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Beyond the Beyond: Update 57: Wild Wild West (to Bandore)
Marion is back at peace even if it's a bit bruised. Zalagoon is calm and peaceful, happy to have won a lightning war against their foes in Bandore. In fact it seems that all of Greenheim is at peace monster hordes notwithstanding. With nothing needing their attention in Marion the kids turn their thoughts to Bandore.
First, though, is something that Finn's been wanting to do but had to delay because of inventory limits. Being back in Marion the kids head to the castle.
It's still unlocked, Finn.
Good. We've earned this stuff.
Does that mean Shutat's off the hook? HELL NO!
We're going to need to get some horses for our trip to Bandore aren't we?
I'm sure we'll figure something out when we get there.
The three chests contain a Mage's Potion, a Thunder Card, and a Source of Defense. The first two aren't all that useful but getting another Source of Defense is pretty good. With enemies hitting fairly hard (two or three solid blows can groggy any of the kids) an extra +5 defense that can be assigned to anyone is nothing to scoff at.
Then it's off to the weapon shop to buy a Rune Sword for Finn. I could have gotten this and the stuff in the castle before heading off to Zalagoon but I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed anything and so held off on filling up our limited inventory slots with stuff that wasn't going anywhere. On a second note, although I could have I didn't trade in the Tempest Sword because the +Speed on that sword could be useful later.
Then it was off to Isla Village to store the Source of Defense, the Thunder Card, and the Tempest Sword. Phew! The run around gets a little tedious but it could always be worse.
Then after a litany of delays it's off to the border with Bandore.
Well... there it is.
Does anyone have any idea how we're going to get across? I had kinda hoped that maybe you'd thought of something, sis.
... Anything?
I... haven't a clue, actually. Maybe we can just ask nicely and they'll let us cross?
We could always pretend like we're from Bandore and we're trying to escape those evil meanies in Marion. They'll never buy that. We don't look like we've been running for our lives.
I could always distract them while you run for it! We're not even going to try that, Steiner, so quit pretending like it might work.
On the Marion side of the bridge the kids find the gatehouse is actually staffed by Marion soldiers.
(1) What are you kids doing here?
Goin' to Bandore! Can we cross?
(either) You may cross this bridge to reach the Aridia Continent and Bandore. You would have to be out of your mind to go there alone.
But there are four of us. We're not alone. (2) But you're still kids. Where are your parents?
Dead and a hostage of Bandore.
You don't want to know who my dad is. Trust me. My mom's in a period of mourning I think.
My parents are sort of on the other side of the continent. That's not going to be a problem is it?
(1) We're not going to stop you if you want to cross.
Across the river the Bandore side of the border is eerily quiet.
There's nobody here.
I was wondering why those guards were so relaxed.
When Bandore evacuates it REALLY evacuates!
Taking a step forward the kids hear a familiar voice call out from ahead of them.
What took you so long, Finn? We've been waiting for a while!
Edward and Samson appear on the stairs and walk down to meet the kids.
I knew you were heading to Bandore anyway, so I waited for you here.
You've been waiting for us? For how long?
Long enough to get a little worried that you wouldn't show up.
Prrarr. You can thank Finn's stalling for that!
I was not stalling! There were things to do and people to see and...
And we weren't really sure if we were going on what might be a suicide mission.
Seriously though what are you doing here, Edward?
A ha ha ha! You look surprised. You're heading to Bandore. What made you think we weren't going along?
Samson said you couldn't go because of duties and stuff. Yeah there were sad puppy dog eyes and everything.
It was all very sad and stuff, human. Steiner!
What? I didn't say anything that wasn't true. Still, that's pretty rude.
It's okay, Finn. Our job is not done yet. I won't rest until Marion's safety is ensured. May we join your party?
See, Finn? Edward knows he needs a dragon's touch for this mission!
And what exactly does that touch involve, Steiner?
If it's all the same I'd prefer it if Steiner kept his paws to himself. They've already built enough mischief for a lifetime.
Wait, does this mean I'm no longer team magician?
You were always part of a team of magicians.
Isn't that what Simone is, a team of mages who occupy the same village? Why do you think Tont's trying to get away from it?
I always assumed it was boredom. Seriously though Tont do you have some problem with Edward traveling with us? Nah. He can have his responsibilities back. Okay then. Welcome back, Edward.
Hooray! Samson!
I told the King that we weren't about to let you go to Bandore alone, with or without his permission. I guess it worked out well. You actually told the king off?
It wasn't as crude as it sounds but I can be persuasive when I need to.
*raises an inquisitive eyebrow*
*sighs* If you must know I just pointed out that Edward was already dead set on going even if that meant sneaking out of the castle. Better to give permission then to have to send out a search party.
Okay so how are we going to explain having Sir Samson with us when we get to Bandore? Tour guide! One huge, heavily armed and armored tour guide?
Sure.
We've heard that Aridia's a dangerous place. If it's like anywhere else we've been it will be crawling with things that will try to kill us on sight.
...I could have spent the rest of the day not thinking about that.
You're welcome.
Don't worry, Finn. That's why we should travel together. With us in your group, nothing can stop us. Now, let's go!
With that the group is back up to five members. The first thing that has to happen though is resetting the group's formation since the game adds Edward before Samson. I never moved Tont up to slot 3 since he's squishy so that means Edward gets put up front. That's obviously not going to work long term so he and Samson swap positions and the group is as it was before it broke up.
Then it's... back to Marion.
Where are we going, Finn? Back to Isla. Don't worry. I've got a plan.
Edward and Samson are still carrying everything they had when they left and that includes several things that need to go into the storage box. I store the Hammer, the Source of Courage, the Steel Key, and the Statue of Gaea. Three of those items have no further use in the game while we're holding the Source of Courage for a rainy day down the road.
Then it's off to Marion Town.
Finn, if I didn't have confidence in your desire to rescue your father I'd wonder if you were taking me back to my father. Something for sale caught my eye. Not for me though. Best to be prepared, right?
*shrugs* I can't argue with that.
An armor upgrade for Samson is available in the form of a Rune Gauntlet. I opted not to trade in the Power Gauntlet just in case I want the +Damage bonus later. Although he skipped the last gauntlet he could have bought the Rune version offers a +5 Defense upgrade which is more useful than the extra attack power from that Power Gauntlet, especially given how Samson has the highest attack power at the moment. (Diminishing returns and all that.)
In the throne room of Marion Castle Sir Galahad, the king, and the king's advisor are all still just sort of chillaxing.
See? I told you, Finn. My dad knows I left.
I believed you, Edward. 
Back so soon?
Finn needed to satisfy his curiosity before heading out. If you guys are still going to Bandore, I won't stop you. May Arawn guide your destiny.
Are we sure we want Arawn guiding it?
*shrugs* Could be a lot worse.
True.
The king's advisor, meanwhile, has a chip on his shoulder.
Prince Edward you've come back! Have you reconsidered this foolish quest of yours?
My mind is made up. Besides it's not foolish. It's reckless.
I can't believe the King considered the Prince's babbling. I'm his Advisor. [sic]
Well what does the king think of this?
Umm... I guess you're still going to Bandore, right? Well, be careful. As soon as Marion is secure, I'll send troops. Well I'll be. He really did give in. Sire! I implore you to reconsider! You can't honestly think it's a good idea to send your only child into such danger.
That decision is out of my hands.
Wow. Samson really CAN be persuasive when he wants to be. Sir Samson merely reminded me that not even he can stop my son if Edward has his heart set on a course of action.
Don't worry Dad. I'm not going to do anything stupid. I know perfectly well that we can't take on all of Bandore. We're going in, getting Lord Kevins, and getting out.
And if anyone gives us trouble that's what Sir Samson's for.
You flatter me, Steiner.
Sir Samson I am counting on you. Bring my son home safe.
I will not disappoint you your Majesty.
Then it's back to the bridge.
Hey wait a minute. Didn't you two see Edward and Sir Samson cross before us?
(1) Yup.
(2) Couldn't miss it, actually.
How did you two get across anyway?
Sir Samson used his other method of persuasion.
*raises an eyebrow* (1) He walked out onto the bridge, raised his axe, and started shouting about how he was going to kill them all if they didn't clear out. (2) It was the most awesome thing I've ever seen.
(1) He's not kidding either. He started crying. (2) I was just... filled with emotion, ok? Get off my back. I take it that Sir Samson was successful.
Yes.
Samson's reputation precedes him.
*stretches*
Ok but won't Bandore know they've lost control of the border long before we get there? They lost it during the retreat, Finn. It was just a skeleton crew guarding their side. They knew they didn't stand a chance against a real assault. Trust me. I'm wouldn't risk Edward's life if it was the real deal.
With the way cleared the team crosses the river. The other side is almost a mirror image. In their haste Bandore's soldiers left some stuff behind. In a vase a Healing Potion is found. It's overkill right now but we'll save it for an emergency.
Next to that is a chest containing a Mage's Potion.
They just left all this stuff here?
Pryaar. Why, Finn, are you actually complaining about finding treasure?
No! I'm just sort of wondering.
Upstairs another pot has a Source of Growth. This is something we won't need for awhile but running back to Isla to bank one item would be a waste of time. We can spare an inventory slot right now.
An astute viewer might have noticed the game is a bit suspiciously generous right now. The team picked up two Mage's Potions in short order. That's not a coincidence. That's the developers putting in a not so subtle hint that yes, player, you really do need those things and you really do need to plan and prepare before setting out. Tont's holding 8 Mage's Potions since the team restocked. They're not cheap but were we're going we'll need them. Hopefully we won't need more than that because I've done the re-supply run at this stage of the game before.
It was not fun.
To continue...
