Beyond the Beyond: Update 64: Imperialism (Volcano pt. 3)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 64: Imperialism (Volcano pt. 3)

The last time we saw the kids they had just teleported themselves out of the bowels of the volcano following a nefarious scheme that ended in tragedy and the retrieval of a key that someone left lying on the ground for anyone to steal. With it the door near the path to Bandore Castle was unlocked.

Just beyond is another cave.

Not another one! How many caves are there around here?
Considering this is a chain of mountains I'm betting a whole bunch.
I shudder to think how much labor was needed to cut all these tunnels. How many years has Bandore been at it?
They'll need a whole bunch more after Tont's done with it!
Eh I'm not really digging the heat and that oozing lava stuff and the mix of sea air right here.

As expected the hole in the rock leads to a tunnel and like all the tunnels winding through the volcano it uses a red palette.

Whoa, its actually nice and cool in here.
It does go to the sea.
As I said.
I never really doubted you. Uh... I just...
*raises an eyebrow*

The tunnel is a little twisty but is straightforward. In fact it might be the most practical and utilitarian passage in the entire game.

There are even more monsters inside pulling from the pool of strongest critters in the depths of the volcano. That and priests because there are apparently legions of priests wandering the slopes. They aren't all that dangerous. The real threat is that by this point the player is likely to be thoroughly worn out. The team here is thoroughly worn out (note the remaining MP) but they don't have far to go.

Annie is having none of this random encounter chicanery.

Annie's on the warpath again!
When is she not on the warpath?
When there's nothing for me to wage war on?
So the warpath will end after the Vicious Ones have destroyed the world?
Give me a little credit, Tont. I'm not some rage-aholic. I just meet bloodthirsty monsters with a bit of their own medicine.

A few minutes later sunshine greets the kids.

Watch out Bandore here we come!
I do believe they know we are on our way.
All the more reason to not keep them waiting.

Outside there is another narrow, twisty passage through the rock.

I wonder if Bandore has any quarrys out here. Seems like a waste if they don't.
Why come all the way out here when they could just use the cliffs right by their home?
Hmm. Point taken. Different kinds of rock, maybe?
We'll have to ask the emperor when we catch up to him.
If he has any sense he's on a boat and long gone by now.

Just around the corner are a pair of descending staircases.

Well I'll be! There really is a harbor. I was starting to think it was just a legend.
I can see and smell humans over there!
Then let's get over there and find out who they are.

Oh yeah and there are even more random encounters. Even Bandore's harbor is overrun with them! It's somewhat amazing that Bandore hasn't become a nation run by and for monsters ala Dire Palace in Dragon Warrior/Quest 4. Not that I'm complaining about Dire Palace. It was an interesting change of pace for that game.

Moving forward the teams finds out that there is water and what is possibly a bridge leading into the harbor. Sure is some interesting geography around Bandore. I'll give them that.

I've got good news for you, Annie. We're going to get to find out if the emperor has any good sense in him.
I take it by the way you phrased that statement that Edward's about to be a happy camper.
But Edward's not really that into camping to begin with.
It's just a turn of phrase.

As soon as the team steps onto the bridge the game takes over for cutscene mode. First the camera pans up to show the emperor and a pair of soldiers looking out to sea. What they're looking at the game isn't ready to say just yet.

Damn Shutat! He left me stranded here with the Marion army at my back door!

Also I continue to be mystified as to why the emperor thinks an army from Marion is at the gates. Bandore doesn't even have gates to begin with. Maybe if they had spent the time installing such minor quibbles they wouldn't be in such a desperate situation. It's just one of numerous security holes but it irks me in particular.

The soldier to the emperor's left then walks forward to address the emperor.

(west) ... That is why I've always told you that Shutat is not to be trusted.
You... you've always said that?
Well I have mentioned it. More than once.

The emperor backs up, rams into the soldier, and sends them flying back. Or shoves them depending on how you interpret technical limitations with these sprites.

I will remind you who's in charge here!
(west) Y-yes Your Majesty. It won't happen again.
Oh, be quiet! It's too late now!
(east) Sire what should we do?
My fleet isn't here yet! Shutat is getting away...

As the first soldier gets back on their feet the second steps forward and points out that there is mayhem afoot out on the waves.

Your Majesty, look! Our fleet is engaging the battleship!
What? Ah, yes. They have finally arrived.

The emperor walks closer to the water still unaware that the enemy he's so afraid of is behind him watching everything he's doing.

Finn are we going to do anything?
Something's going on out at sea. I don't want to get pinned down if the ships start docking.
We could always hold the emperor hostage!
No. A naval battle is about to begin.
Are you sure?
Yes. The ships have their cannons at the ready.
Awesome! I'll finally get to see what a cannon can do!

The scene cuts to an overhead view of one of Bandore's warships. There are no soldiers or sailors visible which gives the impression the entire ship runs on some sort of automated system. Just what kind of technology does this world have again? I would attribute it to magic but Bandore has never shown itself to be a magic-heavy nation. In fact all the magic seen thus far from their side came from Ramue and Shutat.

Clearly anyone with a drop of magic in them ran off to join to the legions of countryside roaming priests. Or they were banished to those ranks. Or went completely rogue and decided to be Evil Summoners.

Woah! Now he's in for it! No one can defeat the Bandore Navy! He won't get very far with my battleship!

The three cannons on deck fire.

Their shots, however, fall short of the battleship. Said battleship is every bit as deserted as its Bandore counterpart. Again, what level of tech does this world have? Is this why Domino could sail around without a crew? If that's the case then why have a crew at all?

The battleship returns fire. Where the cannons used by the Bandore navy make a soft explosion noise and a puff of smoke those on the battleship are knocked back as they spit fire and emit a nice booming noise. It's a pretty stark contrast.

The Bandore ship is hit multiple times and immediately begins exploding. That's why you don't build a navy out of Explodium! People tried to warn the emperor that it wasn't a suitable material but he just wouldn't listen...

The explosion leaves nothing of the ship behind. It doesn't even generate a shockwave.

What?! I've never seen such powerful cannons! What is going on?

A Bandore ship south of the battleship opens fire.

This time the shots just barely fall short. So close, guys, so tantalizingly close!

The battleship returns fire. So does that mean the automated cannon control system only works on one side at a time?

Sadly another Bandore ship made of Explodium goes up like a matchbox. The way this is animated results in a form of Bloodless Carnage because the developers apparently didn't want to go to the trouble of actually populating and scripting any ship crews.

...

And the emperor has nothing to say as he watches helpless to stop the total destruction of his fleet. Putting a guy he had known for all of a week in charge of everything suddenly seems like a really stupid idea.

The battleship doesn't stop there though. It continues to open fire.

With amazing precision (or just sheer luck) a shell hits the western Bandore soldier killing them on the spot.

A moment later the eastern soldier suffers the same fate. Finn and crew can only watch as people bloodlessly explode all over the dock. Also they might be a bit deaf at the moment because explosions and stuff. It's a good thing shrapnel's not a thing in this world nor are there cannonballs flying around.

A third shell explodes in the water just behind the emperor. Someone's not getting the 100% accuracy achievement! It's still enough to hurl the man through the air. (Maybe this is a low gravity world because everything seems to do that?)

The emperor lies prone. The harbor itself is utterly unscathed despite taking three direct hits.

Shutat... betrayed me... He told me I would rule the world... I would rule...

Then the emperor dies seemingly never figuring out that Shutat lied and always intended to discard him the moment it was convenient. Typical villain stuff.

Now you might be wondering how the emperor managed to miss getting on the battleship when he went out to the harbor before Ramue and Shutat. Those two were waiting to ambush Finn and company while the emperor was evacuating. The answer is that Dagoot (who we will eventually get to see, honest!) probably set sail with the battleship as soon as he could. He really should be part of this sequence of events but the developers apparently didn't get around to adding him in.

Meanwhile over on the battleship Ramue and Shutat are laughing it up.

Ha ha ha. Without a ship, they cannot chase us. Bandore has served its usefulness.
Lord Shutat, Finn is at the port! This is a golden opportunity. We should attack him with the cannons!
Hmm... quick and efficient. I like that idea.

Before either of the pair can get the cannons going again a dragon-shaped shadow passes overhead.

Oh! Lord Shutat we have company!

It goes off screen then circles around and comes back.

Aww, yes we do.
It's just hovering there watching us.
Shoot! Is he going to get in our way again?
...Say, how long will this take? Well then, why don't I just take care of it?
Don't bother! ... As long as we don't do anything to it, it won't do anything to us.
But it will only take a few minutes to dispose of that pest.
And risk damaging the ship? No. We can deal with it later.
Are you sure Lord Shutat? It has been such a bother since we stepped inside Marion!
Yes I'm sure.
*sighs* Very well. I guess I'll have to find someone else to amuse me.
I'm sure you will. *turns to the dragon* While you're up there... We will destroy everything on the ground!
Indeed, Lord Shutat. It's the Common World that abandoned us. We shouldn't hesitate!
Now that we have this wonderful ship where to start?
Well after all this bothersome nonsense with Bandore whose death would most amuse you Lord Shutat?
Ha!... Ramue, we'll head west. I don't like that Barbaros Castle. We shall let them know... the wrath of the Vicious Ones!

Either the dragon flies away or the ship sets sail. Either way the two sides part company.

Yes, yes that sounds delightful!
I'll begin making plans with Dagoot for the attack.

With the battleship out of the harbor and Bandore's forces utterly destroyed Finn and company are free to do what they do best - pick through containers pilfering anything of use or value! First up is a Healing Potion. Meh.

Well that was thoroughly horrifying.
I knew Shutat was evil but I figured he'd at least have a sliver of consideration for his own allies.
A man like that doesn't have allies. He has tools he disposes of as he wishes.
He seems to get along with Ramue just fine.
Common goals.
I suppose this is good for Marion. Bandore won't be a threat to anyone for years.
I'm still confused about why Shutat wanted that battleship so badly. So he destroyed some Bandore ships. So what?
He wants it so he can have a mobile lab of evil?
Someone's a little jealous...
I want a mobile lab of awesome, flying preferably! That way I could look down and relish in everyone looking like ants compared to my mighty fortress!
You know, Steiner, I think you might be right about Tont compensating for something.
Finn and Steiner have agreed on something. My nefarious plans are coming to fruition!
And now my brother is picking through Bandore's ashes for anything useful.
*shrugs* We went to all the trouble of getting here. Might as well.

On the other side of the dock is a Wind Vase just sort of sitting around in a barrel. Who puts vases in barrels?

As they start to leave they spot a familiar eye patch.

It's that pirate guy.
Didn't expect to see him here.
Uh, hi there. Domino, right?
*chuckles* Looks like something is going on between you and Shutat.

Domino takes a step forward.

It's been a while, boy.
The last time we met you were in quite the predicament.
I like to think that I've learned a thing or two.
Like not getting in over your head where strange treasures are concerned?
Perhaps. I haven't needed anyone to bail me out.
You just decided to hang around some of your most hated enemies. I like a pirate with gumption!
Domino's the only pirate you've ever met.
And he's way ahead of the competition by every measure!
It seems you kids have been busy since we met on Gaea's Island. Since then, I decided to personally search around Bandore, but I didn't expect this! This place is far more messed up than I could have imagined!
Without the emperor or Shutat here maybe things in Bandore will stabilize.
*shakes head* That man, Shutat... Such a terrifying person. He even killed his ally, the Emperor of Bandore. What more does he want?
World domination?
Something worse than that.
*shakes head* I don't know what he wants other than one thing.
He wants you dead that's for sure!
Well yeah that's the one thing I mentioned.
You specifically?
Some Great Light nonsense.
You don't believe in that prophecy?
I'm just some kid raised on what was almost a farm in a hick little village in Marion.
And he's gone through an awful lot of trouble to save the world despite all that!
Well what do you expect? The world's going to hell in a handbasket and Shutat's stoking the flames.
That madman is going to destroy the world? No way, I won't let him do it! You're trying to stop him, right?
Stop, slow down, inconvenience, mildly annoy... we'll take what we can get.
I don't have any delusions, sis.
There are a great many people in Marion and Bandore who I am sure are grateful for our actions. You needn't be so modest, Finn.
Eh, just realistic. That way I won't be disappointed later.
I've trained him well, krryaa!
I overheard you earlier. Didn't mean too but I sort of got the gist of your conversation.
Well Arawn wants us to do something about Shutat. We'll see what comes of that.
I don't know why you are fighting, but if you are fighting him... you can have my help.
Great, a pirate on our side.
Better than being on Shutat's side!
As a professional I trust you will adhere to your duty.
Just don't expect me to be particularly friendly.
I would be worried if you were.

Finn and company meet Domino when the pirate walks forward.

Finn what are you doing with your orb?
The idea just came to me all of a sudden. Here you go, Domino.

Finn then hands Domino a piece of what was presumably his Light Orb. How does this work? The game doesn't say. It just nods and rolls with it.

What is it?
Arawn gave these to us.
Well I suppose I should put my trust in Arawn if no one else. Alright, I accept.

Domino does that glowy aura animation complete with sorta-buzzing sound effect. Hah! Now he's got a Light Orb permanently taking a slot in his inventory as well!

Finn, your orb!
What?
It regenerated.
Cool. So can we draft an army with these things?
I don't really want to test that.

We at last have 6 party members! Oh wait there are only 5 party slots. Hmm, I guess we're going to find out very soon how the game handles switching team members.

I hid my ship in a safe spot. I'll go get it. As soon as you're ready, let's take off!

Domino then walks past Finn onto the dock. That is the dock that has no other exits.

But none of that matters because Domino apparently has his ship set up on radio control or something. I'm sensing a theme with ship technology...

The ship just sort of meanders up to the dock and a gangplank appears out of nowhere.

--BONUS CONTENT--

~Emperor of Bandore Ruler of the Bandore Empire, a powerful country in Aridia. Having a strong desire to conquer, he is on the verge of inciting a war by invading the surrounding countries. Finn's native country, Marion, is also being threatened by this invasion.

Well there's the emperor in his five minutes of screentime glory. You hear way more about him from NPCs than you ever actually see of him. I suppose he managed to accomplish something with his invasion of Marion but after that it was all downhill. There was definitely no honor among villains in this cast!

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - since the Bandore arc has ended taking Act 3 with it that means its time for bonus stuff. In our next installment I will pause the narrative in order to try to break the game once again!

Update Sixty-three | Index | Update Sixty-five