Beyond the Beyond: Update 66: The Pirate (return to Bandore)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 66: The Pirate (return to Bandore)

The last time we saw our intrepid explorers they had just witnessed a bit of unrest in Bandore. The emperor's loss is our gain however and Bandore has become relatively peaceful. I use the term relative because the volcano is of course still absolutely crawling with enemies. Fortunately we never have any reason to go back there!

Before we escape the volcano we have a little matter of Domino's ship. He's rather graciously letting the team board and use it. Then again his entire crew ran out on him so we just might be some convenient replacements.

The ship appears to be in good condition. Hopefully it will stay that way. It also comes equipped with standard issue tacky ornamentation on the front bow. Just don't think about the fact that that sculpture alone probably cost as much as the rest of the ship and Domino could have used the money he blew on it hiring a better crew.

Domino's at the helm waiting for the team to talk to him but we don't want to do that yet. A set of stairs goes down into the bowels of the ship.

If Domino really wants to join the team he'll have to cough up all the treasure hidden on his ship. Assuming he has any. What kind of a pirate doesn't have loot on their boat?

Far be it from me to question your, uh, interests but why exactly are we checking every box and barrel we see?
Because Finn's tingling treasure sense demands it.
I'm kind of amazed he doesn't rummage through ever bush and under every rock we pass.
Don't encourage him.
I don't need encouragement, sis. I do that stuff when you all go to sleep at night.
...you need help, Finn.
Exactly. You're all helping me search these barrels and I appreciate that.
I should know better by now. Really, I should.

The team comes upon what was probably the crew quarters once upon a time. These are pirates with class. Each gets their own comfy bed. There will be no bunk beds on this boat! (That would require drawing new bed graphics.)

Downstairs the team finds the captain's quarters as evidenced by Domino's diary on a shelf.

Here it is, Finn.
May I hazard a guess that we won't be telling Domino that we've been rifling through his personal things.
My lips are sealed.
If you're hoping to uncover some deep, dark secret I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed, Finn. We already know this story.
Yeah it just says, "I must not stop my travels. Not until I avenge my family...".
I kind of figured that by the book, "The Legendary Vase of Life" on the shelf over there.
He really has been of a one track mind...
Not a surprise to anyone.
He's just been chasing his dream. I can respect that.

Hmm, what's this?

On the table in Domino's quarters is a fairly valuable and easily missed item - the World Map for Beyond the Beyond. This is the only place in the game to get this item. There's no hint this item is there and once the player leaves the ship it is impossible to get back to any of the interior maps. The World Map isn't needed to finish the game but it does make navigation on the ship less of a hassle.

There's also a barrel full of booze right next to Domino's bed. Somehow this strikes me as a ridiculously silly fire hazard but then again what do I know about pirate ships?

The other side of the third floor contains a trio of treasure chests containing two Healing Herbs and a Dragon Card. I would prefer real treasure but I guess expendable items that aren't totally useless will have to do.

With the ship explored the team heads up and approaches Domino.

Finn, are you ready? Let's go! But wait... If I join the party, there will be six people. We can only fight effectively with five people in the group. Why don't you decide who we should exclude?

This marks the point in the game where the team is officially over the limit the game's battle engine can support. Choosing who to exclude is just a matter of picking the person you want to kick out (Finn's a permanent fixture of the party) then choose which town or settlement you want that character to go to. I opt to put Domino in Bandore Town.

Note that this wouldn't pop up at all if I had missed Tont. Domino is actually the last character we are required to recruit meaning no matter what the player will have a full team for the rest of the game.

I think we've still got some business in town. We'll probably be around here for a day or two at this rate.
I heard that Marion's forces were approaching. I doubt Bandore's got much will left to fight with the emperor dead.
How did you hear that Marion was coming?
The same way everyone else did of course!
That's not that far off, kid. Rumors have been flying that Marion troops already crossed the border.
Odd. Dad seemed pretty sure he wasn't going to send anyone in.
Something's not adding up.
Sir Samson do you think my father would change his mind so soon?
It's possible.
Something has Bandore in an uproar. If you're willing to hang around for a while I suppose we'll find out.
Okay well we'll do that!
Then I'll be waiting in town. Until we meet again.

Choosing Domino isn't just because I want to keep the band together as-is for a little longer. It also triggers an animation that can only be seen if you tell him he's not included in the party at this point.

Warning! Animated GIF!

Domino definitely has no problem jumping over obstacles. Too bad this is a cut-scene only power because we could actually use it while exploring.

We officially have a ship! It even works although with Finn at the wheel I'd be a bit worried for any other ship they might come across.

This ship is doomed isn't it? I'll be amazed if it lasts a week. This is a Camelot game after all. We're not going to take off just yet though. For one thing the team's thoroughly drained from the dungeon gauntlet they just went through. Even a short jaunt across monster infested waters is out of the question.

Why yes the oceans are infested with creepy crawlies and does have a high random encounter encounter rate. Why would you assume a boat would stop that sort of thing?

Back in town the team immediately sees Domino milling about. No matter who we chose they'd be standing right there provided we sent them to Bandore. Every town has a point for passive party members to mill about waiting for their time in the sun.

Didn't take you long to get the hang of steering my ship did it?
Finn had to take it out for a quick spin. We're all lucky to still be alive.
Please, the ship practically steers itself.
Ha, ha. You don't know the half of it, Finn.
...I was wondering why Edward was so okay with me taking the wheel.
The enchantment is hard to miss.
The ship has a sense of self preservation so it will try to avoid running aground. It can't steer itself when you're out to sea though. It also can't avoid storms or other types of trouble so don't slack off.
No worries! The great Steiner is here to keep an eye on things.

This is the peaceful town of Bandore!
Someone's chipper!
Edward it seems your father did change his mind. There are Marion troops in the castle.
What? How did they get here so fast?
Maybe your dad's not so keen on you running off into the wilderness.
I... guess that could explain it. I just don't understand how Marion could scrounge up the troops needed so quickly.

The townsfolk are still milling about with no signs of a battle anywhere to be seen.

Hey there old timer.
And a good day to you too little dragon. Well, as good a day as it could be now that Bandore is under occupation.
Yeah what happened? This morning was quiet and peaceful.
It all happened so fast. One minute I heard soldiers shouting. The next thing I knew the sentries on the wall were laying down their weapons.
Bandore surrendered. That would explain why it all happened so fast.
But it still doesn't explain how Marion troops got over the border and across the country right on our heels.
I hope things settle down soon. What will Marion do with Bandore now that we have surrendered? I never thought I would see the day when mighty Bandore is conquered.
Surrendered, conquered, same thing right?
A few years ago this would have been unthinkable.
Eh, I bet it'll be quiet around here. Unless Shutat comes back or something.
We're not that lucky.

Inside the nearby church is a whole lot of calm with a priest and one woman milling about.

I hear what you're saying, Mary, but I just don't see any reason to get worked up.
Now that Bandore's emperor is no longer in power, can we get along with Marion?
I don't see why you couldn't. I don't think Edward here has any grudges against anyone else in Bandore.
*nervous laugh*
I don't understand.
That's probably for the best. So did you see Marion's forces?
Yes. I saw a few of them at least. They didn't stay in town for long. Once the town's garrison surrendered they hurried towards the castle.
I guess all the brouhaha was already over by the time they arrived.
I'm not complaining!

It's been awhile since the team's seen a proper save point. They still need to rest and recharge but there's no need to ever set foot in the volcano ever again.

Speaking of resting the inn is right across the street. At least Bandore has the good sense to put the recharge point and the save point right by the front entrance.

Back again? I take it you kids are going to stick around to watch the town implode.
Eh, another day. Maybe two depending on what's going on around here.
The open sea calls!
I wouldn't say it calls. It's more like an option at this point.
I heard there was a battle near the harbor. Everybody was in a hurry to get out while they could.
That would explain the distinct lack of people here.
Business hasn't been all that good lately. Hopefully things will settle down and trade ships will get moving again.
Not with all the monsters everywhere!
Tont's an optimist!
Hey just think about it, Steiner. If all else fails we can go into business protecting travelers from monsters.
I thought you were going to build an evil lair.
Evil lairs need capital to get going. I'm just thinking of my funding options.
And if you're the one releasing the monsters all the better for business!
You bet!
You kids are weird.
Tell me about it.
But I just did!
Anyway if you're staying tonight I'm planning on serving dinner early so feel free to relax around here until then.
You mean with that guy over there crying into his drink?
*shrugs*
He seems pretty down. Tont go over there and offer a paw.
Will do. *flies over to the man* So human what's so wrong that you're crying?
I can't believe our Bandore troops were defeated by Marion. We're Bandore. That's not supposed to happen.
Aww, I'm sure everything will be a-okay soon. By the way are you going to eat that roll?

Upstairs the kids find two things: relief from the sobbing fellow and the locked chest is still locked.

This is going to be an awkward night.
At least no one's directly blaming us for all of this.
Yeah we did kinda sorta launch our own personal invasion of Bandore.
The only thing Finn's trying to invade right now is this chest.
It's not going to open oh brother of mine no matter how hard you pull on the lid.
Maybe Domino can open this.
So every pirate knows how to pick locks too?
It's worth a shot isn't it?
Someone who fled Bandore probably left this here in case they came back. Forget about it. It's not that important.
*grumbles something inaudible*
Fiiiiiinnn...
Okay, okay I'll leave it alone. *glares at the chest* You win. FOR NOW.

The tool and equipment shops are still open for all our restocking and other shopping needs. The team skips the item shop for the moment since they're not planning on rolling out just yet.

(weapon shop) Hi kids. Good to see that someone still has the nerve to walk around like its a normal day.
What makes you say that?
(weapon shop) I mean all that stuff with the castle and the harbor. I heard that it got pretty bad.
(item shop) Now, now. Things have already calmed down. Shutat and his followers fled on the battleship. It's regretful that we didn't catch them, but at least peace has been restored to Bandore.
(weapon shop) But the emperor is dead. Who's going to rule Bandore?
You know that's actually a damn good question. Edward?
Why would I know? I would assume it would come down to the laws of succession for this country. I don't know what those are.
Yeah doesn't the army just take over now or something?
(item shop) But we're under occupation from Marion.
(weapon shop) Many are still scared of the outsiders from Quamdar... Shutat, the Sorceress Ramue, Archer Dagoot, and the fat Magician Yeon.
One down, three to go then!
(weapon shop) I don't understand.
Yeon sort of fell into the volcano.
(weapon shop) What?! You defeated Yeon?! That's one less to worry about.
Defeated, watched fall thanks to someone else, eh, same thing right?
*grumbles something inaudible*

The kids continue wandering around town while Finn mopes.

Well what I said was true, Finn. We didn't do anything to stop Yeon ourselves.
Yeah you all were just sort of hanging around.
And then Kevins came by and took care of Yeon.
'Bout time that human did something good for Finn!
...
What's wrong, Finn? Aren't you going to rebuke Steiner?
...no.
Wow I didn't think it was possible but you've finally run Finn out of witty retorts, Steiner.
He just has to ruin my fun!
Hey there kids. Are you travelers?
I suppose that describes what we've been doing these days. Anything interesting around here?
Mountains, volcanoes, and more mountains.
I'm afraid we've all had our fill of the local geography.
Hmm, well if you've got the stomach for some hard travel then you can head south. Beyond the southwest mountains is the savage kingdom of Barbaros.
How savage are we talking about?
Never been there myself and don't plan to either. I heard they feed people to monsters just for their own amusement!
Well now we've gotta go there!

In this house the woman and her young son are still waiting.

Oh hello again.
Still no word?
*shakes head* My father still has not returned from his trip to Zeal village. I'm really worried about him now.
There's a passage to Zeal up on the volcano, right?
Yes.
I don't think he's coming through there any time soon and that's before you factor in the fact that the volcano's crawling with monsters.
The passage is totally blocked.
Oh no! There's no other way to reach Bandore from that valley. What am I going to tell my son...
How's he holding up anyway?
My grandpa is not back yet. He said he was coming back with a gift for me... I just know he was eaten by monsters!
Not well.
I'll just have to hope my father stays safe in Zeal until we can get the tunnel opened.
I'm sure if we applied enough magic to it we could get the job done in a jiffy!
Or further destroy it.
Well I suppose that is always an option.
Let's try to avoid that option, shall we? Zeal's got enough problems at the moment.
Spoilsport.
Well somebody's gotta do it!

Just outside the house is an adorable white cat wandering about. Oh yeah and a human but really the cat's the show stealer.

Thanks to Marion, we can finally live in peace. I don't know how to thank you.
What makes you think we did anything?
Because you're the only visitors of Marion we've had in several years and you happened to show up right before Marion's troops came marching in?
Was it that obvious?
No but the looks on your faces when I said all that stuff confirmed everything.
Dangit!
Have you heard of the Island of Discipline?
Discipline? In this group? Puhlease!
I heard that at the shrine, they test not only your bravery, but all attributes necessary to become a hero. Do you think you're strong enough?
It sounds vaguely familiar. We've probably heard of it somewhere that just wasn't important enough to stick in memory.
Discipline... it's an island that's west of Luna I think.
So you have heard of it?
It's somewhat famous.
Ships had to stop going there because of all the monsters.
Oh really? The heroes of this kingdom went to Discipline but never returned. Do you... do you think something bad might have happened to them?
Well as Tont loves to remind me that's always an option.

Across the thoroughfare the kid has finally returned from his impossible mission into the monster infested castle.

Still keeping watch out here?
(outside) We got some good news. All the soldiers being held for speaking out are being released. Isn't that great?
That didn't take long.
(outside) I'm glad to hear that this family will be reunited, thanks to Marion.
Well let's go inside and bask in the warm glow of a not-widow!

Inside the house...

Hurray! Hurray! My dad is coming home!
Well someone's definitely happy in here!
As opposed to the human we've been dragging around with us who hasn't been happy.
...
(inside)Thanks to the Marion Knights, my husband is coming home. I'm glad things worked out!
Finn are you just going to give us the silent treatment for the rest of the day.
I just... don't have the heart to be enthusiastic right now.
Prrraayrr. I still want to know how you got around all the monsters.
Monsters? Oh, they were no trouble at all. See this bag here. It was full of stink and smoke bombs. I just used those.
So that's what that awful smell was.
Wait why didn't the rest of us smell anything?
'Cause none of you are monsters of course.
But you could smell it. What does that make you, Steiner?
Awesome. Duh!

With nowhere else to go the kids turn towards Bandore Castle. Again.

Are you kids going inside?
Possibly. Is it safe?
As far as I know it is. Marion's forces just marched right in and things have been quiet ever since.
So it's not safe. Good to know, human!
Well there wasn't any fighting in the streets and no one came running out. Looks like Marion Knights aren't savages like we were told, it was just propaganda from Shutat. [sic]
Horns! He has HORNS! We did anyone think he was trustworthy to begin with?!
Benefit of the doubt and, uhm, the fact that anyone who crossed him ended up dead. You just stop questioning after enough of that.

To continue...

Update Sixty-five | Index | Update Sixty-six point five