Beyond the Beyond: Update 80: Marion Recoups (Marion Kingdom pt. 4)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 80: Marion Recoups (Marion Kingdom pt. 4)

Last time the team gained a new member! Also, they can fly around on Steiner now and sort of have a goal in collecting the Ancient Tablets. They were carrying a tablet for quite some time but it's in storage now. (In their defense it has been quite a long time since Arawn told them they needed to do just that. They've been busy little bees since then!) They're still utterly clueless on where to find Shutat so that fetch quest will have to do.

With the death of Barbaros behind them the team turns its attention towards Isla.

What are you doing?
Gonna catch us up with Tont.
I don't understand.
Don't worry. I hope you don't get airsick like Annie does.
Just thinking about what's about to happen makes me want to puke.

Seconds later the team lands just outside of Isla. Conveniently enough Steiner was also teleported there.

Kryaa! Finn, what happened?
Barbaros was a bust.
Almost everyone was dead by the time we got there.
And I missed it? Aww, Enlightenment really does suck.
By the way do you remember Lorele? She's traveling with us now.
Wow you really did grow up fast. Is that normal for dragons?
I, uh, don't know any other dragons so I can't say.
Still pretty cute though.
Uh, eee, um, I am?
Is that blushing I'm seeing, Steiner?
Not at all. It's just hot around Isla today.
Ha, ha, ha! Still the heart of a pup in there.
This is all lovely but, Finn, what are we doing back in Isla?
I'm gonna drop off our newest tablet while I'm thinking about it.
Damn thing's heavy too. Lorele how did your dad mount this on a wall?
He had a set of brand new mounting brackets installed.
What was on the wall before then?
Stuffed animal heads. Some of the previous kings didn't take care of them though so they were falling apart. Dad had them all thrown out.
I can see now why a large stone tablet would be an improvement.

The team stored the Heavy Shield, a Source of Power, the Silver Plate, the Rune Sword, three Smoke Bombs, the newly-acquired Ancient Tablet, a Healing Jewel, a Guiding Branch, the Tempest Sword, the Reviving Herb, and the Sailor Bandanna. Then, because I am at times a fickle player, I pulled the Silver Plate and Sailor Bandanna right back out.

Alongside the items came a stash of 20,000 gold. I have some shopping in mind for the future and that will require cash. It won't happen this update though.

Then it's off to Marion Town! Okay so the team actually teleported there but at least that gets Steiner out of Isla. Now he can properly terrorize Marion at large.

Just inside of Marion is... Domino? There were a couple of small "under-the-hood" things I had to do that are non-canon for our narrative. Worry not for Domino will be part of the party for the foreseeable future. Besides, there won't be many chances to check out his new threads so enjoy that eye candy while it lasts!

First up is a quick trip to the armor merchant to sell the Sailor Bandanna and the Silver Plate.

This is some nice stuff. Where'd you get this, kid?
I don't remember exactly. We've been all over the world.
Now I'm wondering who in Marion likes to wear bandannas.
Perhaps someone who likes to annoy Sir Samson?
Hrmph!
Are they always like this?
Sir Samson's got an axe to grind over pirates.
Above and beyond that literal axe he carries around.
Why? What happened?
Don't know. I didn't ask. They bicker enough as it is.
Surely you cannot have some moral issue with a piece of cloth wrapped around one's head, eh Sir Samson?
It's not the cloth itself that bothers me. It's what it represents.
And what would that be?
Don't play coy. You know perfectly well.
Then at the very least explain it so the kids don't think we're a pair of grumpy old men angry about nothing.
This doesn't concern them.
Sure it does! Am I not wearing a bandanna myself? Are they not welcome as guests on my boat?
It doesn't concern them because I have my reasons for distrusting pirates. As long as you're honest with us I'll put that aside and bite my tongue.
And if I should happen to lie to you? Would you kill me?
...perhaps.
Is it just me or did the first chilly breeze of autumn just blow through town?
It ain't just you, sis.

Just outside the shop is a roaming NPC to distract the kids from the hostility in the party.

Hi there! What's going on?
Not much. Sir Galahad has returned and things are quiet now.
Well the war's over. That's to be expected.
Bandore has been acting friendly recently. I wonder what they're up to?
Trying to avoid being further hurt and embarrassed? I'm okay with Bandore being friendly towards us.
Could have happened a lot sooner and saved everyone so much trouble.
Yeah but then we wouldn't have Domino and Sir Samson trying to out stink-eye each other.
It is rather silly to watch. Grown men and yet...
Does it really surprise you?
Oh no. Barbaros had its share.
They'll... they'll work it out in time. I hope.

Down the street is the local church with resident church goer to talk to.

Hello kids. You have a new friend today.
I'm Lorele. Pleased to meet you.
What a polite young lady!
So anything new happening in Marion?
No. The light has again blessed us with peace.
A peace that many died for and that could end at any moment.
I haven't forgotten. Oh great Arawn, please send someone to stop that maniac Shutat. He will plunge the world back into chaos if he can!
Shutat? He was here, in Marion?
He wormed his way into the inner circle of the emperor of Bandore. Convinced him to follow his dreams of conquest starting with Marion.
And one day Edward will stop having nightmares about the night Marion Castle fell. Probably long after we finally chase down Shutat.

Heading towards the center of town the kids start their circuit.

You know I really should have guessed a quick trip into Marion Town wouldn't be so quick.
What are you saying? That I'm predictable?
Yes.
Hi, Finn. Whoa! What happened? You're dressed differently.
Yeah I kinda had to change things after the Isle of Discipline.
So, you visited the Island of Discipline. You must have improved your abilities.
Improved's a funny word...
Either way, looks good.
Really?
Yeah. You look like a real knight now.
Careful or that might go straight to my brother's head.
Like I said, I don't actually feel any different. Besides, Steiner doesn't seem to be very happy with what's happened.
Boredom's gonna get to him sooner rather than later.
He'll have to learn to live with his new size.

Just outside the inn is another roaming NPC but this one brings in something of a plot hole.

Oh, you kids again. Wait, have you heard the rumor going around town?
What rumor?
I heard Shutat attacked Barbaros! Could he be thinking about coming here next...? Hopefully not!
Where did you hear that from?
I'm not sure where it started but it's going around town. Is it true?
I... don't think we're really in a position to comment on it.

The team scurries into the inn and heads upstairs.

Finn what was that about?
What was what about?
Not talking about what happened to Barbaros.
It just doesn't feel right. The bodies aren't even cold yet.
I wonder who we have to thank for spreading the news.
It's possible someone in Barbaros Castle sent out a warning or plea for help.
Who would they call for help from?
Mountain folk are family and friends to many in Barbaros. From there I guess word would spread fast.
Hey the poet's gone!
He must have finished his poem then.

Just around the corner is another NPC all full of the latest buzz.

Anything weird happen lately?
I went fishing a few days ago, and I saw Shutat riding on a battleship. Do you think he's gonna attack Marion again?
Blunt and to the point. I like that.
No comment about the battleship, sis?
What more could I say? Marion still doesn't have a navy and a battleship isn't going to help him destroy a landlocked town.
Well mister I guess that answers your question.
I wonder what he's going to do with it then.
I guess he could always go hunt down pirates.
He hasn't tried to hunt us down.
As if that floating hunk of metal could catch my ship. Ha!

To the north are more people going about their everyday lives.

Hello, strangers. Wait, have we met before?
I've pretty sure we have. I remember this house.
Wow you've got armor on now!
I was wearing armor before...
Not much and it blended in with your clothes.
Are you a knight now?
*laughs* No.
When this is all over, Finn, I doubt you'll have any trouble getting in.
When I join the Marion Knights, I'll beat up Shutat for making us suffer. He's gonna regret messing with Marion!
If it comes to that we have bigger problems, kid.
Someone I know said he saw Shutat riding away on a large battleship. How terrifying!
Eh, I wouldn't worry about it.
Maybe we should stock up the castle on Spirit Water just in case.
Shutat's lost the element of surprise. I doubt he'd risk setting foot in Marion. What would he stand to gain from it?
Annoying us some more?
If Shutat were smart he'd be thinking up ways to stop us.
Then let's all be glad that Shutat's obviously not that smart.

 

Outside another woman is sort of half-roaming, half-milling about.

Is it true that Shutat fled Bandore on a huge battleship?
You overheard? Yeah, it's true.
I pity the people of Bandore. How they must have suffered through all of this.
If there's anything I know about Bandore it's that they're resilient.
Now that Sir Galahad is back with the Marion army, the kingdom has been restored. If only Lord Kevins was...
Here to see it? If he was I doubt Sir Galahad would be leading the knights right now.
True. It is still sad that Lord Kevins fought so hard and didn't live to see Marion freed.

Heading towards the center of town an old man is enjoying the sunshine.

Who is Lord Kevins?
He was leader of the Knights of Marion when Bandore invaded. He was eventually captured and taken to Bandore. Shutat tried to use him as part of a trap to lure us to our deaths in a volcano but Kevins intervened. He fell into the volcano in the struggle.
How sad. At least Marion knows he died a warrior's death in honor.
Yeah...
I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?
Kevins was, ah, how to put this?
The man I knew as my father even though Sir Galahad and his wife Sonya raised me.
I see. No wonder you seek Shutat.
I'll be happy if he never hurts anyone again. That would be enough for me.
You kids are talking about the loss of Lord Kevins?
Kind of hard not to with what's going on in Marion.
It's sad when you lose a great man like Lord Kevins. I remember when Sir Norton died, I felt the same way.
I remember you saying the same thing the last time we were here. How did Sir Norton die?
Exposure to the elements if I recall. Alongside his wife and child too. A terrible blight upon Marion's history that was. The knights weren't the same afterwards.
How does a respected knight and his family die like that?
Sir Norton and his wife decided to quit Marion. I don't know why. Rumor at the time was that the princess and her father had some sort of disagreement. They went east into the mountains with their child. The king sent a search party to find them but by then it was too late.
*nods* Such things are not unheard of in my country of Barbaros. People decide to live among nature but lose the battle for survival. It's always hard finding out they didn't make it.
You are from Barbaros?
I am.
Welcome to Marion young one. It is good to see young folk getting out into the world. That's something we need more of.
Thank you. Although the circumstances that brought me here are regrettable this is a beautiful town.

As the kids approach the bridge leading to the castle they stop for a moment.

Lorele are you going to be alright?
Yes. My training has prepared me for this.
Hi, kids! Visiting the castle again?
Might as well since Sir Galahad is said to be back.
I heard Shutat is still on the loose. It's frightening to think how many time's he's evaded justice. Are the knights still looking for him?
The knights? No. Shutat's out at sea.
Oh. I guess that's well beyond anything Marion can touch.

Just inside the perimeter of Marion Castle all seems about normal with a soldier on hand.

Have you heard the Shutat rumor? I can't seem to relax when I hear that name. Why do people keep spreading rumors about him? Just to keep everyone on edge?
Seems to me they're the ones on edge.
Which Shutat rumor are you referring to anyway?
Someone supposedly saw him on a battleship just offshore.
I wonder what Shutat was doing so close to Marion anyway.
If Tont were here he'd probably make some joke about Shutat trying to moon us or something.

Just inside of Marion Castle the team gets a repeat of something that appeared much earlier in the game.

(east) In the west tower, a young man was being held for helping the Prince escape. [sic]

It's as if the devs wanted to update Marion on the latest events in the game but halfway through decided that giving all the NPCs new dialogue was just too much work. I suppose there's some use in this reminder about the young man (who is definitely not Percy) but not much. There's nothing the party can actually do about the situation.

On the other side of the room is a soldier with something new to say.

Hi kids!
What's going on?
(west) I heard the rumor about Barbaros, but it's a lie. [sic] There are always people who lie just to see if people get scared.
So oh brother of mine are we going to address this "rumor" while we're in town?
We should probably talk to Sir Galahad first.

In a side room are two soldiers standing around.

(east) Soldiers ought to be strong, but we should also be nice.
(west) Are you reciting those platitudes again? Give it a rest!
(east) I'm trying to remember all of them.
What did we just walk in on?
What would be a boring conversation in Barbaros.
The nice or the strong part?
Both.
(west) Hi, kids. Is it true that Shutat attacked Barbaros?
Yes it is true.
(west) Then, he might be back here again... [sic]
(east) I wish he would. Then we could get even for everyone he killed in the invasion.
Careful what you wish for.

Upstairs more soldiers stand at attention.

Your people seem to have fared better than mine against Shutat.
We weren't here in the castle during the attack but my older brother Percy was. He barely made it out alive.
A lot of dying. That's what it was. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Princess Lorele.
(east) Welcome back, Sir Samson. Where's Prince Edward?
He's in Barbaros right now.
Does this mean we've got a royals exchange program going?
I... guess it does.
(west) Why Barbaros? Did something happen?
That depends on what you've heard.
(west) Well I did hear about the battleship. Shutat's rumor is circulating around the kingdom. That's just a small reminder of the damage left from Marion's invasion.
Marion's invasion? Is that when Bandore invaded us or when we kind of counter-invaded them?
(west) Umm, a bit of both I guess?
(east) We must follow Lord Kevins' teachings and keep peace in Marion.
(west) What else would we do? The war's over.
(east) I mean we can't let this victory go to our heads and become just like Bandore was.
Knowing Edward that seems unlikely.

Inside the throne room is the king, the advisor, and Sir Galahad. I guess Bandore settled down while the team was gone.

Welcome back. I've heard that Barbaros was destroyed by Shutat. Is it true?
That depends on what you mean by destroyed. Technically speaking Barbaros Castle is still standing.
I see... just a lie. But since we still don't know where Shutat is, we shouldn't let down our guard.
Actually it's not a lie. Many in Barbaros were killed.
I see... then we shouldn't let down our guard. You've brought a new friend?
This is Princess Lorele of Barbaros.
Good day to you, Sir Galahad.
Are you an official envoy?
No. My father was killed by Shutat. I am upholding his dying wish by joining the search for Shutat.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. If there is anything you need please let me know.

With that brief conversation behind them the team turns its attention to the king.

I heard what you said to Sir Galahad. Princess Lorele you have my deepest condolences for the loss of your father.
Thank you. He died honorably fighting for the safety of his people. There is no nobler death one can attain in my country.
Sir Samson why is Edward not with you?
He is in Barbaros right now.
Aww, I see. Yes, that does sound like my boy.
I take it since Sir Galahad has returned that the war is truly over.
It is.
With peace restored in Marion, the King has time to think about other affairs. [sic]
Hmm... now that I think about it, I haven't seen my sister, Queen Scarlet, in a long time. Perhaps I should visit Zalagoon to thank them personally.
I guess that means we should get back to searching for Shutat.
Or at least pretend like that's what we're doing while wandering around.

The upper battlements of Marion Castle are deserted.

Meanwhile the lower battlements has soldiers on guard duty who only have repeats of things other NPCs have already said. To be perfectly frank it feels a bit rushed and half-assed. The plot has left Marion behind.

Onward, to find out where said plot ran off to. (I'll have a recap of events in the next update.)

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - we saw Marion. Let's check to make sure Bandore hasn't spontaneously combusted.

Update Seventy-nine | Index | Update Eighty-one