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Beyond the Beyond: Update 5: Wherein There Is a Display of Disaster and Superpowers (Return to Isla Village)
Isla Village - it took two updates but everyone has made it back safely... for a certain definition of "made it back" and "safely," of course.
What are you waiting for, Finn? We should hurry home.
I know, Steiner. It's just been one of those days.
Well we don't have to get home right this second. We've been gone all day. I'm sure if it will be all right if we take a few more minutes. Annie? We could walk around the village and put what happened in the cave behind us. I like that idea. Let's do that.
Since it's night the villagers have returned to their respective homes. We can, of course, just barge right in. Why would we want to do that? Because we can and this is an rpg!
Why Finn you've returned and you have Annie with you this time. It's getting quite late. You two must have been out playing for a long time. Nope w... er, I went to the Cave of Spirits and got the Spirit Water just like Sir Galahad asked me to. Umm... is that so? You actually went to the Cave of Spirits... Yup. We're not really at liberty to talk about it though. Trade secrets. Ha, ha, ha! I'm glad you at least came back with your sense of humor. The Cave of Spirits is a dangerous place. You must be trained very well for your age.
Finn, Finn! Why don't you ask Sir Galahad to train me too? I need to get out of here! My mother is making me help her with the housework. I hate it! I'm not sure you really want the sort of training Finn gets put through. Housework's not so bad though. Right, Finn? I like having clean clothes and dishes to eat off of so I can't really complain. I just wish stuff would stay cleaner longer.
Oh my, I bet you help your parents with the housework, right? I wish my daughter would help once in a while. It's better then training or going to monster-filled caves that's for sure.
Oh, Finn perhaps you know what's going on. I went to Marion Castle today to find out why Bandore is acting so strangely. The people there don't know why either. People? Who did you talk to? Some of the townfolk and the castle guards. It's not like any of the knights would give someone like me the time of day. Well, uh, sorry to disappoint you but my dad doesn't tell me anything. What about you Annie? Dad's been on edge but I just figured it was because Sir Kevins came to visit.
Did you come here to play? You're not running away from home, are you? Are you talking to me or Annie? Uh, both of you? Right now I find it amusing that you think I could run away from home. You do realize my dad could marshall the whole kingdom to find me, right? Point taken. What about you, Finn? I'm just getting back from a little errand. Well since you're here you should speak with Todd. Hey Todd! You're crying! What's wrong?
Prrr. We're sorry, Todd. We had to leave the village and it took longer to get back then we planned. If I can I'll come by tomorrow and we can play. Hurray! Todd said he didn't get to play with anyone today, and he started crying. There aren't many children in the village. Soon there will be no one he can really play with.
Hey, Annie! I see you and Finn found each other. You two are always together. I envy you guys, ha ha. Hey, you're blushing! It's been a long day. This color has more to do with exhaustion then embarrassment.What are you doing here at this hour? Don't you know children shouldn't be roaming the village at night? What a rude human! We just got back from running an errand for Sir Galahad! Don't pay him any mind. He's always grumpy about this time of night. You ran an errand, you say? Finn, what happened? You should go home. Sonya is worried about you. Oh my! Is something wrong? Everything's fine. We're heading home in a few minutes anyway. And take your pet with ya! Yeah, yeah we're going. Sheesh.
Well that was suitably distracting. Unfortunately unless the group wants to go chat up Michael the Traveling Salesman or the priest their options are to jump the Waist High Insurmountable Fence surrounding the village and take their chances with the monsters beyond or return home and face the inevitable confrontation between Annie and her father.
Let me go in first, Finn. Why? I want to see their immediate reaction. Besides, it might give me a chance to slip upstairs before Mom and Dad start blaming me for everything.
All is quiet in the house as the kids walk in.
So you're finally back. Did you get it? Yup. Piece of cake.
Finn hands over the magic water he was sent to find.
Well done, Finn! As promised, I will take you to the castle as a reward...
Sir Galahad then turns to his daughter. Uh oh I think we're in trouble!
Uh, yeah. Finn sure did a great job getting that Spirit Water. Not that I would know anything about that of course.
Annie backs up and tries to slip away to the staircase heading upstairs.
Well it's been a long day and boy am I tired! I think I'm just going to go ahead and turn in for the night.
Annie! Come over here.
Busted! Sonya calls her daughter over to the table.
Steiner should we do something to help her? I don't think there's anything we really can do at this point.
Gosh! You are such a brat! Spoiled child! You ran off to the Cave of Spirits didn't you? What makes you think I'd do that? Come on now Annie we're not that stupid. Where else could you have gone after that scene this morning? Ok, fine. I did go to the Cave of Spirits. Now I've come back and Finn brought back the Spirit Water. See? It wasn't so bad! Everything's fine! Annie!!! I told you not to go to the Cave of Spirits! Why don't you ever listen to us?! We only want what's best for you!! You will be the death of me yet... (breathing heavily)
Yes the (breathing heavily) part is in Galahad's dialogue window. The screen then shakes with Galahad's anger. I guess now we know where Annie learned that trick.
I'm sorry dad, but I wanted to help Finn. This time nothing happened. But how do you think we'll feel if something happens to you?! What if you got sucked under by a Kraken or something?
Before anyone can reply a strange noise not unlike someone knocking on a door is heard. Galahad walks away from Annie towards the door.
Dad, is something wrong? You kinda stopped yelling at me. I thought... I heard something... Never mind.
The sound is heard again. Despite the fact the game is suggesting they don't hear it or it's soft enough for them to dismiss the cast look at each other and all shudder anyway. This would probably work better if non-combat sound effects in Beyond the Beyond weren't INCREDIBLY LOUD to the point they drown out everything else.
Confusion spreads through the house alongside what is perhaps more then a little unease. If I had spent part of the day hearing about troops belonging to an enemy nation roaming the countryside I'd probably be a bit more then spooked at a strange noise late at night. Then again I'm not an rpg protagonist.
Sooo, am I off the hook? Not a chance. Tomorrow you've got to make up for all the chores you left me with to run off galavanting with Finn. Come on, Mom! *glares* Aren't we all tired? Tomorrow, we go to Marion. For now, let's get some rest.
With an awkward silence in the air everyone but Galahad heads towards the stairs.
No, it can't be. You seem awfully pale Sir Galahad. It's getting kind of freaky.
For a third time the noise is heard.
My dear... What's wrong? Can't you guys hear it? Someone is screaming... S-s-screaming? I don't hear anything. I don't want to hear anything. Wait! I think I hear something!
... It's gone silent now. Da...d... Ma... Mom... I know that voice.
Galahad runs outside. Meanwhile the trio creep towards the door.
Who or what do you think is making that noise? I hope it's not... You can hear it now Mom? Yeah. I may be a bit deaf but I definitely heard a voice. Should we... go and help Dad? Just give your father a moment. It might be dangerous out there.
Oh... my lord!
The trio jumps back.
It's... Percy! Oh, by Arawn what has happened to you?! Percy! Brother! Come on Mom they need our help!
The two of them run outside.
Finn? I can handle this. I can handle this. Well come on we can't just stand around in here all night. Okay, okay. Deep breaths. *pause* Ok, let's go.
Finn and Steiner run out of the house to find someone else has been having a bad day. Finn's adopted family is gathered around a man lying on the ground who must be Percy. Since Percy's sprite is animated he must still be alive although the "walk cycle while rotated 90 degrees clockwise-ness" of his sprite is making me giggle.
Oh... shit.
Dad... Mom... I'm so glad... to see you... at last... ugh. So much blood... S-shouldn't we call a doctor? There's no doctor to call. Percy... What happened? Ban... dore troops... so... unfair... *convulses* They... Marion Castle... Stop! Percy! Say no more! *runs over to Galahad*
Percy is all right, isn't he? Answer me, darling! Tell me Percy is all right. I wish I could. He's been bleeding out for several hours by the looks of it. There's...nothing we can do. How... How terrible. No. I can't believe it. Annie...
Annie rushes to her older brother's side.
I'm here. .... *pause* please don't be sad. Forever... remember the brother you once had... No! Percy! Nooooo!
The family gathers around the dying youth. Suddenly, a light shines from Annie. Steiner flies around Finn.
Annie what are you doing?
Reacting to Annie's sudden change in tone, everyone turns to look at her.
I won't let you die. Annie! What are you... Annie! Why..? ...
Annie has somehow just tapped the Avatar State! With her newfound powers she telekinetically lifts Percy up into the air. He convulses several times as the light washes over him. The rest of the family looks on in stunned horror and amazement.
huh huh huh...
As the light washing over Percy fades, Annie lowers him back down to the ground and he stops moving entirely.
ZZZzzzz.... He is... sleeping... as if nothing ever happened. Suddenly, his wound is gone... Can it be? Is he healed?
Annie shakes and the light around her fades away.
The light is gone. It... Did it have a healing force? Finn! Answer me. What happened in the Cave of Spirits? Ahhhh, hahaha, ahhh, yeesss, the Cave of Spirits... Uh, Steiner a little help here?
Just then Annie collapses.
Let's leave the questions for later.
Galahad walks over to the unconscious girl, checks her, then walks around her to Finn.
First, help me take these two into the house. No problem! Steiner? Right behind ya!
Finn and Steiner (mostly Finn) carry Annie into the house while Galahad and Sonya do the same for Percy.
I would joke about how just one night's rest in that house seems to cure all but, as mentioned before, it actually does function as a free Trauma Inn. We just haven't had any need of it yet. After what was quite a long and apparently very bad day for lots of people in Marion a night's rest brings us to the next morning.
Everyone in the house is downstairs around the table except Sir Galahad who is again off by that imaginary shelf. So, who had to sleep on the floor last night?
...My friend Kevins probably foresaw the coming danger to Marion and sent you here. Lord Kevins told me to give you a message. Now that I think about it, that's why he sent me. You forgot why you were sent here? You try to remember this stuff after running for hours, almost dying, then being brought back from the brink. I was surprised to see you lying there. You were supposed to be in Marion. I was surprised myself. I have little memory of how I got here so when I saw you all and couldn't remember how that was possible I was pretty shocked. Well ya got here in one piece in the end. That's what matters, right? Right. Thanks to my little sister I'm still breathing. I can't believe Annie had such a power within her. Rather than saying "had", we should say "has". I don't understand how this happened but I am grateful for it. You're telling me. I guess that's why the Spirit Water was considered so valuable years ago. Well the Kraken sure didn't like the taste of it! My guess is that the swamp poison and the Spirit Water somehow created a magical force. Seeing Percy on the verge of death, the force within Annie's body was released. What a miracle! Who would have thought our little girl would do something like that? This must be Arawn's will. *jumps up, excited* Dad...!! Annie's got fire in her blood today! You'd be excited too if you suddenly gained magical powers, Steiner! Heh, well what are we going to do about those jerks who tried to kill Percy? I don't think we can heal them to death. *nods* Hmm? Yes, we should talk about plans. Marion Castle has been overrun by the enemy. It won't be long before Bandore sends troops here too. Dad they will come looking for you. I know, son, but first and foremost we need to find out just how bad the situation is in the capital. If the knights have all been defeated it will be swarming with Bandore troops. Are you sure it's such a good idea to send someone there? Percy and Finn, you guys have already decided, right?
If I don't return, then I will be called a coward! I would rather die than be called a coward. Isn't that right, Finn? Personally I'd like to keep breathing but I don't think I could ever live down abandoning fellow knights, so, yeah, sure Percy. Moreover, I'm sure Finn is concerned about his father. Don't say anything, and let him go as well. I'm the son of the current leader of the Marion Knights. It won't be long before Bandore comes looking for me. I don't want to cause any of you any more trouble. That's rather deep, Finn. I've had some time to think about this. *flies to Finn* Well don't think you're going to leave me behind. I'm going to make sure you stay out of trouble. Right. You just don't want to stay cooped up here when there's adventure to be had. *rushes to Finn's side* You can't be serious! This is suicide! If you or Percy are recognized they might kill you on the spot. I can't sit back and do nothing. Even if it's risky we have to go. No Dad, don't let him... Annie... Annie, I know how you feel but I don't think we can afford to sit back and do nothing at all. Don't worry, I'll be with him. I won't let anything happen to Finn. If Marion Castle is in trouble, then it's too late now. Dad, I beg you to reconsider. They'll be walking right into Bandore's arms! Annie, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We don't know precisely what happened at the castle. That's why we need to gather information. Mom help me here! I don't want them to go either but your father is right. Marion is being invaded. Why? Why?! I didn't want it to come to this. Listen...Annie. For a man, there are times when he just has to act. If I don't allow them to go, I will never forgive myself. Annie, please understand.
Reeling from what is an utterly ridiculous reason given to get her to shut up, Annie backs away from the table then runs upstairs.
That could have gone better. I'll talk to her later. With everything that happened yesterday she's too stressed right now. Kyuuu. We won't get to say goodbye to her. It can't be helped. *approaches Percy* You must go now. It might be too late, but there is still hope. Hurry! I know. *walks over to Finn* Are you ready? Yup. Since they know my face, you lead the way, OK? *shrugs* No problem.
Percy joins the party thus putting us back at two (human) members since Annie left.
The new trio head out as Galahad and Sonya sit at the table.
Once outside, however, the parental units follow.
Be careful out there and don't take any unnecessary risks, you hear? Dad, come on! Give me a little credit. I'll be with them the entire time. They won't get into trouble under my watchful eyes! That would be easier to believe if you weren't the source of so much of Finn's mischief. Uh, ahem, yes. We understand how dangerous this is. Get in, see what's going on, get out. That's all. Exactly. Stay safe. *nods* You should get moving then. If the villagers see Percy they'll know something's up and rumors will start to fly.
The new trio walk away but don't get far before Annie stops them.
Wait, Finn!
Annie runs up to them.
Let me go with you! No way! You know how dangerous this is. I am not being selfish. I just want to help you. Men aren't the only ones who know they have to act when the time comes. You know you need all the help you can get!
Annie!
The screen scrolls east so Sonya and Galahad are on screen.
I'm sorry, mother. I... want to use my new power to help them. *turns to Galahad* My dear... Don't you want to say something? Can I? Dad, can I? I don't know. Dad!! I'm begging you. Alright, alright! You can go! I'm tired of arguing with you and Finn did raise a good point earlier. When Bandore troops come here looking for me I'd prefer it if you were somewhere else. FUCK YEAH!!!
Annie rejoins the party. As if the game wasn't going to have the cleric character on the game's front cover be a core party member!
I'm not so sure I'm ok with my baby sister walking right into the hornet's nest. It will be nice to have someone with healing powers. True. Dad trained me to fight just like he did with you Percy. I'm not helpless. But you are a bit selfish. Oh and that whole "men have times when they just have to act" thing isn't selfish? Come on Percy gimme a break! *grumbles*
Sonya and Galahad walk onscreen.
It doesn't seem there's anything more to say. You kids mind your manners and come back in one piece. Be careful wherever you go. You don't know who you can trust and the enemy will be on high alert. We'll be careful. There's nothing to fear. Like I said, I'll be watching over them! That's not very comforting, Steiner. Well at least it was a little comforting then. We should get going before the other villagers wake up.
The quartet head north to leave the village. Galahad turns and walks back to his house.
Sonya starts to follow her husband but something makes her turn back for a second.
Both of my children...
Then we're released to the overworld proper. Thus ends the game's prologue as the first proper act starts. Before we get rolling let's take a look at how our characters are coming along.
I killed more of those bats and slimes then I thought! My sword arm's a little sore but I think I'm getting the hang of fighting. At least now my dad's lessons are making more sense.
This is pretty much the rule of character progression in Beyond the Beyond. Enemies don't cough up much experience per encounter. You level out of sheer volume. The Cave of Spirits was 3 - 4 XP per kill, per fight and Finn now has 178 experience. When I said Beyond the Beyond was kind of infamous for its encounter rate I meant it.
Oh well, Finn has gained some strength and learned a basic spell for setting things on fire. He has only 3 MP though so whoopdeedoo. He's also gained Defense and a point of Luck but no Speed. IQ and Luck increase by leveling but it's never reported with other stat increases. More Speed would be nice but level-ups are semi-random and a level-up will only provide +1 Speed at best. I could savescum powerlevel but that's not necessary and tedious. The game, however, is extremely generous with Strength growth. Finn's been getting +2 and +3 to that every level and has already doubled his starting strength. +4 Strength for caster characters isn't uncommon which is good because casters spend most of their time hitting things with sticks.
I don't know why everyone's so paranoid about me defending myself. I keep telling people I've been trained to fight. Sure that whole kraken business was bad but I survived in the end and I've had a chance to sharpen my skills.
Indeed Annie has doubled her Strength as well as added Defense, Speed, and the IQ bonus from that Source of Wisdom. She also demonstrates the different XP curves per character. Finn needs 212 XP total to reach level 5. She needs only 197. Unfortunately this gap is going to slowly widen over time. With her lower required XP per level Annie is even more of a beast then she would be otherwise. If you compare her stats with Finn's you can see...
- she has only slightly less hitpoints then Finn
- she has more lifepoints then Finn (it won't be long before enemies can groggy us pretty easily so more LP is fine by me)
- she has way more MP then Finn (ok, he's not a caster class so this is expected)
- almost as much defense as Finn and a higher base defense (she gets slightly worse equipment so she has a higher base)
- almost double Finn's speed because the game keeps rolling 0s for +Speed when he level ups
Since we've cleared an event flag Annie has automatically had the Heal level 1 spell added to her spell list. Being a cleric she's going to learn all the healing and defensive magic in the game along with some other stuff that I'll cover when we get that far. With proper handling Annie can become nigh-indestructible.
Maybe I should have done some extra training prior to this whole invasion business.
Percy starts at level 1 and his stats are pretty close to what Finn started with. Poor guy has only 1 Luck though. I hope that's not an ill omen. If Percy is representative of the Marion Knights I'm kind of surprised Marion wasn't conquered by Bandore long ago.
--SUMMARY OF EVENTS--
Finn was sent to the Cave of Spirits where he saw Annie pulled under a swamp by a kraken and drown. He then found the magic water he was originally sent to find and used some of it to make the kraken spit Annie back up. When he realized she was dead he then revived her with said water (which was really a matter of trying anything he and Steiner could think of). They returned to Isla where we learned Marion is under attack by Bandore. Currently Finn is "leading" a ragtag little group to muck with Bandore's business.
Steiner divebombed numerous enemies in dual attacks with Finn while traversing the Cave of Spirits. He tried that with the kraken and got casually tossed aside for his trouble. Then he tried to save Annie from said kraken in a heated contest of Tug-o-War and failed. Afterwards he made sure Finn stayed on the plot rails while they searched for a way to rescue their drowned friend. Currently Steiner is tagging along to keep an eye on the group and presumably hassle more monsters.
Annie ran to the Cave of Spirits ahead of Finn. She was murdered by a kraken and Finn had to revive her using magic water. When they returned to their village her parents started to chew her out before realizing their other child was outside dying. After dying and returning herself Annie tapped the Cleric Avatar State to save Percy in the form of healing magic that would make the revive-bot priests in this game jealous. Sadly, she won't be able to do any cool cutscene revivals or healings for the rest of the game but she now has healing magic. She is currently part of Finn's group heading out to make trouble for Bandore.
Percy is a Marion Knight and Annie's older brother. Marion Castle was attacked and Kevins sent him to Isla with a message for Galahad. Although the game doesn't reveal what, exactly, that message was, it was probably something like "Holy shit we're being invaded!". Percy would have died after warning Galahad and the gang but Annie nixed that plot branch. He is currently the real leader of their band heading to Marion because he wouldn't be a very good defender of the kingdom if he just ran away now would he?
Sir Galahad and his wife Sonya remain in Isla Village. Kevins was in Marion Castle when Bandore came knocking and after sending Percy to Isla was presumably killed in action or taken prisoner.
--BONUS CONTENT--
Annie
Cleric
Age 13
Galahad's daughter has been friends with Finn since both were children. While very strong-minded, she is also kind. Her strong-mindedness tends to get her into trouble. She becomes aware of her ability to perform Healing Magic at the beginning of the story and helps Finn throughout his journey.
Strong-mindedness? I suppose, if you consider rebellion against sexism to just be willfullness and an unwillingness to submit to it as somehow unusual, you could come to that conclusion. It would be wrong but it would be a conclusion. It's also a little weird how her bio says she and Finn have been friends since childhood considering they still ARE children. It's not like they've been raised in a war-torn nation and have been forced to grow up ahead of schedule. Hell they're both drawn in this concept art like they're 7 or 8 years old.
Since Annie's a year younger then Finn and he was supposedly handed off to Galahad (or at least Galahad's household since Galahad himself was probably still with the Marion Knights at the time) at a young age Annie has probably known Finn the majority of both their lives.
Next time on Beyond the Beyond - more dialogue as the party begins collecting intel for Sir Galahad and looks for a nice spot to chuck a monkey wrench into Bandore's war machine.
