Beyond the Beyond: Update 58: The Lion's Den (Bandore Town)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 58: The Lion's Den (Bandore Town)

The last time we saw the team they were minutes from walking into the city limits of what just happens to be the only settlement in Bandore. Some empire! After the dangerous journey across the countryside seeing the town brought mixed feelings. Sure the team might be able to rest within its walls but it's still Bandore and people from Marion are probably not going to be welcome there.

The first thing they find is that there are no guards at what is presumably the city gate. Also, there is no gate. Or moat. Or security of any kind.

What's the point of walls if there's no gate?
Hmm, it looks like there used to be one. Maybe it was taken down recently?
I want to know how they keep all the monsters out.
Somehow I think we're going to find out, sis.
Just because they're going to sic the guards on us is no reason to worry.
Well, uh, surely it won't come to that.
Perhaps if someone keeps his voice down...
What was that? Couldn't hear you.
*grumbles something incomprehensible*

Just up the road is this rather peppy fellow.

Hi kids! This is Bandore, the best town in the world!
Well someone has a rather high opinion of the place!
With all the monsters roaming about someone has to be happy.
I'm not sure that's how happiness works.
Sure it does! Look how happy Sir Samson is to kill monsters. Can't do that if none are around!
I want no part of this conversation.
*hums a happy tune to himself*

There aren't just humans roaming the city streets. There are also dogs.

Ruff! Ruff! Ruff!
Does anybody here speak dog? Steiner?
I'm a dragon. What makes you think I can understand barks?
Dragon magic?
I'm a little behind on my dragon magic lessons.
On account of the fact that he's the only dragon in all of Marion.
That just means I have a monopoly on the market.
Do you even know what that means, Steiner?
Nope and neither does Finn so it's all good.
He has so much confidence in me...
Like always!

The real crown jewel of Bandore is of course the town's most vital building... the inn.

It would be prudent to seek lodging. It is getting late in the day and I think we are all in agreement on the need for some rest.
Hey this inn's pretty spacious!
Uh, why? Not a whole lot of people wandering around.
Seafarers, Finn.
Loud and boisterous seafarers from the sound of it.
(west) You kids travelers?
Depends on who's asking.
(east) It feels good to be back in Bandore!
(west) Aye that it does.
You guys aren't in uniform or anything.
(west) We're not part of the navy. We've freelancers.
(east) There's money to be made fightin' pirates.
You wouldn't happen to know a guy named Domino would you?
(east) One of the worst, that devil. Been a blight on the sea for years.
(west) That'll change right quick though.
Why?
(east) Bandore's battleship has been completed. Now we can attack countries all over the world!
How does a new battleship help Bandore?
A battleship, mind you. As in just one.
(west) It shows the strength and will of Bandore!
(east) It'll get beasts like Domino off our backs. First though there's gonna be a hangin'.
(west) Have you kids heard? Marion's Lord Kevins is getting executed! That'll show Marion who's stronger!
Isn't Lord Kevins rather well liked in Marion?
(east) Yeah? So?
So won't that just motivate Marion to fight harder in this war?
(east) So what? We have a new battleship!
This is going nowhere fast.
Pryaar. That's not true Annie. Now you're more frustrated then ever.

As Annie wrestles with her frustration Finn is already wandering off in typical Finn fashion. What he finds is the game leaning rather heavily on the fourth wall.

"Beyond the Beyond". A tale of a boy and his friends. Hmm, some light evening reading?
What does that even mean, beyond the beyond?
Well the phrase "the beyond" is usually referring to some place far out of bounds of one's home or known area.
So we're talking some place way far past that?
But wouldn't that still be part of the beyond? I mean if I said something was outside the outside wouldn't that put it inside?
Well it's just a title. I don't think it's supposed to mean much.
"The Beautiful Women of Bandore". Hmm, lots of drawings in here. Does somebody go around drawing people in every country?
Probably.
Here's a book about inns. "Traveler's Guide to a Good Night's Sleep". It's a listing of inns and their ratings. This one rates well.
And now we know why it's on the shelf.
"The Volcanoes of Bandore". It says, "Bandore is surrounded by many volcanoes. A few of these are known to still be active."
If they're known to be active then why are people so close to them?
And Bandore isn't surrounded. It's got a big open plain to the west.

Hello 150 gold pieces once we find a shop to sell our newest bait.

Is Annie still arguing with that guy?
Prarr. Did you expect anything less?
Should we... go stop her?
That's it! I give up! There's no reasoning with either of you two!
I guess our problem solved itself.
Let's go before I hurt someone.

Upstairs the team finds a locked chest. One thing I love is the weird scale in these games. The treasure chest probably contains something we can carry one handed yet it is larger than the table it's next to or the bed. I'm pretty sure one of the kids could hide in there and be comfortable. Steiner definitely could.

It's not going to open, Finn.
It probably belongs to one of the lodgers.
I'm not going to steal anything. I just want to know what's inside.
Then you'll decide if it's worth stealing.

In the adjacent room a woman sits at a table.

Are you kids new in town?
Always!
Are you all right? You look a little pale.
I should keep quiet... but in this kingdom there are people who favor war, like Shutat, and there are others who oppose it, like the advisor. When the advisor was killed, our invasion of Marion began.
Sounds like you don't agree with that plan.
I have relatives in Marion. I don't want them to get hurt because of this.
But the war's mostly over now isn't it?
I wish. I've heard soldiers talking about how the emperor is planning another strike and there are rumors of a counterattack from Marion.
You really think that will happen?
Why wouldn't it? War isn't over yet...
I'm sure it will be fine. There's nothing to worry about.
Finn?

Back downstairs. The team needs its beauty sleep if they're going to sneak around Bandore.

What was that all about?
What was what all about?
Telling that woman it would be fine. You don't know that.
We're not here to start a war. I just want my dad back.
But we're not going straight to the castle, are we?
*sighs* No. Edward's right. We should rest up. Shutat and who knows what else is in there.

One exchange of universal currency and a quick fade transition later the team is ready to hit the road again. Just outside the inn, on the west side of town, they find an open well and a dog.

Rri Rruvu Rruu...
Kinda cute.
Why does Bandore let all these dogs roam the streets?
This one has a collar so it must have an owner. Or at least it had an owner at some point.

This particular well is definitely not one the team can jump down.

There's steam coming out of his hole but no sauna in the inn.
Heat from the volcano?
I can't think of any other source.
*takes a deep breath* Hmm, clears out your sinuses doesn't it?
I bet it would clear out a whole lot more than that if you fell in.
What? The local townsfolk just want to be able to murder people with ease by pushing them in. Listen to the wail of anguish as they boil alive.
...I'm starting to worry about what all that magic is doing to you, Tont.
Thanks, Finn! That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me. *giggles* Don't take it so seriously, Finn. I just have a morbid sense of humor sometimes. You know I wouldn't murder anyone, right?

Right. Still, I think I'll sleep with one eye open from now on.
That's the spirit!

A church is a welcome sight since we haven't saved our game since before setting out to sightsee in Zalagoon.

Right next to the church is a graveyard.

It's good to see that some people still have the stomach for travel. This town could use it.
Why is that?
Not many visitors these days. Just sailors and refugees from the villages to the west.
I take it the roaming hordes of monsters are a new thing?
They're out to get more people than just Finn.
When I was young, no one would ever consider attacking Bandore! What are these young people doing?! This is no way to run a country!
Why doesn't everyone just stop listening to the emperor?
Duty, that's why. Going to get us all killed.
But...
This is something you just can't understand. It's not the way you live.
I'll take your word for it.

The old man walks off and the kids turn their attention to the tombstones. Unfortunately there's nothing of interest with them. There are no funny inscriptions, no inside jokes from the developers, and no hidden treasure to find.

To the north is another well with just regular old water.

Are you more refugees from the villages?
Nope!
We're just travelers..
If you've got any sense you'll stay here until this war blows over. Looks like Marion reorganized its troops and is planning an attack on Bandore. That would be a foolish attempt! Our troops will annihilate them.
I see. Well here's hoping it doesn't come to that.
You kids have a good day and mind your manners.

Heading east the team finds some barrels. I'm not sure what the Unicorn Horn does. I think it cures some status effects but most of those aren't permanent anyway.

People do see Sir Samson walking around with us, don't they?
That's why he's always in the back. We're his diversionary force.
Maybe they just think Samson is one of their own.
Hmm...
You do have a way of fading into the background when it suits you, Sir Samson.
These people are used to seeing soldiers everywhere.

Inside the house a young woman relaxes while a boy plays.

I see more books!
Steiner we really don't have time to stop and read all of them.
Sure we do. This one is "Bandore's Lore". Hmm, this is a small book. Can't be much lore in it.
Hi there. Are you from the other side of the volcano?
Nope!
Oh...
What's with the long face, human?
My grandpa is not back yet. He said he was coming back with a gift for me...
Where did he go?
My father went to Zeal Village through the Volcano Dungeon [sic] and never returned. I hope he's all right.
Do you think he was eaten by monsters? <sniff>
I don't want to be pessimistic but it is certainly possible.
My father's made the trip before. It wasn't always so dangerous. All these monsters are a recent problem.
When did he leave?
Oh gosh it's been almost a year now.
A YEAR?!
There's no way for anyone to go check, either. The path up the volcano begins in the castle and everything's closed right now. You know, the war and all.
Well if we do somehow manage to reach Zeal we'll see if your father is there.
Thank you.

Just outside a cat is sort of milling about.

Meow.
Reminds me of Steiner.
Cute and free. Yup, sounds about right.
Just needs the wings and the attitude?
Cats are born with attitude.
So where did you get yours?
A little practice, a little heritage...
We'll just blame magic for the rest.

In the northeast corner of town is another cat. If there is one thing Bandore is succeeding at right now it is adorableness.

Meow...
Aww, this one's all happy and snugly.
So how come dragons can't purr, Steiner?
Because we can talk. We don't need purring to get humans to pay attention to us.

Just to the west is another open gate presumably leading to the castle.

What are you kids doing walking around? Don't you know there's an emergency?
What are you talking about?
Marion's attack! I heard they are completely barbaric. I hope our troops teach those savages a lesson.
Um, yeah. I'm sure they will.
Oh I'm going to end up sick with worry just thinking about it. Arawn help us!

Just to the southwest is a third well. Finn sees a long, dark drop.

I wonder how far down it goes. *grabs a rock*
I'm surprised these wells aren't full of rocks from curious humans.

The kids listen as the rock falls and eventually hits the water below.

Long way down.
There must be a network of caves under the town.

Next to the well is another house. Inside are a woman and a small child.

Whelp, time to pester the people in here.
Tont!
What? I'm just saying we're going to barge in like we always do.
Prraa! I think the little not-human has the right idea! *sniffs the air* Mmmm, something smells wonderful.
La La La... Excuse me! Don't you know how to knock? I'm trying to prepare dinner.
Somehow, Steiner, I think you've been busted.
Oh, wow! What are you?
I'm a dragon, little human! Pryaa! What smells so good in here?
Oh that? That's my mom making dinner. She's a great cook! People used to pay her to cook for them. Important people!
She's certainly hard at work now.
I'll say. Ugh, this is not a good time for my stomach to start growling.
Your stomach just has a better sense of time then the rest of you, Finn. Say, little human, when is dinner supposed to be served?
When is dinner ready? I don't know. Whenever she gets done. I don't mind waiting though. My mom's cooking is delicious. I could eat two servings.
I don't know who you kids are but I must ask you to leave.
Aww man, I'm starting to miss my own mom's cooking.
Could she feed half the village in one go?
Probably, if she put her mind to it.
What, you think its [sic] a lot for just two people? Well, my son is a growing boy. Now, shoo!
Okay, okay. We get it. We're leaving.

The kids walk out of the house unsure of what they'd just witnessed.

Well that was rather... strange.
Just a good old fashioned home-cooked meal. What's so strange about that?
You mean other than trying to hide what she's doing?
I remember us gobbling up just about anything Miss Sonya would let us.
It's not really the amount of food, Finn. It's more about how she didn't want anyone to see it.
You there. Are you kids travelers?
Yup!
You should be a lot more careful about what you say around here. The soldier who lived here is now in prison for speaking out against Bandore's aggression. Since he is fed very little, his son brings him food using a secret path... [sic] He hopefully won't get caught.
A secret path?
You didn't hear that from me!
O-kay...
Pryaar! The woman inside is up to something. These ears are a tinglin'!

Having spoken to the woman in the shadows taking a few steps to the south triggers a camera shift into the house. The woman who is inside walks over to the boy at the table.

Listen. Be careful! Hand this food to your father.
*nods* No problem!

The camera pans back over to Finn and Steiner, who look at one another in bewilderment.

What do you hear, Steiner?
Conspiracy.

The camera pans back over to the house.

One more thing. Tell your father that Marion is coming so help is not far off.
I know, I know! Gotta go!

The boy then springs off the stool and starts running.

The kid bolts through the shadows, heads north to a spot by the town wall then stops and carefully looks around to make sure no one is watching them. Such caution would have been prudent mere moments earlier when the kid ran out of the house in full view of Finn and company.

The kid then darts through a hole in the wall and takes off running to the south. Within moments they're offscreen.

And life in Bandore Town resumes.

What the hell did we just witness?
Conspiracy!
Something about a secret path.
That sounds promising.

And so it was that the team reentered the house.

Sorry I was so rude to you earlier. It's just that we're all on edge. Marion's troops are approaching... what's gonna happen to Bandore now? The emperor has all the soldiers in the castle as if he doesn't intend to defend the town.
Where did your boy go?
My son? Oh, let him go play.
Prrarr. Riiiiiight. Out to play.

Meanwhile Finn raids the pots in the house and comes up with a Ring of Revenge. The exact function of this ring, if any, is unknown. None of the visible stats change when it is equipped.

Finn! We're standing here talking to this woman and you're going through her stuff.
Hey what's this ring doing here?
Aargh!
It's all right. You can have that if you want it. It's useless to me.
Score!
Did you hear anything we just said?
Sure. Kid sneaks food to his dad through a dangerous path into the castle while mom tries to cover it up. Got it.

North of the house is a rather irate cat.

HISS!
I guess it was a little much to expect all of them to be friendly.
That secret path thingee must be around here.
I would like to get a look at the castle first.
What are you hoping to see?
Some idea of how many soldiers might be in there.
Besides all that survived the invasion of Marion?
I don't expect any foray into the castle to be easy but if the emperor has the rest of his infantry spread out then I suppose we have a chance.
Bandore's got a navy too. You think we'll get to see it?
I hope not. Infiltrating a ship might be a step too far.
There was mention of Lord Kevins being on the chopping block. I don't think the emperor's planning to move him.
I hesitate to say this, Finn, but the emperor strikes me as the kind of man who would kill your father purely out of spite.
Yeah. I know.

Predictably enough the one path to the castle is blocked by a pair of soldiers standing guard. Gate? What's that? Bandore has no need of things like that!

Uh, hi there. I don't suppose you could let us into the castle?
(either) This is Bandore Castle, well known as the strongest fortress. I cannot allow you to pass unless you have permission from His Majesty, the Emperor of Bandore.
And how does one get permission?
You don't.

I must say I'm not impressed. Marion could roll on up and enter Bandore unchallenged.

In fact that's exactly what's already happened.

Heading back into town the team sees a man just sort of milling about around the center of town. (He's to the east in the above screenshot.)

What's wrong, human? You look so down.
I've just been thinking, that's all.
About what?
About what the soldiers keep saying. I heard that after we defeat Marion, Zalagoon is next. That's nonsense. We've already lost so many lives and they wanna try again? Do they have a death wish?
Sounds like someone has some good sense around here.
The emperor has become more aggressive since the people from Quamdar arrived.

A man wandering around outside the shops hears the conversation and approaches.

(2) Marion troops are marching towards Bandore. This could be the end of us.
(1) You wouldn't know it from the way the soldiers brag.
Where are they anyway? We have yet to see even one in town.
(1) They're up there. *points to the castle* The emperor is keeping them close to him. They've abandoned us.
(2) That's why we've been saying all along that an outsider like Shutat shouldn't have control in the empire!
Who is we?
(2) Ahh, forget I said anything. I don't want to get thrown in jail like everyone else.

The kids head into the item shop. Naturally the most important thing we could buy isn't available. Illusion Potions could be helpful in the upcoming areas but I'm not buying any. There are going to be a lot of random encounters and the team needs to fight them to keep leveling up.

Bandore is such a mess.
I'm not complaining.
This has been something of an eye-opener.
Good for us though!
Just don't let it go to your head, kid.
I don't plan on letting anything get to my head. I like it right where it is!

I go ahead and sell the Monster Bait since it's just taking up space. I could also sell the Unicorn Horn for 900 gold but decided to keep it until I can figure out what it does.

After that it's over to the equipment shop. Not many upgrades are available. For a team that couldn't afford to get outfitted this would be an extremely rough part of the game and one that would see a lot of dying and retreating to build up enough cash.

They have nice swords here.
But most of the Bandore soldiers we've seen used bows. Hey mister why don't you sell any bows?
Everything here is surplus. If the army didn't have every bow we've ever made we could sell you one.
Hmm, I think we can use some of this stuff. How about it, Annie?

Way ahead of you.
Hmm... magical. Do you enchant those here?
I wish! Naw, there's a workshop up on the mountain. Crown got jumpy a few generations back and kicked most of the magic users out of town. They live up there now.
COOL! Hey guys we need to go up there and check them out when we get a chance.
There's a road that goes up 'round the volcano that can take you up there. That is if the emperor hasn't had it closed.

You kids want anything else?
I want one of those staffs too!
As long as you've got the money you can have anything in stock.

In total the team buys a Goddess Ribbon for Annie, Shield Rods for all three casters, and a Spike Shield for Finn. The Shield Rods give a +2 Defense bonus on top of their attack power. It isn't much but it will shave some damage off and that adds up. The Spike Shield adds +2 Attack which isn't as useful (diminishing returns and all that) but can't exactly hurt.

Then it's off to find out what happened to that boy.

 

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - it seems the disgruntled citizens of Bandore have provided an avenue of ingress for us and while I'm sure they did not intend to let a band of scalawags from Marion into their castle we're going in anyway.

Update Fifty-seven | Index | Update Fifty-nine