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Last time on Beyond the Beyond we were released to the overworld to get the main adventure started. First, however, we need to turn around and go back to Isla Village. The developers put a lot of effort into the villagers' dialogue as the village passes through about half a dozen states throughout the game. We might as well keep tabs on them. It is our team's hometown. After that we'll get through some dialogue in Marion then return to the overworld for some exploration hopefully better equipped then when we first arrived in the capital.
When the group enters the village they find the place is bustling once more - well, as much as Isla ever bustles.
Weren't we just leaving the village?
Oh! Finn! Sir Galahad told me I could let you through the gate. *smiles* How unusual that Percy is with you today.
Do NOT ask why I'm here. I can't talk about it. Uh, okay. Well there goes nobody knowing you're back, Percy. I already knew. How? I looked out my window this morning and saw you three...
*clears throat loudly* ...you four, I mean, on your way out. It's a good thing you came back, though. I'm sure people would be happy knowing that you're all right, Percy. *grumbles something under his breath*
Are we really going to walk around the village? We left like an hour ago. I guess it can't be helped now.
I want to know what everyone's talking about. *throws up hands* Ok, sure, whatever, Finn.
Morning! I think Bandore is trying something sneaky. Be careful when you go to Marion. Why would you think we're going to Marion? Where else would you be going with your older brother, Annie? Ok, you've got a good point there.
Finn! I suppose you're going to Marion. I hope you get to meet Sir Samson. Does everybody in the village know where we're going? Give us a little credit, Finn. it's not terribly hard to figure out.
Recently, it's been noisy here at night. Did something happen? You could say that. Well, what happened? Stuff. That's all I'm going to say. Don't worry about it.
Finn, I heard you were going to Marion Castle. Where did you hear that from? Oh, around. You know how it goes. This is a small village. Just don't tell anyone who comes around asking about me, ok? No problem, Finn. I prefer Isla Village to the bigger towns. I like living in a quiet, peaceful place.
You wanna play today? Sorry Todd but I can't play today. Ehh, you can't? What about when I get back? I have to leave the village for awhile. When I get back we can play.
Today, I'm going to take my son to church. If he asks you to play, please tell him "No." Way ahead of you.
Well at least the merchant is still around if we need to do any last minute shopping before rolling out. We don't and Marion Town's a stone's throw away, but, again, if Isla really were isolated this guy would be far more useful.
Hello kids. Is there something I can do for you today? I was more curious if you know anything about Bandore. You must be worried about all the rumors. What rumors? I can't say much but just take my advice and keep your head down if you leave the village.
Lately, it's been noisy around here at night. Did something happen? Well there was a little excitement at Sir Galahad's house but it's over now. No, I'm not talking about Sir Galahad's house. I mean outside the village. Outside the village? Great, just great.
When it comes to talking about Marion, my grandpa never stops. I think he had a lot of fun when he was a Marion Knight. Is being a knight fun, Percy? Not really. It's mostly chores, training, and guard duty.
Aww there you kids are. I heard you're heading off to the castle. Is it true? Yeah we'll get there eventually. Since you are going to Marion Castle, let me tell you about being a soldier. Listen carefully. "Battle among honorable soldiers is restricted to five people. Your party must not exceed five people at anytime [sic]." Keep that in mind. Do we really have to follow that rule? I'm pretty sure monsters aren't going to be all that honorable when they attack us. Besides, if we have five people in the group it's technically six of us against them when you include Steiner. They never suspect the cute baby dragon! Tee, he, he! I can't believe my ears! Surely you youngsters must have some value for honor. Without it we'd be little better then the beasts of the field. What about when we outnumber the enemy? Is it ok for three or four of us to gang up on one opponent? Oh yeah, sure. If they were smart they would have brought friends along. I'm having my doubts about this honorable combat thing. It's not like we'll ever have to worry about it so who cares?
So there's the reason the game gives for why the human tally for the party cannot exceed 5 - honor. Okay, sure whatever game.
Let's quickly check in on Galahad and Sonya and see how they're handling things.
Back already? Let me see your face one last time so I can treasure it in my heart. Mom we're going to be fine. Just relax. I wish I could relax.
I would join you, but I need to protect Isla. So, please be careful. Careful? We're always careful. Don't worry about it.
And of course the game isn't going to let someone with years of experience (and thus much better stats) join the party and totally mess up the difficulty curve. Thus it must find a reason, any reason, for Galahad to stay behind. At least the reason given is appropriate for the situation. I doubt anyone else in the village has much fighting experience.
As we saw earlier while Finn was in the Cave of Spirits the upstairs room in Finn's home is where we could stay if we needed to rest. This has the same effect as staying overnight at an inn - full health and magic restoration but it doesn't remove any negative status effects. It's free but we got a free full heal with the day transition and thus don't need it just yet. This is a nice little addition since we just got handed a brand new level 1 party member. Beyond the Beyond is a bit on the grindy side and now is a good spot to farm experience if needed.
If you're tired, why don't you take a little rest? Nah, I'm good.
That's it for our hometown for the time being. Let's consult our map and see where the capital is. Hmm, it seems you just need to walk a short distance northeast to get there.
After a couple of random battles Finn and company reach the castle on the overworld map.
We arrive in Marion Town and see immediately that the town is adjacent to a river or is surrounded by a moat. There are no rivers on the overworld map anywhere near this town so this is one of those details we just have to smile and nod at. The bridge leading into town is guarded by two soldiers who both say the same thing.
Hail, stranger! This is the town of Marion, which is now a part of the Bandore Empire! Uh, hail warriors of Bandore! Sooo, what's going on? We're here to guard the bridge not entertain a group of kids. Keep moving! Come on, Finn, let's go. Fine! Jerks. What was that, citizen? Nothing! I was just stifling a sneeze is all. Hey get over here! There's a notice posted on this board. Oh? What does it say? It says "Sir Samson! Prince Edward will be executed tomorrow morning unless you surrender immediately!" That sounds bad. Is it really that bad, Percy? Keep your voice down, Finn. We're still standing in earshot of those two guards. Oh shit! Uh, sorry. So, is that bad, Percy? Who is this Prince Edward? Prince Edward is the king's only son and the only heir to the throne of Marion. If Bandore is serious about executing him then we really can't waste any time. Why would they threaten to kill the prince just to catch one man? Sir Samson isn't just one man. He's the hero of Marion. His strength is legendary! He must have fought his way through Bandore's forces during the attack on the castle and escaped on his own. That's the only explanation for how Bandore hasn't captured him. Bandore must be desperate to find him if they're going to such lengths as executing Edward. As long as Samson is free there's still some hope the Marion Knights can drive out Bandore. Shhh! I think we'd better keep moving. Those guards are starting to give us dirty looks.
Just down the street the quartet can hear another soldier cackling to himself.
The Bandore Empire will continue to expand! Our empire is one of the greatest ever! Muhahaha! Well somebody's a little full of themselves aren't they? Let's not go that way yet. I see an inn on the other side of the street.
Welcome to Marion, strangers. What is your business here? We're on our way to visit some relatives up north and thought we'd stop here for the night. What are you doing, Mr. Soldier? I'm patrolling! To tell you the truth this is a pretty cushy job. Since the bridge to Zalagoon is closed, I can relax. We've driven off the Marion Knights and there's no one who can threaten us now. Well we'd better be going now! You're such a sweet young lady. Have a nice trip!
The first major building we visit is the helpfully-labelled inn. We could stay here to recover our health and magic but that costs money and Isla is a stone's throw away.
What the hell was that all about? Just pouring on some of the old Annie charm, that's what! *grumbles* Hey we should be doing what we can to blend in! Besides, I got us into the inn and that soldier won't pay much attention to us for now. That doesn't mean I have to like it. Oh come on, Percy. These people are our enemies, Annie. I-it just makes my blood boil having to smile through my teeth and pretend to be nice to people who helped butcher my friends and comrades less than a day ago. Well why don't you stay at the inn while Annie and I go talk to people then? That way we're around if you need us and you... can relax for awhile. I don't know...
While Percy mulls it over the team wanders into the inn's first floor guest room where an old woman and her daughter are staying.
Oh, uh, sorry. We didn't mean to barge in.
Oh it's quite all right. You youngsters must be very curious. Do you live here? No. We're just sort of passing through. And you? We came from Zeal on the continent of Aridia to the west. My daughter, Trish, is such a good child that she travels with me trying to heal my sickness. I've never heard of any place called Zeal. It must be very, very far away. Oh my a talking dragon! Don't worry I'm not gonna bite you or anything. Umm, so what is your sickness? It's not something I like to discuss with strangers. Let's leave it at that. So if you're traveling why are you staying here if you don't mind my asking?
Bandore soldiers are not letting us pass the bridge at the Zalagoon border. Bandore has closed the border completely? Yes. No one can get in or out of Marion now. If we can't get to the elder's village, my mother's illness cannot be healed... What village? It's a remote village far to the east. We're not supposed to talk about it, though. It's a place where much of the wisdom of the ancients is kept. Sounds like fun. Well there's nothing we can do about it. We should keep moving.
Keep moving we do - right up to the inn's second floor. Since this is a functional Trauma Inn and only one room is unoccupied but would presumably be used by us if we stayed here where does the innkeeper sleep at night?
Well hello kids. I'm Mark, a traveling poet. I came here to compose a poem about Marion. Seeing what has happened, I will have to make the poem about Marion's demise. Okay I've reached a decision. You have? Yeah. Mark if you don't mind I'd like to talk about this poem of yours. You don't work for Bandore do you? No. I'm sort of affiliated with the other team if you catch my drift. Oh! Well I'd be honored if you would contribute to my poem. But, you look so young. Are you really one of the knights? I think we're getting ahead of ourselves. Finn, Annie, Steiner go on ahead. I'll catch up to you in a couple of hours. Are you sure this is a good idea? You don't know this guy. If we fail I want someone to keep the memory of our valor alive. Finn, come on. I think his mind is made up. Percy, we'll wait for you just outside of town if we don't run into you before we leave.
I'm still not so sure that was a good idea. How do we know that Mark guy won't just blab to a Bandore guard about your brother? You know how Percy gets, Finn. If this clears his head a little it will be worth the risk. Let's just carry on with our search. Aaaand your first choice is to walk past the cackling soldier to reach the church. Uh, thanks? We might as well get this out of the way now. Arawn's priests are bound by an oath of impartiality but someone else inside might have information.
Well, there's a woman in here praying. I don't think we should disturb her. Oh welcome to this house of worship! Have you also come to pray? Pray for what? Have you seen the royal decree? Decree? What decree? After you see it, I'm sure you'll understand why I am praying. Finn I think she meant the signs that have been put up around town. Ya know, the ones that talk about a certain execution? So you have seen it! I am praying for Prince Edward not to be executed. Mighty Arawn please spare the young prince such a horrible fate!
North of the church is a graveyard. Finn can search any of the graves but only three have anything readable on them.
"Here lies Hunter".
"Here lies Darren".
"Here lies Tobin".
Hey I'm not dead! What gives?
Woof! Woof! What's that? Someone named Lila fell down a well? Woof! Oh! Someone named Lila was pushed down a well. Now I think I understand. Annie I have no idea what's going on but I'm TERRIFIED right now! It's all right, Finn. I don't think they're hostile. They're not wearing Bandore insignias or anything. Wooooof! Whine. Filena? No, sorry, there's nobody by that name anywhere around here. Where are you from? Bark, bark! Whine. Hmm, I have no idea where that is or how to get back there. Whimper. Okay so that covers the dog. How the hell did you end up here? I was out on patrol. I must have gotten mixed up on which forest I was in. They all look the same. *laughs* Anyway when I found my way out I was right by this town. So where are you from? Obviously you're not from Marion. That is... an interesting question. Suffice it to say the answer is way too complicated for me to explain right now. You have no idea where you are or how to get back to where you came from? Not a clue, really. Any wizards living in the area by chance? ...What's a wizard? I retract my question. *pause* It doesn't seem like I'll find any answers here. I'll just have to keep searching. Woof! Woof! You want to come with me? Well, sure, that's fine by me. You look like you can handle yourself. Be careful out there. Monsters seem to be crawling out of the woodwork everywhere. I'll be fine. I've fought a lot worse then the critters around here.
What a strange pair. I hope they find whatever it is they're looking for. Me too. They will... if they have the courage to find it.
Ahem! After that little interlude Finn goes on to find our first ring of the game sitting on a tombstone in the corner of the cemetery. The Ring of Defense gives the character wearing it a +3 Defense boost. I slap this on Finn.
Right by the cemetery is this little house with only a bed and a table to its name.
That is quite a comfy looking bed. Indeed. You'd be hard pressed to find one more comfortable in all the kingdom by the looks of it. I just wish the floor would stop rattling as I walk around in here. What's up with that? I don't hear any rattling.
Two women are roaming the street leading to the castle. Since we're on our way there let's stop and pick their brains!
(1) I worry about Prince Edward. They are going to execute him as an example to us. His only hope is our hero, Sir Samson. But no one has seen Samson or seems to know where he is. How is he supposed to save Prince Edward? Why do you think I'm worried?!
(2) Bandore has a reputation for being barbaric. What have they done to get such a rep? Well they're a ruthless military machine that has slaughtered anyone who has dared oppose them in the past. Does that count? Oh is that all? At first, I was scared, but they haven't harmed me personally. I'm quite relieved. Okay. We're leaving now. Bye.
Well we might as well investigate the castle. There are more NPCs in town but they can wait until later. At least Marion's castle has a wall, portcullis, and drawbridge. That means they're much better at defensive fortifications then whoever designed Castle Guardiana back in Shining Force. Unfortunately none of those defenses seem damaged at all. Apparently Marion was taken completely by surprise.
We're going into the castle? Yep. Is this really a good idea? Why not? It's not like the gate guards are stopping us. *waves to guards* This is Marion Castle of the Bandore Empire. Enjoy your visit kids! See? That was surprisingly easy. We're just a couple of kids and their baby dragon. It's not like they have any reason to suspect or recognize us.
Unfortunately the castle itself is well guarded and there's no getting through the two guards in front of the main gate. To the west is a small garden and several soldiers. To the east is a small pond with one soldier.
Hi guys! I don't suppose you'll let us pass so we can take a tour of the castle will you? No one may enter. We have to guard the Prince of Marion until his time of execution. Well, okay. Have fun standing in one place for hours.
(west 1) Why are you here, kid? You wanna become a Bandore Knight or something? Are you referring to him or me? Uh, both of you? Hey I'm a kid too! Can I become a Bandore Knight? Gah! A talking dragon! Ooga Booga! *giggles* *snicker* Steiner knock it off, ok? So, how about it? What would I have to do to join the Bandore Knights? You must admire our troops, huh? But you're too young. Maybe in 3 years you can try.
(west 2) I was the one who found the Prince hiding in one of the castle turrets, but the Lieutenant took all the credit. Who's the Lieutenant? Okay, fine. Just ignore me.
(east pond) Marion and all of its holdings now belong to the Bandore Empire. This place is now called "Marion Castle" of the Bandore Empire. Is it always supposed to have the scare quotes because none of the other soldiers have been using them. Oh no I was just - er, well, nevermind. Forget I said anything.
In the courtyard's western corner we find a chest with a Smoke Bomb. These nifty little items are a guaranteed means of escaping any non-boss battle but you do have to survive long enough to actually use it. Also Pictured: If you look in the extreme upper right corner you can just make out the feet of a Bandore trooper standing on a staircase.
Well this is all we can do here right now. Let's head back to that shop I passed back in town. We might find something useful there.
We finally get to see a proper shop menu. Buy and Sell are obvious but Repair is used to restore an item that has cracked because you used it to create a magical effect. Usually you can get about 3 uses out of an item before it will crack.
Somehow I figured I'd find you three here. Hey Percy what's up? I thought you were talking to that poet? I was but he needed a coffee break. I didn't want to just sit around in the inn so I told him we could talk later and excused myself. So you thought to look for us here? Of course. It's not like Dad keeps any decent equipment at home except that stuff from his days in the service. Krrr. It seems this shop has a poor selection available. Wow! You're right Steiner. They don't even sell training swords any more. What do you expect? Bandore soldiers came in and wrecked my shop as I was opening for the day. They took damn near everything and said if they found out I was selling contraband they'd drag me to the gallows. I don't know how I'm going to support my family like this! You still have a couple staffs though. *picks up one* Umph! These are heavier then they look! The soldiers missed a few things but some lieutenant jerk came by later and saw them. I told him that's a walking staff and he believed me. What a buffoon! It might not look like much but the head is iron-reinforced and it's small enough that you can easily carry and pack it. We'll be buying one of those then. While we're here we should get you a dress better suited for travel, Annie. What's wrong with the one I have now? Nothing, but these here are better insulted and offer more protection from attack.
The equipment shop only offers 4 things right now and they're all terrible but with the exception of the Wooden Rod they're still better then what we started with. Funds are limited right now but I go ahead and buy a Short Rod and a Travel Dress for Annie. The game lets you equip and sell whatever old gear occupied those slots if you want to. There's little reason to keep old stuff so I was just barely able to afford Annie's new gear by trading in her old stuff.
Each character has 4 equipment slots and they take up general inventory spaces.
- weapon - each character can equip one type of weapon
- body armor - plate, mail, dresses, etc. again each character has their own type
- secondary armor - shields, ribbons, hats, etc.
- ring - some rings are helpful, others aren't, 1 ring per character
[admin note: hit the post limit so Update 6 has been broken in two.]
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