Beyond the Beyond: Update 54: The City of Marion (Marion Town pt. 2)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 54: The City of Marion (Marion Town pt. 2)

When last we saw them the party had just broken up with Edward and Samson returning to their lives in Marion Castle and the kids striking out to enjoy the peace and serenity of a Marion free from the shadow of Bandore.

The first thing I did was run to the church because it had been quite some time since the last save. Thus that is where the kids begin their walk through the town.

I'm not sure what exactly Sir Galahad has planned for the next few days. I guess we'll just have to wait and find out.
I suppose I should be thankful that Prince Edward is safe and Marion is free. I thought my prayers would help this much! Perhaps I should pray for something a bit more selfish.
I suppose if it makes you feel better go for it, human. It's not as if they'll hurt anyone.

Just outside the church the kids stretch their legs and Steiner picks up a scent on the wind.

Sniff, sniff... odd smell. Human though.
What's wrong, Steiner?
Fear. Over amongst those trees.

When the kids peak into the brush they find a Bandore soldier trying to hide.

Please don't hurt me. I surrender!
I'm not going to hurt you. I've had enough fighting for one day.
Oh thank Arawn. I can't believe the Emperor left me behind.
I hate to break it to ya but the emperor left a lot of people behind.
If you let me go, I'll tell you a secret!
Sure. Dungeon's full anyway and you seem harmless.
Thank you! Bandore is building a giant battleship! They will cross the sea to dominate the world.
I fail to understand how that will impact Marion in any way but thanks for the information.
Besides which from what I heard they already did that to take Marion by surprise. Didn't stop them from ultimately losing the ground war.
How long has Bandore been building this battleship anyway?
Construction started two years ago.
When did Bandore start planning to attack Marion?
Uh, two years ago.
*suppresses a laugh*
What? What's so funny?
I want to know how the emperor thought a battleship would help him invade a country that has no navy.
I guess they were going to sail it up to Marion's shores and then shout insults from the deck? I mean, I'm sure it will look really impressive once it's complete.
Look... I'm just a soldier. I wasn't paid enough to ask questions like that.
Eh, fair enough. I just needed to vent a little.

Leaving the soldier to continue hiding the team heads north and walks past the empty cemetary as well as the empty house with the not-so-secret cellar.

What a great day this is, kids! Marion is free again. We shall never let this happiness go!
Sniff, sniff. Someone's already gotten into the wine.
We had a few drinks already little dragon although the day's still young.
Something tells me there's going to be a huge party tonight.
You betcha! Wo Ho Ho! Did you see Bandore running? Gosh! I feel so good now! I'm so glad I lived to see this day. I almost feel young again.
Well we brought happiness to part of Marion. I guess that's good, right?
I guess so.

Just down the road to the west is a woman who isn't as happy.

I can't believe all the noise those fools are making! This is no way to honor those who gave their lives for Marion.
In the morning they'll be so hungover they'll regret it.
Until they drink some more over war stories.
Why are you so upset about this?
Lord Kevins is still missing. He is such a noble person. Is it true that Bandore has captured him! [sic]
Is that supposed to be a question?
I think so.
Yes, he was captured.
And yet so many just want to drink and make merry while Lord Kevins and those taken by Bandore suffer. It disgusts me!

Leaving the woman to her anger the kids push on towards the house at the end of the row.

Oh hi there kids. I wasn't expecting to see you today.
Why?
With all the fighting going on I would have thought you would have skipped town.
And miss all the action? Not a chance!
My son has a future to look forward to now that Bandore is gone.
Bandore's troops are gone! When I grow up I'll join the Marion Knights for sure! I should eat a lot to grow up as soon as possible!
I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that.
You eat plenty and seem to be growing just fine, Finn.
Not any faster though and you know what, I'm fine with that! I'm not in any hurry to join the knights.
Really?
Really! I wouldn't mind going back to being a regular kid for awhile. I think I've done enough for crown and country for now.
That's great, Finn. Uh, we should probably be going. We're getting confused stares now.

Walking down the streets the kids see another man on the road.

I take it you're not planning on heading right out to Bandore are you, Finn?
I don't know! I mean, I want to rescue my dad but...
But you don't even know the way to Bandore do you, Finn?
Bandore?
That's the country on everyone's lips!
You're not actually thinking of going there are you? The continent of Aridia is scary. It's supposed to be a savage place.
I don't know how much you heard but it would probably be best if you didn't repeat it to anyone.
Yeah, besides, Aridia supposed to be "the ruined continent" and all that. How scary could it be if it's ruined?
The more I hear that phrase the more convinced I am that whoever wrote that book probably just didn't like Bandore or Barbaros or whatever.
Uh, yeah... umm, I never saw you guys.
Ok then have a nice day not seeing us, human.

Just down the road and around the corner the kids find the woman who was worried about rumors of Zalagoon's surrender.

You kids again. Are you all right? Did you see the fighting?
Yeah we saw it.
I'm so relieved that it's all over. My son told me that Bandore's Lord Shutat is a scary person.
Your son? Is he a soldier?
Yes but he's lucky to be alive! His entire squad was wiped out. My son fainted and so he wasn't killed. You never know what events will bring good fortune.
Wait he... fainted?
That's what he said.

That jogs the kids' memories.

Well whaddya know...

That brings the kids to the inn. Heading inside they are eager to bring good news to the two travelers who have been stuck in Marion Town since Finn and Annie's first visit.

Things have gone quiet. Is the war over?
Yes. You should be able to head for Zalagoon now.
We will soon.
Soon? I thought your mother needed healing?
My health isn't so good. I need to rest before we travel.
Oh, that doesn't sound so good.
I will endure. It's just all the excitement lately, that's all.
Where are you kids off to next?
What makes you ask that? We're from Marion.
Well it's just... you only seem to show up when big things are going on.
Hmm, are you from Bandore?
! ...how?
It's the accent. Most people probably wouldn't notice but you've got a way of rolling your r's.

There is a deathly quiet in the room.

Don't worry. I won't tell anyone and neither will any of these chumps.
She's got us there!
My mother was born in the town of Zeal but my father was from Bandore. Neither wanted to give up their homeland so I spent part of my childhood with him until Mom got sick. Then I commuted back and forth until he was killed at sea.
And when you got to Marion you told anyone who asked that you were from Zeal because Marion and Bandore have a long history of not getting along.
It was mostly true.
Look I'm not blaming you. I just want to know because we might have a reason to head to Bandore soon. Anything you could tell us would be appreciated.
The Kingdom of Bandore is naturally protected by its surrounding mountains. To reach the town you have two options. You can either go by boat or you can travel overland from Marion through Gebergheim and into Aridia. Given Bandore's powerful navy a trip by sea is probably out of the question so I'm assuming you'll be using the land route. Once you cross the bridge from Gebergheim into Aridia the kingdom of Bandore is a vast wilderness with many rivers that drain into the northern bays. No matter what you have to keep heading east. Don't try to cross the rivers they're too treacherous. One wrong move and you'll be swept out to sea. Just keep turning east on land as often as you can and eventually you'll reach a towering set of peaks. There are numerous active volcanoes so you'll probably see smoke and ash rising from the mountains. At the base is Bandore, dug into the side of the mountains.
Wow! Thanks!
If it helps save my mother's life then I'm glad I could be of help to you.
I hope you can complete your journey soon.
So do I even though I have no idea how we're going to get home to Zeal.

Upstairs is the poet still comfortable in his room.

So now we have some idea of how to reach Bandore.
I didn't expect her to go into so much detail, to be honest.
I'm not kidding about not being sure if I'll go but at least we won't be completely lost if we do.

Hi kids! Back again so soon?
You're still up here writing that... whatever it was.
Yes. So much as happened over the last few days! Now I have to add the triumphant victory to my poem. I want to make sure I capture the essence of Marion's bravery for future generations.
I guess they're going to want to know how it all went down.
Did you kids see the troops from Zalagoon? They came through so quickly that I barely got a glance of them through the window there.
We saw some of what they did. Not much though to be honest.
I wonder what made Zalagoon decide to finally send troops?
Marion and Zalagoon are allies right?
Yes and I understand where you're going with that but the border was quiet for so long with no word. Maybe I'll get a chance to chat with some of the soldiers of Zalagoon before they return home.
You could always travel to Zalagoon. The border should be open now.
Hmm. Yes, I think I will have to. Not until this part of the poem is finished though.

The sentries by the bridge leading out of town are Marion soldiers once again.

This is the town of Marion!
Uh, yeah, we kind of knew that already.
Sorry, force of habit. Is there something you kids need?
All quiet on this front?
(W) Yup. No sign of the enemy. If Bandore comes back, we'll chase 'em out!
Just you two?
(E) Ah, err...

Just then a man walks up from the east side of the road.

I doubt Bandore will be coming back any time soon. They've thoroughly had their butts kicked.
(E) That's right!
With some assistance from Zalagoon.
No shame in that! Zalagoon is a good kingdom. There's nothing like a strong friend coming through in a time of need!
Well, uh, I guess we'll be going now. Have a nice day!
(E) You too kids.

The kids, not quite ready to leave town just yet, walk north where a man is milling about in the street.

Finn! You seem very strong.
You know me?
I heard the soldiers talking about you.
I'm telling you, it's the bandanna.
Ok so you apparently know my name and think I'm strong. Is there a reason you decided to tell me that out of the blue?
To the south of here is an island called the Island of Discipline. Those who are skilled enough can gain additional knowledge.
Knowledge of what?
Hey that's that island we read about. That's where you can go to change your class.
Hmm, I probably do need to start saving for retirement so I guess a class or two couldn't hurt. I don't know what being strong has to do with that though.
Strength of will, of course!
Did... did Steiner just compliment me?
Sure, if you want to take it like that...
Not like it matters. This shrine thingee is on an island. We're landlubbers. Unless we spontaneously grow wings we're never going to go there.
Hmm, you know with enough magic...
That wasn't a suggestion, Tont.
Darn!

The kids head into the one building they haven't been in yet - the shop. One glance at the wares and it is clear that there has been a change over the course of the day. Unfortunately with the team's inventory filled they can't actually buy anything. With the exception of the Rune Sword, however, everything here is what they've already got.

This place looks way better than I remember it.
With Bandore gone, I pulled out my hidden stash of weapons!
Wait you had a hidden stash of weapons? Where? How?
A good merchant never reveals their secrets.
*stands transfixed by the sight of a Rune Sword*
Somebody check Finn. I think we broke him.
It's... it's beautiful.
I don't understand. If you had weapons like this in storage why couldn't you outfit the rest of the town so they could fight Bandore?
As I said a moment ago...
Yeah, yeah I heard ya. Secrets.

The item shop has also updated its wares wherein the game proves me wrong by offering Illusion Potions for sale. Oh well. In all honesty by this point in the game the only things I've ever paid any attention to in item shops are Herbs and Mage Potions. The rest of the stock becomes just a blur of things I never buy.

Amusingly enough the item shopkeep has the same greeting line as the equipment merchant. Somehow I don't think anybody is going to be intimidated by the Illusion Powder on sale. Just call it a hunch.

As the day draws to a close the kids find themselves far from town and out on their own once again. The towers of Marion Castle fade into the distance as they prepare to camp for the night.

Let me get this straight. We could stay in the castle as honored guests of the king and probably have a feast in our honor and nice, comfy, warm beds to sleep in tonight. Instead we're going to camp out in the wilderness for no reason other than the fact that Finn is uncomfortable staying in the castle.
I'm telling you it just doesn't feel right.
Yeah I think you summed it up pretty well, Tont.
Well I hope the king doesn't feel insulted.
You're just thinking about all the mischief we can get into without Edward and Sir Samson around to keep us in check.
*fiendish grin*
Eh, I can't really argue with you, Finn. It's not like Dad has a lot of time for me right now. Er, not that I'm complaining! And, uh, well we are country kids.
This is where we're comfortable.
Yeah!
Finn are you sure you just don't feel some guilt about living it up while your father is a prisoner of war in another country?
Do you have something against camping, Steiner?
Changing the subject is not going to make me less suspicious.

Around noon the next day the kids roll into Isla Village. The village is still quiet but an old man just inside smiles at them as they approach.

Finn and Annie are back. Things must be better in other parts of Marion.
What makes you say that?
You've got a spring in your step today.
Well Bandore was kicked out of the castle so I think we're justified in being a little happy.
Aww, I knew it would happen eventually!
You did?
You see, Marion is protected by Arawn. It's a kingdom that will not be vanquished.
If that helps you get through your day then I suppose it's true.

As soon as the kids walk forward they see a woman out and about.

Are you kids all right?
Yup. Why do you ask?
Zalagoon soldiers swept through the village looking for anyone from Bandore. Is the battle for Marion over already?
Once the right people got moving it went quickly.
What a relief! Maybe now things will get back to normal around here. I'm sure Sonya is very proud of Annie. But, whatever happened to Percy?
I intend to find out.
Oh no! Was he taken prisoner?
The answer is probably yes but we don't know for certain.
Your mother should be in her house. Be sure to see her before you leave.
I'm planning on it.

Inside the house just to the north is Mr. Nelson, one of the few people to weather the occupation of Isla by staying in the village.

You look comfy human. Sniff, sniff. You've even got tea brewing.
My house is the most comfortable place. After all, Isla is the best!
You're happy today.
It's a good day. I'm determined to make the most of it!

Continuing south they see a boy playing in the grass.

STEEEIIINEEER!
Hi Todd.
Have you come home to stay?
Prrraaa. Probably not.
Oh...
I might be in the village for awhile though. Maybe we can play today if your mom's okay with it.
Oh, uh, my mom's not here.
What? Why?
Dad said she got sick.
Is she here in the village?
No.
We'll go see your dad and find out if she's okay.
Then we can play?
I can't make any promises but if there's time then sure I'll play with you.
Hurray!
Wait if your mom is sick and your dad's been here in the village how did you get back from wherever you went?
I was with another family. Some knights on horseback came and told everyone it was safe to go home.
Sir Galahad's forces?
Yeah. I think so. Sir Galahad is so amazing, and so strong! He made Isla safe again!

Inside the house next to where Todd is playing the kids find his father.

Finn, Annie, do you have news? Is Bandore going to retreat? I hope they do...
They're already long gone.
Oh, thank Arawn!
Todd said his mom is sick.
Yeah. Some of the villagers fled into the mountains to escape Bandore including my wife and our son. I stayed behind to keep an eye on the village. Some of them came back this morning, said riders told them it was safe, but my wife was too sick to travel so the others stayed behind with her. Hopefully she'll be back in a few days.
Todd's already looking for a playmate.
If you guys can spare the time please try to humor him for awhile. He's too young to be worrying about all of this.
Hmm, I'll see what I can do.

In what passes for the village square the kids see another old man walking about.

Ah, more of the younguns have returned. Finn, Annie how are you doing today?
What about me? I'm never asked about how I'm doing.
Oh, ho, ho, ho I have upset the little dragon. Ok, Steiner how are you doing?
I'm doing great. Thanks for asking!
We're fine too.
And I'm magnificent!
I bet you kids won't stick around for long though. Gotta grab life by the horns, right?
If it's all the same I'd rather not be gored.
I don't know. We've seen pretty much all of Greenheim already. We might just settle down for awhile and let the world take care of itself.
Well if that happens I might strike out on my own.
Pryaaa. You're not scared of all the monsters out there?
No way! ...ok, maybe a little.
Yes it is a sad thing that monsters are everywhere these days. It wasn't always that way. The island to the south is Pity Island. When I was young, I swam to that island. It was a pristine wilderness where the biggest threat was a broken leg. Nowadays I imagine it's swarming with horrible things ready to eat a young man alive.
Wait you swam the channel?
I thought it was too treacherous for most ships.
What?! You think it's impossible to swim there? What are you talking about?! I camped out for two weeks on that island. It was one of the best times of my life! Gee, young people these days always doubt themselves. You should always listen to your elders!
Uh, sorry? It's just this is the first time we've heard of anyone doing that.
Well, I suppose it is understandable. Still, you can't be afraid to go out and make your way in the world. That's the only way to make it safe for travel.
We understand how dangerous it is out there. Believe me.

On a whim the kids head into the local church of Isla.

You know something's been bugging me, Annie.
What?
Why is the church way out here so big? Every church we've seen in an actual town has been tiny by comparison.
That's because this church also doubles as the town hall.
When was someone going to bother to tell us that?
You just weren't old enough yet.

Walking past Sonya's house in order to complete their circuit of Isla the kids come across someone younger than them.

Hi Steiner, Finn, Annie.
Hi there Rachel. Not playing with Todd today?
Naw. Actually I'm taking a break from helping my mom right now. We're getting the garden back together.
Sounds like hard work.
It is! Strangely enough, my mother's been treating me nicer these days. Is it the calm before the storm?
Maybe she just has a new appreciation for life.
I hope it stays that way.

Heading inside the kids see a woman and what looks to be a man standing on one of the beds.

Well look who's back. Annie are you here to see your mother?
Yeah. Is she home?
She should be.
Were you guys hiding up in the mountains too?
Yeah. We were afraid we'd be arrested. Truth be told I was starting to worry my husband was going to run off and join Galahad's rebels. I'm glad it didn't come to that.
Everything should be back to normal now, right?
Mostly normal but I'm happy as long as my family's safe. When my daughter refuses to help with housework, I take it easy on her.
She seems happy with the arrangement.

The kids then poke the man who seems to be standing on the bed.

Hey what are you doing? I'm enjoying these moments when I can relax. So, let me sleep a little longer. Zzzzz...

Despite what the walk cycle and shadows would suggest he's actually supposed to be lying down. Sorry, game, but you usually make an effort by placing a blanket layer over such sprites. I guess someone just got lazy this time.

With their walk through the village complete the kids approach Sonya's house. Despite what the door graphic in the screenshot above would suggest they haven't actually tried to go inside yet. You might recall that at the start of the game I said that this door was... strange. Well, now that Bandore's gone the weirdness has fully kicked in.

As soon as Finn crosses the threshold the "door opened" sound effect plays and the door's appearance stays exactly the same. This is a door that can't decide whether it's open or closed and has thus become stuck in a state of limbo.

Sonya is standing inside.

Mom!
Annie...
Are you hurt?
No. They didn't dare lay a finger on me. They were scared that doing so would only anger your father and make him fight their comrades even harder.
The door wasn't locked this time so I assume you know what's happened in Marion.
Yes. Galahad sent some of his men out to spread the word. Annie, is your father still in the castle?
Yeah. The king asked him to take over for Lord Kevins for awhile.
I was afraid that would happen. I guess it can't be helped. Does that mean you'll be heading back to the castle soon?
Uh... *looks at Finn* Maybe. There's still a lot of work to be done.
I think you decided on your own which road to take. If you want, you can stay here. Just talk to your father and decide.
You're not going to ask about Percy?
I am not as ignorant of what's been happening as you think.
That sounds kind of ominous.
I had my part to play in the rebellion. That's all I'll say.

With the house unlocked there's something the kids can do that they've really needed to for some time. They can finally use the storage trunk to drop off everything they no longer want to carry around with them.

stored: smoke bomb x6, illusion potion x2, critical jewel, counter jewel, tempest jewel, firedrake vase, music box, ancient tablet, tornado card

The consumables are a mix of things we don't need right now because we actually want to fight random encounters and things we don't need because we're not facing any bosses any time soon. The Music Box is fun to use but we need the inventory slot more and the Ancient Tablet won't be needed for a long time and there's no point in hauling it around until that time comes.

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - Sonya has asked the kids to stay the night and while we could politely turn her down there's really no reason that Annie wouldn't want to stay in Isla for a day or two.

Update Fifty-three | Index | Update Fifty-five