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Beyond the Beyond: Update 69: Delivery Service (Zalagoon pt. 3)
The kids have a boat, they've done their duty to king and country, and most importantly they're getting bored with no direction. I smell disaster in their collective futures.
In other news they soon round the cape and are off towards Zalagoon.
Somehow a slime and a rabbit manage to hop aboard. An astute observer might notice that I'm fighting enemies that are random encounters in Marion and when I was near Bandore it was enemies from that part of the overworld. That is true. Beyond the Beyond does have a set of encounters for "out at sea" but the zones for the various landmasses have a considerable amount of overlap with the water. This can make for easy encounters or, if you're in one part of the world, you could suddenly run into monsters that would give this team a serious fight.
It all feels a bit sloppy and hastily put together to be honest.
The kids don't have to worry about such things right now. They're on their way to Zalagoon! Rather than sail around Greenheim though they just park on the east side of the bridge and start walking.
Zalagoon is about the same as the kids left it. It's even got a guy rambling on about happiness. Maybe that guy in Marion doing the same would be better off in Zalagoon?
This is the free kingdom of Zalagoon, where everyone can live happily!
There's plenty of repeated dialogue from the last trip which I'll skip since this time no one has any hints or reminders.
That doesn't mean Finn isn't going to barge into every building in town. He's definitely going to do that. Law of the rpg after all.
Back again? I heard Shutat is running around. Is that true?
Probably. He's not welcome in Bandore any more.
If he comes around here, he'll be asking for trouble!
Prraaa are you gonna arrest him if he shows up? I'll do more than that. 
As if. I heard that Shutat and his generals are fearsome warriors.
Before you ask we can't really say if that's true. Every time we run into one of them they either refuse to fight or are already running away.
Then they'll be no match for the might of Zalagoon.
They're out to sea right now. They could stop by Zalagoon. If I had a ship, I would travel to so many places. But then again, I always get seasick.
Maybe we'll get lucky and Shutat will get seasick too.
We're not that lucky.
I know but a girl can dream.
Underground the bar is still as packed as it was the last time the kids stopped by. Do any of these people have lives outside this place or do we just have an amazing ability to find them when they happen to be here?
Hi kids! This place is so comfortable... I think I'll...
He must be comfortable. He passed right out.
I've seen Sir Galahad do that plenty of times when he's clearly not comfortable.
Yes well Dad did have some... encouragement just like this fellow.
What can I get ya?
Here's to FREEDOM! Freedom? You can get that from a bottle?
It depends on how you define freedom.
We don't actually need anything.
What, you don't want anything? Stop wasting my time.
But you asked us.
Don't try to make any sense of it, Tont. We're clearly well beyond that.
Awww! But I like making sense out of things that are insensible.
Aren't you kids a little young to be down here? Sir Samson doesn't care.
So can we drink yet? 
Not if you're still serious about hunting Shutat.
Besides this place is already busy enough.
Now that Marion is being restored, and Zalagoon's troops are back, the kingdom can get back to normal.
Until Shutat shows up on your shores.
Then we'll kick his butt! Is this why booze is called liquid courage?
Something like that.
So we should keep Finn drunk all the time then?
And lose the ship? No way! Hey!
(barkeep) Are you kids just going to stand around talking or are you buyin' somethin'?
I don't know. Let me see what you've got back there.
(barkeep) Hey! Get on the other side of the bar, buddy.
After a bit of a tussle between Steiner and the barkeep the other kids shrug their shoulders and head to the back room. It's not as if the barkeep can stop them with Steiner all up in his face.
(back) Hi kids. What are you doing back here?
Tont and I have a bet going about whether or not you live here. 
I must say, Tont you should stop making bets you can't win.
I don't mind losing my money to Annie. It goes right back into the pot anyway. (back) Why would you make a bet about where I live? I don't even know you. Every time we've come to Zalagoon you've been back here working.
Yeah and?
It's just kind of weird. You weren't phased by all that stuff with the advisor or war with Bandore or anything!
(back) Zalagoon went to war with Bandore? When?
A few weeks ago.
(back) Really? Phew! I've got to get out of this storeroom more often.
That would probably be prudent.
Back up above ground is sunshine, fresh air, and no more people passing out.
Travelers? You kids are from Marion aren't you?
I'm not! The others are though. Any news?
Bandore surrendered.
Ahh, so that's it. Bandore has become a quiet kingdom. I knew it had to be good news for once.
But wasn't Bandore quiet before the invasion? It was. Still made plenty of people paranoid. Well, it's good that we don't have any more disputes with them.
For now!
I hear to the continent to the west is filled with monsters. It must be hard living there.
Then Bandore should take care of those monsters. I don't know how they could. There are a lot of them.
It's why Bandore's the way it is, right? All those monsters makes them aggressive.
In the wrong way. If that's true. Marion and Zalagoon got lucky.
Yeah it's not just Bandore that has tons of monsters. There are plenty on Greenheim in general.
On the other side of the bushes is another soldiers roaming about.
So what prevents all the monsters in Aridia from crossing over? They have no problem getting on our boat. Wouldn't swimming a river be easier?
That's a very good question. Sir Samson?
Every now and then something hops the border. Been a long time though since it was anything serious. And how long is "a long time?"
Since I was a kid. The knights aren't just for show.
Oh, are you folks from Marion? Yup! Next chance I get, I'll visit Marion. [sic] I want to see what our allies are like. Marion's a lot like this place. They've got a castle and everything! I heard from some of the soldiers who returned. They said there wasn't much damage. Is that true? Not to buildings. It helps when you attack before your opponent knows you're even there.
For such a small church it's always busy. Only one NPC has something new to say though so I guess it evens out.
(south) Hello kids. What brings you to Zalagoon this time?
Nothing much really. What are you two doing?
(north) I'm thanking Arawn for the peace we now enjoy.
(south) I'm here for daily prayers.
So does Arawn actually hear the prayers directed at him?
I don't know. Should we ask him if we see him again?
Hmm. Maybe.
Yeah let's cause some more trouble for that old timer! Calling Arawn an old timer, while it might be technically true, is also a great way to convince him to smite us.
Prrarr! We robbed his houses and he didn't care.
(north) What on earth are you kids talking about?
About how we should really be going now.
The shops have nothing new to sell and these two NPCs have nothing new to say. I would complain about Zalagoon being a bit dull but I think its role in the game's plot has ended.
Onward to the castle!
Hi kids. Here to see the king again?
Uh, sort of. I guess. Is he here?
Of course he is! Do you bring news from Marion? You bet!
I hope it's good news. It is. Why? Did something happen while we were gone?
No. It's just... you know, all that stuff with the advisor and Bandore. A shame we can't stay. Zalagoon is pretty nice right now. And let Shutat run around? Yeah, no. Who's Shutat?
Just some guy who convinced the emperor of Bandore to go to war.
Oh. So are you chasing him?
Chasing him would require that we had any idea where he went.
He'll turn up eventually, sis.
In the worst way possible. Well he'd better not come here or we'll kick his butt!
That's the spirit, human!
Pardon my asking but you're the second soldier who to express that sentiment. Why are you all suddenly so confident in your ability to fight Shutat?
Under Sir Piat's direction we've been training hard in case of another attack! Warriors of great experience and skill can train to further their skills at the Temple of Discipline. I am training to one day be able to gain their knowledge. You personally or are all the soldiers competing? The Temple of Discipline is far away - farther than most of my comrades are willing to go - but I don't care. I'm going to become the best warrior Zalagoon has ever seen!
Well good luck with that.
Thanks!
Inside the courtyard four soldiers are at attention or they're just there because they have nowhere else in the castle to go.
(SW) I wish I could fly like a bird. Excuse me, I was just daydreaming.
That's a beautiful dream, human. Flying is wonderful! Is that why you do it all the time?
If he had to walk everywhere he'd get left behind.
(SE) Sir Piat wishes he could join you on your adventure, but his duties to the kingdom don't allow it.
(NE) Not that it matters now. I heard that Bandore is now passive.
Passive might not be the right word. No longer at war, sure, but also very, very confused right now.
We really should check in on them in a few weeks and make sure the talks are going well.
(NW) We no longer need to worry about Bandore, but I heard the kingdom of Barbaros is savage. They are supposed to be honorable people though.
Honorable savages? How does that work? Aren't those rather contradictory? (NW) Well that's just what I've heard.
We are indeed from Marion and we shall go right inside. Thanks guards!
The throne room is just as crowded as it was the last time the kids were in town. I guess that's just normal operating procedure in Zalagoon. Just don't ask why the king and queen need all those guards. It's not like the game shows any courtiers or guests in the castle.
(SW) Good day to you Prince Edward. Do you bring news from Marion?
I do.
Can we just shout "We are victorious!" and be done with it?
I thought you liked Zalagoon. I do but I'd also like to see more of the world.
Good news then?
Bandore has surrendered.
Then it is done.
Shutat's still out there though.
(SE) Now that Queen Scarlet's anxiety has calmed down, I'm sure Sir Bison is relieved. (SW) I would hope so. Although Queen Scarlet never says it, she is glad her native kingdom is at peace.
You needn't worry. The queen has been at ease since Marion's liberation.
(SW) It was pretty tense for awhile. I was sure there were going to be shouting matches but the queen kept her temper.
(NE) Recently, the king has been in a good mood. I'm so glad.
Heck yeah!. Things have been going our way lately!
Don't jinx it! You kids have good reason to be happy. Queen Scarlet will always look out for Marion. If anything happens, just come back here. [sic]
Sure thing! If we need an army we know where to go!
(SW) No matter what the threat Zalagoon stands ready to meet it! You haven't been training with that guy who wants to go to the Temple of Discipline have you?
(NE) Sir Piat was so excited to fight alongside Sir Samson again. Everyone's been training hard thanks to him.
So it all worked out in the end. Good for you, human!
(NW) I've decided to train to be just as strong as Sir Samson. You can do that?! I doubt anyone will ever match Sir Samson in sheer strength. *smirks*
(NW) I'm still going to train and become as strong as I can. No excuses!
The king and queen sit quietly while the conversation unfurls before them. Once everyone has had their say Edward approaches his uncle.
Your Majesty I bring word of Bandore's surrender to Marion. We are again at peace.
That is excellent news.
It didn't take long at all, did it? It happened so fast we were surprised and we were in Bandore at the time!
Yeah all Sir Galahad had to do was show up with a few soldiers and the whole country went into a panic. What is your father's plan now, Edward?
The emperor was betrayed and killed by Shutat so Bandore is in disarray. Sir Galahad is there now while the people of Bandore try to decide on what to do with their government.
Hmm, perhaps they will be more agreeable from now on.
You kids went to Bandore yourselves?
Yeah.
Edward was all "we HAVE to do something about them!" so off we went.
Edward has matured a lot. I'm sure my brother is very proud of him.
Well he's not stopping him from running around with us so I guess that means he's proud.
Or just confidant in our skills. Did you just compliment Finn? I might have.
I've heard so much about your exploits. Please wish the King of Marion my best. I will. Thank you.
Downstairs in the archives is this fellow. An astute observer might remember that back in update 46 there was an old man in the exact same spot that soldier now occupies.
The advisor once mentioned that Shutat is one of the Vicious Ones... If I'm right, I've seen the words "Vicious Ones" in an ancient prophecy.
He only has the first part of the old man's dialogue because the old man had a script to look to the bookshelf and then launch into a second bit of dialogue. This soldier doesn't have the script and nothing extra happens. Why a bit of copy-pasting went nowhere is anyone's guess but we've already seen some weirdness in Zalagoon so this doesn't surprise me.
Back upstairs the kids start checking the castle's perimeter.
Hi kids. Do you need something?
We're just visiting.
We must be cautious as long as Shutat and his three generals are free.
You already heard about that?
Word travels fast in this castle.
To the south is a soldier in a little room.
Back again? Yup. Had to make a detour to Bandore!
I hear the western continent is full of monsters... I think this kingdom is best for me. The monsters aren't that bad, human.
For you maybe.
Yeah how come none of the monsters ever attacks Steiner? Because I'm just too cute to be their enemy. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that said monsters spend much of their time trying to kill me. Or that Steiner's a small, fast-moving target compared to the rest of us.
You've either got it or you don't!
On the other side of the castle is another Zalagoon soldier.
Hi kids! I saw a large flying object in the sky. I wonder what it was?
A large flying object?
When and where did you see it? About a week ago when I was on patrol near the western border.
I don't suppose you could be any more specific?
It was so far away I could barely see it.
Then how can you be sure it was large?
It had to be for me to see it.
Maybe it was just Arawn messing with you.
It seems more likely that it was a dragon in flight.
Don't be ridiculous. Dragons don't grow to that size.
We've run across a sleeping dragon a few times who would disagree with you.
Don't forget that dragon who showed up in Bandore!
That was a rather odd event wasn't it? I wonder if those mountains by Bandore are home to dragons. Probably. They're already home to everything else it seems.
Inside the room are Sir Piat and another soldier. At this point I think anyone would be excused if they assumed the population of these castles was 99% active military.
Sir Samson! Good to see you again!
I see you are well Sir Piat. We heard you're putting the soldiers through tough training exercises! I am. We must be ready if new trouble appears.
The work never ends. The war is over, but Sir Piat is still a busy person. [sic] It sounds like he keeps himself busy.
My duties to the kingdom consume most of my day. I don't have time to leave the kingdom, but I wish the best for you. [sic]
If things go bad we'll run back here and put that training to use. *sniffs the air* Or run back here and eat some of that good food.
Aww yes, the castle cook. Wonderful chef but she could stand to loosen up a bit.
Her mutton is the best in the kingdom.
Hmm, maybe we should go see what she's working on then.
Following Finn's growling stomach the team heads next door to the kitchen. They find a cook rushing about.
Wow that really does smell good.
Sorry kids but I'm busy right now. I've gotta hurry! I need to prepare a meal before Sir Piat gets upset with me. Sir Piat doesn't seem to be in any hurry. He always wants a hearty meal before taking the soldiers out for training. Now where did I put that pan?
We'll check back in on you later.
Some hours later the kids manage to convince one another that they really should be going and even get out the town gate. With that behind them they begin the walk back to the boat.
--BONUS CONTENT--
Zalagoon is a strange place when you start looking closely at it. It's got a waterway dungeon that leads to the castle right under the town's streets and there's still no explanation of how said waterway became infested with monsters. When the assault on Marion came the soldiers who poured out of Zalagoon were in Marion garb. We also saw the Attack of the Blonde Guys and the less said about that strange incident the better.
Weird all around. Well here's some more weirdness.
I mentioned this back in update 56 but this is a strange compound typo with one line.
Same soldier, same line, no typoes. It even has better formatting! This has to be calling a different address in the dialogue banks or we'd see the errors again. I wonder if Beyond the Beyond is like Shining Force 2 and stores all of the dialogue for an area/scene together sequentially. Probably.
Next time on Beyond the Beyond - high seas adventure and action! (It had to happen eventually...)
