Beyond the Beyond: Update 14: Wherein We Explore Zalagoon (Zalagoon Town)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 14: Wherein We Explore Zalagoon (Zalagoon Town)

After days of travel across a mostly-peaceful contryside the team spots a castle in the distance. Not wanting to spend a night out on the open plains (again) where they are vulnerable to another ambush they press on. That is how they find themselves at Zalagoon's gates with only the last scraps of daylight to illuminate the way. (Again, no day-night cycles, Photoshop, yadda yadda.)

So this is Zalagoon?
Yes.
I wasn't expecting the entire town to be behind a wall. Why is that?
Didn't you notice during the hike here that not many people live in the kingdom's outlands?
Uh, I guess.
I've heard that Zalagoon has a worse problem with monsters roaming their lands. Is that true Sir Samson?
Yes. Most of Marion's borders are sea but most of Zalagoon's are mountains. Monsters and demi-humans live there. It is where they build their strongholds. That's why most of the people here live near the castle.
Even so the town's main gate isn't locked. I guess they're really not all that worried about being attacked.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Zalagoon. Renowned for freedom and happiness... until recently, that is. Now, Advisor Glade is destroying that happiness.
Who's Advisor Glade?
And what's this about destroying happiness?
Ahh, pay no attention to my ramblings. Welcome to our wonderful town and have a nice trip.
Okay that was weird.
Is Zalagoon always like this?
Not that I remember.
Oh, visitors. Welcome to Zalagoon!
Hello, human!
My, a talking dragon! Well no matter. I am part of the Zalagoon community watch and I'm here to give all visitors an important message: Watch out for these wells. They have low borders, and people have been known to fall in.
If they're so dangerous shouldn't the town, I don't know, raise the borders so people are less likely to fall in?
Well it's a bit more complicated then that. Be careful!
Like I have have to worry about falling into a well.

Well, now what?
It's late. We should get a room at the inn. It's not as if we can just walk into the castle in the middle of the night.

The next morning in the inn with three beds but six guests (including Steiner and the NPC here)...

Finn I know you mean well but I don't think this is wise.
It couldn't make his condition any worse, could it?
Well, yes it could. We don't know what kind of magic was used to create that stuff. You could be making a lethal poison.
Ok, fine. I'll only mix three of the four then and if it'll calm you down I'll try one myself.
Finn, wait!
*glug, glug* Ah, yuck!
Leave it to Finn to do something reckless. So what are you two doing up so early?
I was doing my morning meditations when Finn decided to dabble in amateur alchemy and start mixing some of those bottles we found on our journey.
Why?
Aw, gah, how is it that something can taste like sawdust and moldly cheese at the same time?

Finn runs out of the inn gagging.

Finn got it into his head that if the liquids are magical mixing them up and giving them to Sir Samson might do something about the curse.
Where did he get an idea like that?
I don't know.
*innocent whistling*
Unfortunately Finn went ahead and mixed most of them already.
*from outside* IT BURNS! IT BURNS! Ack! *cough*
Um, I don't mean to be rude but shouldn't someone do something for the lad?
Eh, I guess I can go check on him.

Annie walks out in search of Finn.

_{Well this isn't awkward or anything.} So, mister what brings you to Zalagoon?
I heard stories of freedom and joy in Zalagoon. Now that I'm here, I wonder if they were just myths.
Could it really be that bad here?
I keep hearing about all this soul crushing despondency but Zalagoon seems more or less like I remember it.
What would you know about living under an oppressive thumb?
We just escaped from Marion. You know, it's that country that was conquered by Bandore in the last couple of weeks? In comparison Zalagoon right now is a paradise. I just thought you should know.
Er, well, uh, I should be going now. Good day to you!
Good riddance. Eh, what's this? *picks up the bottle on the table, sniffs* Smells like lemons.
Sir Samson, wait!
*drinks mixture, pauses then burps loudly* Hmm, quite a kick to that. I'm certainly awake now.
You were quite cross a moment ago.
That guy just rubbed me the wrong way.
Are you all right, Sir Samson?
Eh, about the same as I have been lately. Now where are Finn and Annie?
Finn... well he...
Became a victim of his own curiosity and Annie's trying to help him out of the mess he created.
I see. I should have expected something like that. Well I suppose we can head to the castle now if you want your highness.
All this talk of Advisor Glade and problems with Zalagoon has made me rather nervous. If it's all right with you I'd prefer we wander around town for a bit and get a better idea of what we might be walking into.

Thanks to the magical properties of the liquids they consumed Finn gained +5 speed (as soon as he recovers from the severe nausea) and Samson gained +5 in strength, defense, and LP. Samson, however, remains cursed.

Meanwhile, not all that far from the inn Finn is recovering from his latest bout of curiosity.

Are you sure you don't want some water?
The thought of eating or drinking anything right now is actually painful in itself.
Are you two kids ok? Should I summon a doctor?
I'll be ok, eventually. You're a soldier of Zalagoon? What are you doing?
You're trying not to puke your guts up and all you can think about is what I'm doing?
It takes my mind off the pain.
Well, in that case I'm patrolling the town. We never know if Bandore will attack.
That's probably wise. It might only be a matter of time until they turn their sights to Zalagoon.
Yeah I don't particularly want to have to escape another country conquered by them.
Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear. You came from Marion? I thought that no one was allowed across the border.
They aren't. We had to take a long route through the mountains to get here.
That must have been a difficult journey. You should be safe in Zalagoon.
That's our hope.
Until recently, Zalagoon was an optimistic town. But now...
I keep hearing that something is wrong. What exactly has happened to make everyone so nervous?
I'm sorry to worry you so. You've only just arrived here seeking sanctuary. It's nothing you should concern yourself with.

The woman goes back inside her house.

Annie?
Yes, Finn?
Do you really think the king of Zalagoon will send troops to Marion?
That's why we've come here isn't it? Because we believe Prince Edward can convince them to help us.
But...
So here you two are. We were wondering what happened to you.
I was just lying on the ground as my internal organs twisted and writhed in unholy agony. That's all.
Should we go find a doctor for you?
Nah. Annie's been trying to heal me with her magic and it seems to be helping. Well, at least enough that I can stand on my own.
Have we learned a lesson today, Finn?
Yeah, I'm not an alchemist.
Prince Edward wants to walk around town for awhile. Will you be joining us?
Sure!
*shrugs* Eh, might as well.

With the group once more one unit they set out to do... stuff. Said stuff might involve a lot of talking and placating a nervous royal teenager's nerves.

Greetings, strangers! I had heard some travelers arrived last night. Is it true that you're from Marion?
Where did you hear that?
Oh, from around. You know how it goes. I was honestly beginning to wonder when refugees from Marion would start arriving. I must say I'm a little surprised to see that your group is the first and thus far the only such band to make it here.
Bandore closed Marion's side of the bridge to all travel.
I see. That is a shame. Because of the bridge, Bandore will have a much harder time invading Zalagoon than it did with Marion.
Let's hope so
Well it was nice to meet all of you. Good journey!

There he goes. That was abrupt.
Wait, we're going to a bar now?
Before any of you ask, no you may not get anything to drink.
Because we're kids?
No because it's still morning. You should at least wait until mid afternoon before hitting the bottle.
Samson!
...What?
It's just, I didn't expect you to say something like that.
I wouldn't deny anyone who has been through what we have in the last week a chance to drown their sorrows.

The bar is underground?
This building is right next to the town wall, Finn. If they built it above ground it wouldn't be much of a bar.
Good point. Well everyone we've met so far has been pretty friendly. Let's go downstairs and see if anyone down there knows something useful.

Wow! It certainly is much bigger underground!
I guess we should get started on asking around. Uh, hello there!
Hi there. You're a little young to be down here, aren't you?
We're not here for drinks. We're new in town and are wondering what's been going on lately.
What's been going on? Well, not much really. This place has gotten a lot busier lately, and with all tension around here, it's no wonder. Other then the town watch being on edge, though, there really hasn't been much happening since we got the news of Marion's fall.
Huh? Marion lost? What're you talking about?
Are you ok, human?
Me? Haven't been outside for a while. 
Yeah Dan, Marion was conquered by Bandore. How many times do I have to slap you upside your drunken head and remind you of that fact?
Do we really have to talk about Marion again?
What's your problem all of a sudden?
Aww! I'm tired of hearing about Marion. I just want to relax during my off hours.
Whoa! Sir Samson, calm down!
*growls* I was only going to rough him up a little bit.
(Barkeep) Don't pay any attention to him. That customer over there is upset that he couldn't help Marion. Advisor Glade didn't allow the troops to assist Marion.
There's that advisor guy again. Does he run Zalagoon or what?
Sir Samson do you know anything about this advisor?
Hmm, not much, honestly. When your aunt married the king there was some... friction between family members. The advisor was a mediator between them back then. I don't know what's happened since.
It sounds like we'll have to meet with him if we want help.
That prospect is honestly starting to worry me.

The group wanders through the door in the back into a narrow hallway behind the bar.

Hmm, there's a back room.
Should we really be nosing through their stuff?
I don't want to nose through all of it. I just want to know if they have any useful treasure. See? There's even someone back here.
Hello, human!
Gah! A talking dragon! What do you want?
To know what you're doing.
Ever since the rumors of war came out, ale has become a scarce item. So, I'm securing the ale to prevent theft. Now please leave!
Fine, fine. Have fun 'securing your ale' if that makes you happy or whatever.

I didn't know humans could be so defensive about their alcohol. Oh well. Here's another house for you all to invade.
That is becoming something of a bad habit for us, isn't it?
Yeah, it is.
What do you mean, Finn?
Well we kinda stopped to talk to everyone while we were in Marion.
I don't understand. What could possibly be so interesting?
Finn just likes talking to anybody with a pair of functioning ears, your highness.
Hey! Come on now, sis, admit it. We've spent our lives in Isla. You were just as excited to see Marion as I was!
Well, ok, I will admit that even with all the occupation forces roaming the streets it was interesting. Marion ended up not being much like I imagined it.
Speaking of Marion I can hear two humans inside discussing that very subject.

Uh, hello? Can we come in?
Yes. Come on in. Oh, a group of children. What can we do for you?
We're new in town and seeing what there is to see.
New in town? Oh, that's right. I had heard that some strangers came to town last night. You're all quite heavily armed for youngsters. Is it true then that you've come here all the way from Marion?
It's true.
Oh my, what a long journey you must have had. I wonder how the people of Marion are faring? Is there any news?
I think you know about as much as we do right now.
Then it's true. Marion is under Bandore's control. Will they come here next?
That's not a fair question to ask, Stan.
Uh, hi. I heard talk about Bandore and was wondering if there was any news.
No. Nothing new. Go about your business, Jeff and leave the visitors alone.
Go about my business? I wish I could! Advisor Glade imposed strict security after Bandore invaded Marion.
This is bad... because?
Glade's made it tough to move goods in or out of the city and imposed tariffs on anything brought in for sale or luxury. He also sent out conscription orders so he could add more soldiers to the garrisons and patrols. He's at the bottom of everyone's popularity list. Is all this really necessary?
Yes. Yes it is necessary.
You're a Marion soldier?
Why yes I am and let me assure you that your minor inconveniences are a trifle compared to what's going on in Marion right now.
Hmph! You can't be that good at your job if you fled the country.
*GROWL*
SAMSON!
You are lucky, for today, but I won't forget this insult.

(roaming just offscreen from above) Hail, travelers and welcome to Zalagoon! Here you will find safety and solace. We are ready to protect Zalagoon from Bandore! If they invade, they will be defeated! *walks on past*

Well that guy's really gung-ho isn't he?
At least someone around here has some confidence in their skills.
It sounds like you were starting to miss that sort of talk, Sir Samson.
Well... yeah.
Really? *stifles a laugh*
What of it? H-hey the Marion Knights had much to be proud of! We fought bravely against Bandore and there's no dishonor in losing to a superior opponent!
Well you should honorably keep your voice down while you're at it.
(outside church) Are you really from Marion? Then is it true that Marion lost to Bandore?
Yes, it is true.
...Oh! I'm so sorry. That must have been terrible to go through.
Thank you for you kind words.
Pryaaa. There's a weapon and armor shop here.
We should stop and see what sort of weapons they carry.
You, advocating buying weapons? I'm actually a bit surprised.
What? Don't you remember, Finn? When we got to Marion we found out that Bandore had confiscated pretty much every weapon in the kingdom. If we're going to take Marion back we'll need better then what we've got now. Why does this surprise you?
Well, it's just that you're usually so adverse to fighting.
Adverse to fighting? Oh come on, Finn. I know perfectly well there are times when that is the only option. Just because I'd prefer to avoid bloodshed when it isn't necessary doesn't mean I'm stupid.
Are you kids going to actually shop or are you just browsing for the hell of it?
We, well, they at least, are here to buy things.
So you want to see my armor? Well, the advisor ordered that I only sell them to known allies. Sorry.
WHAT?
I'm sorry but the law's the law and I've got a family to feed.
Wait a minute. How do you know we're not 'known allies?' Do you have a list or something?
The law states we can't sell to anyone not from Zalagoon without written permission from Advisor Glade, Queen Scarlet, or the king himself. It's obvious you're all foreigners and I haven't gotten permission therefore I cannot sell anything to you.
Great. And what about you?
You want to see the weapons, ehh? Unfortunately, the advisor ordered me to only sell them to known allies.
That's just terrific.

Wow the chapel's design is almost identical to the one in Marion.
Tiny and cramped? Yeah I noticed.
I heard about Marion. I am praying for relatives that I have there. Have you also come for prayer?
Maybe later. We have other business to attend to.

Good day, strangers!
There are an awful lot of soldiers out on the streets today.
Sir Bison ordered me to patrol. Ever since Marion's fall, we've been extra cautious. Better to be safe than sorry.
I can't argue with that.

Hello, how can I help you? Oh, sorry, but I am only allowed to sell my supplies to known allies of Zalagoon.
Even the item shop can't sell to foreigners? How do you all stay in business anyway?
Eh, we manage.

Well I think we've seen all there is to see in town.
Are you ready to request an audience then your highness?
*takes a deep breath* Yes. There's no use putting it off any longer.

Update Thirteen | Index | Update Fourteen point five