village. Oh, I see Finn is with you. Hmm...
What?
I was just amazed at how much you two have grown over the few months you've been gone. I guess you're at that age.
What happened while we were gone?
Lord Kevins and survivors from the Knights of Marion came to get Sir Galahad. I don't think Sir Galahad was too happy to be called back into service but he left with them. Then a couple weeks later Bandore soldiers raided the village. They were pretty angry to have missed Sir Galahad. They took anyone who tried to resist prisoner.
And soldiers have been here ever since.
Yeah. They're hoping for a lucky break. It won't be long before Sir Galahad is caught. You guys better hide. [sic]
I'm not really the hiding type but I'll keep it in mind.

Exiting the house it takes only moments to get the attention of the Bandore soldier just to the south.

You kids are strangers here. If you know what's good for you you'll behave.
Don't worry. I'm always on my best behavior.
Good. It's useless to resist Bandore!

Hurrying into the next house in the village the team doesn't see the occupant for a few moments. See if you can spot the NPC in the screenshot above!

Finn, you're back. Oh! Did you get help from the Zalagoon soldiers? [sic]
We're working on it.
No? ... You'd better escape, then.
I didn't say no. I said we're working on it.
At the moment that's pretty much the same thing, Finn.

Back outside the kids run into a third soldier.

You kids new here?
Yup! Is it normal to have so many soldiers in such a tiny village?
No. As soon as we capture Galahad we'll be able to leave.
Why are you after this Galahad guy?
Galahad is leading a rebellion against Bandore and Galahad's son, Percy, was captured for helping the prince escape.
I take it that was a bad thing.
Yeah. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the son of Marion's famed Sir Galahad would try to play hero. He's a strong boy. No matter how much we torture him, he won't say a thing.
Huh. I wonder what the torture consists of.
I've heard that Galahad has a daughter but she disappeared without a trace long before we got here. I bet Galahad's got her stashed with a friend of his for safekeeping. No one seems to care about finding her though.

Without warning another Bandore soldier approaches.

(2) I'm sure Galahad will return here for his family. He's just waiting for the right opportunity.
(1) His family? Well his wife's here but that's it. His daughter is MIA.
Probably just as well. If she's anything like her father and brother she's probably just as fierce. No need to give her a reason to cause trouble, right?
(2) Oh please. She's just a kid. How tough could she be?
(1) Uh... yeah. Hey kid tell me if you see anyone suspicious will ya?
No problem!

Walking away the kids approach the house that Finn and Annie grew up in. To no one's surprise it is guarded by Bandore soldiers.

You know, Tont, I'm actually pretty glad you're here.
You are?
Yeah. You can ask the questions I'm too upset to speak without trying to attack someone.
Well I'm glad I can be of help to you.

The guards in front of the house eye the kids suspiciously as they walk up to them.

(W) Hey! Who are you guys?! Do you need something from this house?!
I was just wondering why you're standing here. There's nothing wrong with that.
(E) This is the outlaw Galahad's house. No one is allowed to enter! You just heard me, leave! Leave!

Suddenly the door opens and Sonya walks out without a word. She walks under Steiner apparently not even noticing the little dragon.

Sonya goes over to the barrel and lingers for a bit before heading back.

When Sonya gets close Annie is overcome with emotion.

Ah... Mom...

Sonya looks at Annie in surprise but as quick as lightning looks away.

...

Without another word Sonya shakes her head at Annie and walks away.

She stops at the door to her house, turns to face the guard at her left, then goes inside shutting the door behind her.

Annie continues to be distraught. The soldiers are oblivious to the kids.

...m...mom...
I'm sure she has a good reason.

Annie turns away from Finn.

A good reason? To just let these soldiers walk all over her?

Finn runs around to address his foster sister to her face (with Steiner still on auto-follow behind him because whoever scripted this scene couldn't be bothered to account for him).

Hey now what's come over you all of a sudden? I'm on your side, remember?
It's just, everything's so messed up.
Your mom loves you. You know that. She just can't say anything without getting into trouble.
*takes a deep breath*
Just a little longer, ok?
I know.

If the kids try to approach the door the guard on their left stops them.

Who are you? No one is allowed to enter this house!

Not wanting a scene they quietly back off.

The barrel that Sonya walked over to, meanwhile, is empty. It's always empty no matter when Finn searches it. Sonya's interest in it is a mystery.

Let's get the hell out of here before I start murdering soldiers.
I hear ya, sis. You two ready?
Always!
What? Stay here and miss all the mayhem you're going to cause in town? Puh-lease!
I'm glad to know you have such confidence in me, Steiner.
It's a gift.

Leaving Isla Village behind the kids slip into Marion Town like thieves in the night: silent and thoroughly confused. Unfortunately there's only one way into town so any notion of stealth is immediately tossed out the window. Oh well!

(either) This is the town of Marion, a territory of the Bandore Empire! State your business!
We're just a group of kids out, uh, traveling.
(E) You're... a kid? What kind of kid?
Oh you know, the kid kind.
(E) That doesn't even make any sense.
We're not breaking curfew or anything are we?
(W) The emperor ordered us not to harm those who do not resist. You look peaceful enough.
Awesome.

The more things change in Marion the more they stay the same. Case in point: the signs around town.

They're still hoping to catch Edward by offering money?
Krarr. It hasn't succeeded but it hasn't totally failed either.
I kind of figured they'd be offering a reward for Galahad by now.
Maybe they are and they're just too lazy to change the signs.
Somehow that wouldn't surprise me.

Heading east the kids enter the church and find a woman.

Hi kids. Are you here to pray too?
Not right now.
What are you praying for?
I heard Lord Kevins was captured by the Bandore army. I'm praying that he is safe!
He was captured? When?
A few weeks ago Bandore sent a lot of troops into the northern forest. I'm not sure what happened but there was a big fire and a lot of people died.
And everyone who survived was brought back as a prisoner.
That's what I've heard anyway.

Leaving the church the kids continue to walk through the town. It doesn't take long to spot a soldier just outside the cemetary.

I haven't seen you kids around here before. Where are you from?
From a village up in the mountains.
Are, are you some kind of monster?
Nah. He's my bodyguard in training.
What?
We heard there was a big battle recently. What happened?
Marion rebels are noisy these days. Don't worry though. The emperor sent his finest troops to root out that meddlesome Kevins and his band of thieves.
Why would we be worried in the first place?
There are more of them out there. Kevins was just one leader. Now that he's gone Isla's Galahad is the leader of the rebel scum. We'll kill him and all the barbarians following him.
You seem pretty confident about that.
Sir Dagoot and Sir Yeon are leading the hunt for Galahad. It's only a matter of time before they get results.
Well it was fun talking to you. Have a nice day.
You too kids.

Just down the street to the west is yet another soldier. The streets of Marion are alive with their presence.

I saw you talking to my friend over there. What was it about?
Oh she was just curious about where we came from. Then went on a rant about the rebels.
Yeah that sounds like her. There's a rebellion rising, but Bandore won't be defeated that easily.
You all seem really determined to hold this land. Why is that?
It's ours now. That's why.
I see. Well did you want to ask us anything else?
Uh, no, no that's okay. You kids go about your business.

So the kids do just that. Keeping an eye out for other soldiers they walk into a house where an old man is.

Oh hello kids. Back again I see with a new friend.
You remember us?
Of course I do. It's not everyday you see a couple of kids and a little dragon wandering around town.
I was just wondering because no one else seems to be bothered.
Everyone's all worked up over their own business. Me? I'm too old for that.
You just remember me because I'm so cute!
You'd better hope the soldiers about town don't recall that you've been here before or you'll be in a heap of trouble.
You seemed to know a lot about the knights the last time we were here. What can you tell us about the rebels?
Not much I'm afraid. Bandore's suspicious of everyone who looks like they might be trouble so I keep my head down.
We heard there was a battle to the north.
Yes. A shame about Lord Kevins. I doubt the emperor will let him live for much longer. *pauses* Aww, don't be sad. He knew the danger. You've got to keep your chins up or someone will get suspicious.
...And what about Sir Galahad?
Galahad's rebels are doing well against Bandore... but unless Zalagoon intervenes, Bandore won't be stopped.
Won't be stopped? How can you say that?
It's a battle of attrition that Galahad is slowly losing. Bandore is destroying rebel hideouts one at a time. Aww, listen to me. I'm just making you more distressed for no point. I'm sure you kids have something important to do. I won't keep you any longer.

Exiting the house the group see a woman along their path to the west.

You kids shouldn't be here. Get out of town while you can.
What's wrong?
Bandore is preparing to finish off the rebels after which I expect they'll arrest anyone they think might even possibly have helped the rebellion. There's nothing anyone can do now. I thought Sir Samson was our last hope, but even he ran away.
No wonder you seem all gloomy, human. You're expecting doom at any minute.

Moving on the kids come to the house at the end of the row.

Oh hello there kids. We don't get many visitors in town these days.
Bandore scaring everyone off?
You could say that.
Well I'm not scared.
Everyone's on edge. After the Marion rebellion is defeated, Bandore will turn towards Zalagoon. They thirst for more lands to conquer. I don't expect they'll have an easy time getting across the border but that didn't exactly stop them from taking Marion did it?
Mom it's not Marion's fault that Bandore's full of sneaky backstabbers.
The knights should have known there was some sort of problem.
I kinda have to agree with you there. People were talking about seeing Bandore scouts before the assault.
Even if they did take them seriously Bandore brought a lot of firepower.
I heard that Lord Kevins was captured. Now it's down to just Sir Galahad.
Regrettable... but Bandore is strong? How could we win?
Sir Galahad will need to pull off a miracle.
Hey it's possible! Galahad is a master of many things!
Somehow I doubt there's going to be a miracle from him.

Walking down the road the kids run into a man who seems despondent. See it's not just me! The game itself can't seem to decide if it should be Lord or Sir!

Prraaa. You don't think your dad is a miracle worker, Annie?
Have you ever known my dad to do anything like that?
No but there's no time like the present to start!
Aargh!
You kids are certainly chipper. I wish there was something to be happy about.
What's wrong? It's a rather pretty day today.
The hero Samson fled the kingdom, and Lord Kevins was captured. Will there be a future for Marion?
If nothing else it will have a future as part of Bandore.
I, uh... That's not what I meant at all!
Then what did you mean, human?
GAH! A talking dragon!
I still don't understand why that's so weird for some people. Everyone knows dragons exist. Why should it be some great surprise that they can talk too?

The team watch as the flustered man backs away from them.

Well okay have a good day then.

Just outside the inn a woman stands around looking worried.

Are you folks travelers?
Yup!
Are the rumors of Zalagoon surrendering to Bandore true?!
Why would you think they were true?
No one has any idea what's really going on but the soldiers have been talking and well...
We can't really say one way or the other.
Oh, I should have guessed a group of kids probably don't know anything about that. If it is true, it won't be long before the whole Greenheim continent is part of the Bandore Empire.
And if it's not true?
War between Zalagoon and Bandore is inevitable.

Inside the inn the travelers the trio saw months earlier are still around.

Are you guys travelers? When can we cross the bridge into Zalagoon?
Sorry but the bridge is still closed.
Damn!
How's your mother doing?
*chuckles* I'm right here you know. You could just ask me. I'm not that far gone yet.
Well then how are you doing old human?
I'm about the same as I have been. My daughter is such a good child that she travels with me trying to heal my sickness. We stay here holding out hope Bandore will open the bridge but so far no luck.
Must be frustrating.
We do live in interesting times.

Upstairs the poet is still hunkered down in a room.

Oh hi there kids. It's rumored that Zalagoon will soon surrender to Bandore. If so, then I need to add the whole of Greenheim's demise to my poem.
Demise is such a strong word...
Yeah it's not like the continent itself is going to die.
I guess with enough magic someone could run off with it.
What? Like make it float in the sky or something? That's ridiculous.

In the center of town is this fellow. Hail Lord Tpyo!

Everyone here is so sad or gloomy. I knew this wasn't going to be a happy place but this is more than I expected.
I bet that battle Lord Kevins recently lost has something to do with it.
I still can't wrap my head around the fact that my dad lost a battle.
It's not like he's invincible, Finn. He's just as human as the rest of us.
I know. I don't even want to think about what Bandore is doing to him. Probably the worst days of his life.
Hi there kids. I don't remember seeing any of you around here before. New in town?
You could say that.
We're just visiting.
You picked a hell of a time. Is there someone you're here to see?
I'm just here to see the sights, as depressing as they happen to be.
Yes, everyone is a bit down right now. Bandore's generals are extremely strong! They defeated Lord Kevins, who is stronger than ten of Bandore's soldiers. Everyone's been talking about it, wondering what it means for the country.
So Kevins was defeated by the generals, not the rank and file troops?
That's what I heard. The emperor sent the best at his disposal including those strange generals of his. Even that weird Shutat guy was part of the assault. It's kind of a miracle that Kevins survived at all.
Is he in the castle?
I don't know. People have been coming and going for days so they could have easily moved him without raising any suspicion.
Sounds like you suspect they did move him.
I wouldn't be surprised if, after the escape of Prince Edward, they don't want to keep a high profile prisoner here in Marion.

By the bridge leading to the castle is a lone Bandore soldier cackling to themselves.

After Marion is secure, we'll take on Zalagoon! Muhahaha!

The kids quietly slip by.

Crossing the bridge the kids see that there's no way to even get into the courtyard. Two soldiers block the path.

(either) This is Marion Castle of the Bandore Empire. Unless you have permission from Lord Shutat, I cannot let you in. Now leave.
If you're going to keep people out shouldn't you at least close the gate?
Less backtalking more walking!
Ok, ok, I get it, human. You're rude and impatient. We're leaving anyway.

The house with the switch to the hidden passage is still unlocked and unguarded. We could hit the switch to open said path, which nobody in town would notice - not even the soldier right outside the cemetary.

Unfortunately the rock is blocking the path. There's nothing even remotely special or magical about it. It's just flagged as impassable and the game refuses to acknowledge it even exists.

A rock, another freakin' rock. Apparently these are the most powerful/invulnerable objects in the entire world right up there with impassable hedges and waist-high fences. Where do people find these rocks?

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - I think Bandore's had its run of Marion for long enough. Time to go kick some ass.

Update Forty-eight | Index | Update Fifty