Beyond the Beyond: Update 8.5: More of That Prison Break Thing

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 8.5: More of that Prison Break Thing

Dialing back in to Finn's favorite channel, the Bat Channel (All Bats, ALL THE TIME!) we return to So THAT's Where Samson Wandered Off To for the thrilling conclusion of Update 8.

All right. On three then. One... two... three!

The team rushes inside where they fall into formation staring at the lone guard who immediately notices them. Special Forces they are not.

Whaaat?! How did you get in here?! You will not be allowed to save the Prince!
We will not be "allowed" to save the prince, you said? Oh and how are you going to stop us?
Psst. Percy, shouldn't we do something?
*looks to Sir Samson*
You can't just barge in here like this!
*trumpets* Tell that to the guy with the axe.
Alarm! Prison break! They're trying to free Prince Edward!
Oh yes. Playtime!

We're then thrown into battle against the three Bandore soldiers the prison guard summoned. Also, we get our first in-battle look at Samson and he towers over the rest of the group. No wonder he intimidates people so easily.

Too bad for the Bandore soldiers Samson rolled into this with his God Mode still toggled on. Being the fastest person on the field he immediately opens up with an insta-gibbing critical hit to the second soldier. Fun Fact: All characters other then Samson have the same sound effects when they hit an enemy. Samson's axe instead makes a sort of heavy thawking sound that actually sounds like an axe impact. It's the same sound effect played twice when he killed that Bandore trooper in the last update.

For a damage comparison here's Percy hitting for 1/5th of what Samson just rolled. I think it's becoming clear just how Samson managed to fight his way through the invading Bandore hordes when Marion Castle was initially attacked.

Soldier number one, not realizing it would be a bad idea to provoke the huge guy with a battle axe, does just that and attacks him. Samson counters with another insta-gibbing critical hit. The third soldier also tries his luck and is blocked.

Which means that at the beginning of round 2 Samson opens with his third critical hit of the battle and promptly ends all Bandore resistance to us for the moment. I'm pretty sure they're scripted to focus on Samson and he's scripted to always critical his regular attacks during this fight (he might not critical counter attacks). I don't remember him not doing so during this sequence. At least the game's being consistent with how well he fights in cutscene mode.

Key item Prison Key got!

Uh, hey that guy dropped this key. Eww, it's got blood on it.
You're squeamish about blood, kid?
Err, uh, no! Of course not!
Then hold onto that key like your life depends on it.

You will never leave this prison alive!

The guard then runs up the stairs activating a switch that closes the wall behind them.

That's right! You'd better run!
We have the key now!
So long as it's the right key.
All the cells are opened by the same key.
Really?
Really. Originally each cell required its own key but the guards kept losing them and getting them mixed up. Finally D- *pause* Sir Galahad got fed up and changed all the locks so we only need one key for all of them.
Well that certainly makes this easier.
Indeed. Come, the prince is waiting on us.
_{Ugh, blood sprayed everywhere. I'm glad I lost my lunch earlier. *quickly wipes key down on dead soldier's uniform while Samson's not looking* I'm not sure I'll ever get used to this.
Prrr. Are you ok, Finn? You look a little pale.
The sooner we get out of here the better.}

Fortunately this time for our protagonist's lingering nausea their path out of the guard station doesn't cross the three corpses. With Finn in the lead they return to Edward's cell.

I heard fighting! What happened?
Don't worry about it. We just had to take out some garbage.
One key coming right up!
What are you waiting for?! Please hurry!
It's still a little slippery.
??

Items > Finn > Prison Key > Use

There we go. *gets bodychecked by Samson and knocked aside* Umph!
Freedom! By Arawn it feels so good to not be locked in here any longer!
Ouch! That hurt!
Oh, uh, you'll be fine. Just put some ointment on any bruises.
Well at least I fell into this puddle of water that washed a little of the blood off.
Prince Edward! Are you all right?
You're springing back quickly, Finn.
I'm fine. Thank you, Sir Samson! I was so scared. I thought I was dead for sure. But, I knew I had to find some way to save Marion.
We rescued the prince, Steiner. Now everyone in Marion won't be so depressed.
You're a strong, young man. You'll make a very good king one day. I'll personally make sure that happens.
*helps Finn up* Are you sure you're not hurt, Finn?
I may be a bit sore tomorrow morning but I feel fine right now.
Sir Samson, we should hurry. But, where do we go now?
Go? Oh, yeah we sort of still have to escape from the castle don't we?
Yes, Finn. Getting the prince out of his cell was only just the beginning.
We should go to Zalagoon. I am sure the King of Zalagoon will help us.
*nods* Queen Scarlet of Zalagoon is my aunt. I'm sure she'll help Marion.
Zalagoon, Zalagoon... That's to the east, right?
Uh, I think so.
Come on! We can't waste any time here!

With a nice fanfare, possibly to make up for the fact Samson had none, Edward then joins the group.

He is less then impressive but he is a magician. If he sticks around we'll have a real offensive caster. I wish I could say that was a positive development. Emergency nuking power is great for random battles as long as you have the MP for it but Beyond the Beyond is definitely not one of those RPGs where casters eclipse melee in the late game.

I'll take up the rear. You go first, okay?
Percy, can you take point?
Yeah, sure. No problem.
Are you sure you're ok, Finn?
I'll be fine. I'm just a little sore is all.
I know Percy but I don't think I've ever met the rest of you.
I'm Annie, Sir Galahad's other child.
And I'm Lord Kevins's son Finn.
I... wasn't aware Lord Kevins had any children.
Finn's mom died when he was very young so he's been living with my family all these years.
Lord Kevins doesn't talk about his son at all?
No. Never. What pray tell is your name friend dragon?
Oh, I'm Steiner. Finn and I have been pals for years.
I.. see.
That voice... Is that you Prince Edward?
You're one of our soldiers. I thought Bandore had executed all of the other prisoners.
Yes but that doesn't matter now. I'm glad to see you in the company of Sir Samson, your majesty.
We have the key to this cell. Why don't we just let him out?
I was wounded badly in my rescue attempt. Please, forget about me and rescue the Prince.
It would be no trouble at all. We could use all the help we can get.
I'll only slow you down.
But...
Your majesty we must get going.
My prince listen to Sir Samson. I would not make myself a burden on you. Knowing you escaped would be better then any other reward.
Annie...
I don't think there's anything I can do for him. Not without more Spirit Water or another miracle.
Spirit Water?
We don't have time for this! We must go NOW!

So we abandon the wounded Marion soldier to his fate. Even if our key hadn't poofed into the ether on us the door to his cell can't be opened by our Prison Key anyway. The group thus continues on their merry little way until...

You! Stop right there!!

I thought this was going a bit too smoothly.
Where is that music coming from?
What music? I don't hear anything.
What Bandore fool dares to interfere with us?!
I guess it was silly to hope we could just walk out without more fighting.

Someone with a portrait has caught up to us and we've now got new rather ominous music to go with it? Uh, oh I think we've found our first villain of the game and she doesn't seem too happy to meet us.

Hahaha! It is I, Ramue. I will not let you take the prince so easily.
Did I hear that right? Ramue? Does anybody know who she is?
Not a clue.
I've never heard of her.
You've never heard of me? I'm well known in Bandore. Tisk, tisk. Such rude little children!
I don't care who you are. You are no competition for Samson, the strongest man in Marion.
This can't end well.
What?
She's holding a magic-looking staff, Percy. She's obviously a sorceress of some sort.
Samson, show her how strong you are!
With pleasure!
Fine! Everybody just ignore me. Finn are you sure you're all right? You've hardly said anything.
My head is throbbing.
Ha ha... so you are the infamous Samson, huh?
So my reputation precedes me, eh? Not that it will do you any good.
I've heard quite a lot about you. I would like to see Marion's strongest man in action.
Any time, sweetheart.
Not against me you barbaric oaf! You haven't earned the right to face the great Ramue yet. *turns to the soldiers beside her* Men! Finish him!!

The two soldiers advance then stand there slackjawed as Samson prepares to attack them. The first stands no chance against Mr. CritHappy.

Wha... haaaaaaa!
I think I'm going to be sick again.

Samson then proceeds to hit the second soldier so hard zie bounces off the wall, flies through the air and dies in brief agony on the dungeon floor. I suppose if you have to die in this world there are worse ways to go then being thrown through the air with sufficient-bone crushing force that you're mostly dead before you hit the ground.

Ha, ha, ha, ha! If you Bandore dogs really knew me as well as you claim you would have known invading Marion was useless while I'm here!
Good job, Samson!
Is that what passes for skill amongst you Marion barbarians? Is brute strength all the great hero has?
You fools are barely worth even that. Now are you going to fight or just stand around?
I guess then if I want to see what the great Samson can really do I'll have to get my hands dirty.
*laughs* As if I'm scared of anything you have to offer. *theme starts up*
Oh? So you too have a will strong enough that the fabric of this world acknowledges it in song? Hahaha! Let us see, then, whose is more glorious! *pumps up her theme's volume*
Oh you want to play that little game then?! Alright!

Ten minutes later...

I don't understand. Why are the two of them singing now?
Something about bending the fabric of reality to their wills.
I didn't know Samson was a magician. Did you know your majesty?
Samson has always been a little odd but... Wait, did, did Sir Samson just switch to soprano?
Yeah he just did.
Okay I'm with Finn on being totally confused then.

WHOOOOAAAA!!

She just pulled a pipe organ out of thin air.

Twenty minutes later...

I'm not even sure what that instrument Samson has is or how it's making that wailing noise but I'm both frightened and want to dance to it.
It does have a beat that gets your heart pumping even with the gnashing of organ keys from Ramue.
Ramue does know how to make that instrument work for her.
Don't mind me. I'm just going to that corner behind us to throw up.
Okay. Have fun.
Who would have thought human bones could make those sorts of noises when stuffed down brass pipes?
You shouldn't have mentioned brass, Steiner. Now Samson's alternating between a tuba and a french horn. That's just awkward.
BAAAAARRRFFF!
Quiet back there, Finn! We're trying to listen to the music.

Another half-hour later...

Ugh, and I thought Dad's training courses were hard on me.
They've both stopped singing. Is it... over? Who won?
Annie if I wasn't paralyzed in abject terror I would hug you right now for comfort.
Steiner's right behind you. Hug him.
Ok.
Awwww. You humans are so cuddly!

Ok what did I miss?

Huff, huff. Have you had enough or are you thirsty for more? That tiny ukelele isn't enough to save you.
Huff, huff, huff. I'm only just getting warmed up.
Seems more like you're washed up.
Heh heh... HAHAHAHAHA
Cracking under the pressure already?
You ARE pretty strong! Well, how about this?

What the hell?!! You just threw a glowing shawl at me!
It vanished!
You have no idea how grateful I am that it did.

Correction - I threw a magical, glowing, teleporting shawl at you!
What? O-oh, SHIIIIIIITTTT!!
That's the beautiful thing about curses, Samson. Not only do they always find their mark but that hymn of theirs silences all.
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
It was almost as beautiful as your cries of agony. Bravo!

Electricity crackles around Samson and he falls to the ground.

Ugh, you... How could you...
You are a brave man Samson, but you are also proud.
Uh, what do we do now?
I will allow you to take Prince Edward.
*gulp*
I want to see how far the mighty Samson can get when he is cursed. Hahahaha.
D-don't think I'm finished with you. If I could just... reach...
It seems that fabled strength has fled, dear Samson.
Come over here and say that to my face.
I think not. This is far too amusing. Let's see how far you can run. Use this opportunity wisely. The next time we meet, I will not be as merciful.

Ramue teleports away.

Ramue's magic... *pause* is very strong. *collapses*

Sir Samson, are you all right?
Please, say something Sir Samson.
Ramue... how could she resort to such awful magic?
I'll... Ugh!
Your skin is badly burned Sir Samson. You should conserve your strength.
I suppose we should be thankful for our lives right now.
This is a disaster. Oh, Samson, I'm so sorry.
_{You... you won't beat me... so easily.}
Is there anything you can do, Annie?
I'm already doing everything I can. My magic is not up to this! It can only ease the pain of his burns a little.
Lord Kevins is missing, Sir Galahad has not come to our aid, and now Sir Samson is struggling for his life. Is... is Marion doomed?
My father is missing?
When the attack came there was total confusion in the castle. Lord Kevins was in town at the time and by the time he returned the enemy was already within the outer walls. I heard nothing about him being captured so I thought he must have escaped somehow.
The last time I saw Lord Kevins he was rallying a small group of survivors near the north wall. He sent me to warn my father of the attack.
If my father escaped where did he go?
Prrr. Finn, I'm sure he's all right.
I think I understand how you must feel right now, Finn. My father also disappeared in the attack. I can only hope that he is with Lord Kevins somewhere safe. Otherwise...
Marion isn't finished by a long shot. Not yet.
Right now we've got more pressing problems. Sir Samson can you stand?
Umm... Don't worry about me. We better hurry and find a way out. [sic]
The stairs down to the escape tunnel are near. Come on, everyone.

So how much has this curse messed with Samson?

Oh it's only reset him back to level 1 and made his stats all terrible on top of inflicting a permanent Cursed status on him. I'm guessing this is something that you can't just pop into any church in the kingdom and pay to go away. Great. I would be more upset but the stats he used to have weren't all that great considering his level.

Finn, wait!
Is something wrong?
We should split into two groups.
But that would leave us more vulnerable if Bandore soldiers catch up to us!
They'll be out in force soon looking for Edward and myself but until Ramue decides to give chase you four have an opportunity to blend in and disappear.
Then what are we going to do, Sir Samson?
I have a plan your majesty. I made some... arrangements while I was in hiding that will get the two of us to the border safely. I didn't expect company though.
We understand, Sir Samson. We won't jeopardize the prince.
Thank you, Percy.
Well is there anything we can do to help you?
I understand your concern, Finn. You fought well, but it's too dangerous for us to travel together. We'll surely get caught. It will be easier for two small groups to escape.
We should return to Isla anyway to inform our father of what has happened.
There is an escape tunnel in this passage that leads outside. Here, I'll show you.

Use this escape tunnel. You should find your way out without getting caught. Just follow the cliff wall until you reach the old riverbed. From there you can climb out without anyone on watch in the castle seeing you.
Sir Samson are you sure you're going to be all right traveling with those wounds?
I don't have much of a choice. Now, listen carefully. Bandore will step up patrols around Marion so wherever you go from here you need to lay low for a few days. If you have to travel stick to the main roads. Those will be heavily patrolled but anyone on smaller roads is more likely to draw suspicion.
Don't worry. We won't get caught easily.
Besides if we do get caught Steiner will just annoy them until we can get away.
Hee, hee. I'm telling you NOBODY suspects the baby dragon until it's too late!
Yes well even in a best case scenario it will take at least three days for us to get where we're going. From there the prince and I will head to the border. We'll be waiting at the Border Church to the east. We'll meet there.
Are you going to meet up with survivors from Marion's knights?
I can't talk about my plans with any of you.
Well, I was just sort of hoping you might hear something about my dad.
After we get help from Zalagoon, we can look for Lord Kevins. I know this is hard for you but understand we can't go looking for him right now. Prince Edward's safety has to come first.
*sigh* Ok.
If we're not at the church, show this to the pastor. This has been handed down in my family for generations and will prove that you are a true ally of Marion.
What about you?
*chuckles* Oh my family visits that church every couple of years just before the equinox celebrations. I've known the priest who runs the place for years.

Key item Royal Pendant got!

With that the party breaks into two. Team Rugrats automatically exits through the hidden door to the overworld and Team Royals vanishes for the time being.

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - the team tries out this whole "staying inconspicuous" thing.

Oh and that scene in the prison with Ramue is exactly what the screenshots show. She fires 3 lightning bolts, one at a time, at Samson which he evades thanks to the power of cutscene out of battle plot shielding.

Update Eight | Index | Update Nine

Comments

[ladyabaxa.livejournal.com]

With this episode we have fullfilled our contractual Big Lipped Alligator Moment (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BigLippedAlligatorMoment) requirement. Let us never speak of this again.

Unless it would be funny then we'll yap about it endlessly.