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Beyond the Beyond: Update 18: The Burning Sands (Zalagoon Borderlands)
Welcome back to Beyond the Beyond: the narrative, the game, the up-to-our-eyeballs in random encounters extravaganza. As act 2 begins we find the team still in Zalagoon. A silent threat hovers over their collective heads to get out of town as soon as possible. There's no telling if or when the king might decide they've worn out their welcome, after all. With recent events still fresh in their minds they prepare for the long journey ahead of them.
And by "prepare for the long journey ahead of them" we of course mean Finn wakes up in the inn the next morning and finds he's been left behind while other people take care of this prepatory stuff.
Hmm, where is everybody? It's awfully early to be running errands, isn't it?
Prrr. Maybe it's early for you, Finn. The town seems to be wide awake.
Oh, good morning, Finn.
Hey, Edward. Where is everybody?
Sir Samson said he was going to the market to get some things we'd need and Miss Annie decided to tag along with him.
Kyrra. But you didn't go with him?
No.
Is there a specific reason for that?
Actually, Sir Samson asked me to wait here until he returns - keep a low profile as it were - but this is so boring!
Hmm, maybe Samson just doesn't want you getting into any more arguments while you're here.
I... I know better then that! Hmph!
*laughs* He's just looking out for you, after all.
I'm not a helpless baby.
I bet Samson remembers when you were still a baby.
*flustered flushing of cheeks*
Well this is fascinating and all, Steiner, but I think we've embarrassed Edward enough for one morning. Should we do what we usually do in this situation?
You mean roam aimlessly until something happens or we've seen all there is to see? Exactly!
I have nothing better to do.
Do you mind if I walk with you, Finn? I can't stay cooped up in here another minute and I'd rather not go out alone.
Eh, fine by me.
There seem to be more people out and about by the gate today. I wonder what's going on.
You're travelers?
Yup.
Have you also come seeking shelter?
Not exactly.
Rumor has it that Bandore's troops are already in the south! Everyone in my village was busy packing up to leave but I couldn't wait for them. Bandore might attack without any warning. To the south, you say? Hmm, that might be a problem for us.
We did run into those two Bandore soldiers in the southern cave a few days ago.
I didn't forget about them.
If you're going there, you should take a detour. Go along the eastern coast. That's the safest route!
Thank you for your advice. We will be careful.
On our first stop we find this guy replaces the black haired woman originally in this house and another blonde guy replaces the old man who was earlier roaming outside. Zalagoon has become Attack of the Blonde Guys.
I hate to say it but things are going to hell in a handbasket aren't they? It does seem that way, doesn't it? 
Don't worry, kids, the army has no plans to tuck tail and run.
Desertion is not what I'm worried about. I will do my best to defend Zalagoon from Bandore.
Let's all hope it doesn't come to that.
Yeah no joke.
*from inside the house* Who's out there? *pokes head out* Oh, are you two travelers? Us three and yes we're travelers. Why do you ask?
Well it's just that you're armed. I came in with the caravan last night and was wondering who you were. You look a bit young to be mercenaries but you're definitely not from around here.
We're... from out of town but we're not staying in Zalagoon for long.
Oh. I see.
Pryrra. You said you came with a caravan. Where from?
Ahh, yes, the merchant's association caravan. They move goods up and down the eastern coast which is a lifeline for the tiny coastal villages out there. You three aren't thinking of heading that way, are you?
Yup, we are.
Be careful out there. The border is lightly patrolled and there's no telling what's lurking just out of sight.
Any information on what we might find is greatly appreciated. One sunny day, I saw a huge tower beyond the southern mountains. I don't recall it being there before. I was loading a wagon, looked up, and suddenly there it was floating high in the sky. It was so far away I wasn't sure what I was seeing until some of my friends noticed it. A tower is what you think of first?
Yes it is. Do you have a problem with that? I figured warnings about monsters or thieves might jump to mind first, that's all.
(2) Bandore troops have been seen in the south. That's what I'd worry about!
(1) Oh, hey Steve. I didn't even see you there.
(2) *waves* Just thinking about fighting against Bandore troops worries me. Can Zalagoon really hope to fight them off when they conquered Marion so easily?
H-hey let's not be so pessimistic! The town's already on edge enough as it is.
So a tower just appeared out of nowhere and there might be Bandore troops in the south. Am I getting this right?
(1) Yup.
Hmm, thank you. You've given us a lot to think about. We should get going.
(1) Any time.
Strangeness in Zalagoon continues down in the bar. None of these NPCs have anything new to say but the blonde chap sitting at the table is in the same spot and has the exact same dialogue as the black haired fellow who was drunk and didn't want to hear about Marion when we first visited. I think someone made a small goof in setting what NPC sprite to use for this stretch of Zalagoon's existence. This is the sort of thing that usually gets caught and fixed during playtesting. Then again there have been numerous things that would normally getfixed after playtesting but didn't.
I heard you folks are heading south to the hidden village.
Wait, what? How did you hear that? Well, you know how it goes. Word gets around.
That's the sort of word getting around that worries me.
Ha, ha, ha! I'm just messing with you. I work for Sir Bison.
Do you... know who I am? Nope and I don't care to know. Ignorance is bliss and better for my health.
Sometimes you humans are baffling. Soooo, do you know anything about this village that we're totally not going to search for?
The village on top of the southwest mountains has been there for ages. The inhabitants are said to be the descendants of the ancient elder magicians. Some believe they retained some of the elder's great knowledge of magic. You didn't hear any of that from me, though.
Uh, thanks, I think.
No problem. Come back in one piece, ok? *walks off*
Just when I think this town can't get any weirder I'm proven wrong.
I hope what he said is true, though.
Hello, boys. Is there something I can do for you?
Do you know anything about a hidden village far to the south?
Steiner!
I just want to get to the point.
We're totally failing at this whole 'keep a low profile' thing aren't we? *thinking out loud* A hidden village? In the south? Hmm, I'm afraid not. There are some old tales but you shouldn't pay them any mind. It's just stuff told to kids to get them to sleep at night.
Well, we're kids and I'd love to hear the story.
I don't have time to tell stories today but I can sum up what I've heard from travelers. The southern parts of this continent are somewhat primitive. You should be careful if you are traveling down there.
What, exactly, do you mean by primitive?
Once you pass beyond Zalagoon's southern border it's all bandit country with a few small villages. There's little respect for law and order. There are tales of orks living in themountains and wild humans who have forsaken the comforts of civilization to livewith the beasts. They don't speak any language we understand and they're known towork with demi-humans to try to overthrow Zalagoon.I wouldn't go there if I were you but if you must be well armed.
That's... kind of creepy.
Little is known about them because they're known to attack anyone who wanders into their territory.
Well thanks for the advice. I think my friend here is ready to move on.
Have a nice day, boys!
That was a hasty retreat, Finn.
Edward suddenly started trembling. Are you ok your majesty?
Y-yeah. I - I just, I mean, I...
Prrr. You're really worked up. Do you need to sit down?
No! It's just... oh it's so stupid. What?
I don't even know why but something she said or the way she said it made my hair stand on end. For a moment I - I was back in Marion Castle the night of the invasion. It came so suddenly, out of the blue and I don't even know why my mind went back there.
You're ok now. There's nothing to worry about.
Yes, I know. *pause* Please do not mention this to Sir Samson.
Why not?
I don't want to worry him with something so trivial.
*shrugs* Eh, ok.
There is a soldier here. I guess you two want to ask him a bunch of questions.
Yes. Let's keep going.
*waves* Hello! How's it going?
Oh, hi. It's pretty quiet today, actually. Any news?
I heard that Bandore blocked off the entrance to the dungeon just south of here. What could they possibly want with that monster-ridden place?
I don't know but it's true. We saw the guards posted with our own eyes. Where does the cave go?
I have no idea. No one is ever allowed to enter and those who do rarely return because of all the monsters. It's just sort of there.
A noose?
I don't think I quite follow you.
Bandore is sealing off all exits from the kingdom, that's what I mean.
What? Do you really think that's what they're up to, Steiner? I dunno. It just seems to be that way.
That sounds pretty sinister when you put it like that, Steiner. I hope Sir Samson doesn't take long with those preparations.
*nervous laughter*
Well I should get back to my patrol. See you around.
Hmm, there's the church. I wonder if Annie's in there.
Leaving one worried soldier to scratch his head and wonder the trio wanders into Zalagoon's tiny church because, well, they have nothing better to do with their time.
Prrr. Annie's not here, Finn.
I don't know why I thought she might be. I mean, she's supposedly out helping Sir Samson so why would I expect to find her here?
Wishful thinking.
I wish I knew what Sir Samson was doing right now. The more I hear the more I want to get on the road before we get stuck here.
(2) Have you children also come to pray? Once again, war is upon us! I'm praying for everyone. We are in need of Arawn's wisdom and mercy now more then ever. As if Finn was big on the whole praying thing.
I pray... sometimes.
When Annie's around, sure. (2) Well could you two keep it down? This is a house of worship.
Sorry, we'll be quiet.
(1) Now, now there's no need to scold them. We all have to keep our spirits up.
I guess there's no denying that Zalagoon will end up at war with Bandore.
That's why we're here, isn't it?
Yes, but I guess the reality of what that means for Zalagoon is sinking in for me. (1) You're not from Zalagoon, are you?
No, we're from Marion. (1) Oh I'm so sorry for you. I'm sure Queen Scarlet will do all that she can to help her native home of Marion.
Thank you for your kind words. We'll be going now so you can return to your prayers.
Right next to the church is the weapon and item shop. So that's where Finn wanders next.
We're still on that allies list, right?
Yes. Is there something you're interested in?
Hmm, yeah. I might as well upgrade my shield while I can. Edward, do you need anything while we're here?
No. I don't know how you can wear that stuff, Finn. Isn't it heavy?
Eh, a little but I've been training since I could walk.
Ahh, yes, Miss Annie said your father taught you swordplay. She didn't sound too pleased though.
Finn got his butt whupped over and over again, that's why! It was hard, but I guess it was worth it. No pain, no gain, right?
You fulfilled the pain part, now we just have to wait and see if there was any gain from it, teeheehee!
Steiner! *laughs*
*puffs up* I like to think that I do my best when there's trouble.
You'll get no argument from me.
Having purchased a new Wood Shield for Finn and traded in his old shield the trio wanders across town to the item shop. Might as well be thorough.
I remember you kids. You're part of a larger group from Marion aren't you?
Yes, we are.
Be careful if you leave town. War seems to be inevitable. Bandore is watching our every move! There's no telling when or where they might decide to strike first.
We'll keep that in mind.
Was there something you wanted from this shop, Finn?
Eh, I was just sort of looking. I didn't have anything in particular in mind.
Kyrraa. There's a tree branch for sale. Do you humans actually buy that sort of stuff?
Let me see that. *concentrating* Hmm, yes, I definitely sense magic in this - a spell of return if I'm not mistaken.
You're very perceptive young man. That's a charm called a guiding branch. My niece makes them. She says each one has a friendly woodland spirit sleeping within.
And when you recite the enchantment carved on the wood the spirit wakes up and takes you back to the entrance you used to get wherever you are at the time. Yes, I remember my master telling me about them.
I'm glad I don't have to remember all this magic stuff. It sounds way too complicated.
I wonder if you could use one of these to get Finn out of bed in the morning. Ha, ha, very funny Steiner.
Were you kids interested in anything?
We should get one of those branches just in case. We don't know what we'll run into on our journey.
*shrugs* Fine by me.
As Edward explained the Guiding Branch is a Get Out of the Dungeon Free card and at 400 gold a pop they're expensive for this point in the game. They're not so helpful in a sequential dungeon since they take you back to the entrance of your current area rather then kicking you directly to the overworld but it's still a good idea to keep one on hand just in case. That 400 gold cost is usually much better then suffering a party wipe and losing half of your war chest.
Until recently, Zalagoon was an optimistic town. But now...
Uh, hi there. Finn, she seems to be lost in thought.
We should get back to the inn anyway. We've been wandering around for hours.
Yeah, I'm ready for lunch.
So the trio, led by Finn's rumbling stomach, returned to the inn.
There you are. I was wondering where you wandered off to.
You haven't been out getting into trouble have you Finn?
I've been on my best behavior. Promise.
The next morning with all their preparations complete, the team bids farewell to Zalagoon and sets out into the unknown with no assurances that they'll ever be able to return. Here's hoping that if they do get to return the place won't have gone to hell in the interim. Also, before we leave I go ahead and use the Source of Magic we've been hauling around to give Annie 5 more maximum MP. Frankly I can't really afford to hold onto that stuff for long because of inventory space limits that will get worse as we accumulate more one use magical junk that I never remember to use.
Sooo does anyone know where we're going?
I picked up a couple maps but they don't go much further then Zalagoon's borders. We're going to travel along the coast south by southeast until we eventually reach the sands of the east.
A DESERT?
Yes, a desert. I've been that far south... a couple times. To be perfectly frank this is a bad time of year to make this journey but it's much safer then trying to cross the mountains.
Are you sure we're up to this?
No - it's going to be hot and miserable and there are no towns or villages for miles. There also aren't any roads once we cross the border. It will be slow travel with a high risk of running into monsters.
Lovely.
We'll just have to make do as best we can. There's a small village in the desert... or at least there was the last time I was out there. Let's hope it still exists. If it does we'll be able to resupply for the rest of the trip.
And if it doesn't exist?
Then we're going to have a big problem. Trust me, I understand all too well how dangerous this is. If any of you aren't sure you're up for this I'll understand if you back out now.
...
Well then we should get moving.
This map is technically incomplete and I will have to post one later with the stuff that's not marked right now labeled for us. However, for the moment it will do just fine. We start in the north by the Zalagoon Kingdom text and are heading south along the eastern coast. Our first destination will be the little unlabeled coastal village.
Dear Journal, after three days on the road we reached Zalagoon's southern border without incident. Just as we had been warned there was a lot of wilderness and very little human habitation. A few soldiers stopped us near the border to warn us we were leaving the kingdom but did nothing but shake their heads when Sir Samson told them we were continuing south. I hope we aren't setting out on a fool's errand. The landscape around us is breathtakingly beautiful but we must be forever on our guard.
We stay out on the plains with the sea visible on the horizon but from time to time I swear I glimpse something watching us from the brush. I don't have much time to write these days for we walk from dawn to dusk with only a couple brief breaks. It is exhausting but Sir Samson and the others manage so I must. I told myself I'd keep a close eye on how Sir Samson is doing and I must admit after several weeks that he hides his pain very well. If he is managing despite what that curse is doing to him then I can do no less. I'd never forgive myself if I delayed the group and that delay hurt our chances of freeing Marion.
Dear Journal, for three days now we've been slowly walking down a grassy valley that separates two forests. No longer is the sea visible on the horizon but mountains rise high to the west. It is such slow going but two days ago we ran into a local hunter kind enough to show us where to find water and point out some strange animal tracks he said to be wary of.
I remember back in Zalagoon Finn and I were warned that wild people live out here in the wilderness. The hunter told us a story of warrior women who sometimes come down from the mountains and ambush travelers. That's such a scary thought. A wild animal would attack us out of hunger or fear but wild people would be totally unpredictable. I wonder why they waylay travelers? Money?
The next day as we made camp for the night we got a lessen in just how dangerous the wild people are. Two orks alongside two women carrying swords and shields tried to ambush us. If it weren't for Steiner's keen nose they might have succeeded. As it was they didn't get a chance to strike before we could defend ourselves.
The warrior women turned out to be much better fighters then I initially gave them credit for. They wore no armor but were quick and skilled at deflecting our attacks. In hindsight perhaps I should have let loose some of my magic to help out
This fight took way longer then it should have because fully half of my team's attacks were blocked. Fortunately only one Amazon healed herself this time but it could have been a much more aggravating problem. Sometimes I'm a little too cautious with my MP. The dungeons in this game have trained me well in the art of MP conservation.
Aargh! What did I ever do to deserve this?
She probably takes offense at that whole trying to kill her thing you've been up to.
Ok you've got a point there, Steiner, but it's self-defense!
After several tense minutes of hard fighting our attackers were slain. We did have to move camp, though, for as Sir Samson pointed out if one group could find us we might not be so lucky if more seek us out during the night. I cannot say that I'm eager to meet more orks or warrior women. Hopefully we will leave their territory soon and won't have to worry about them any longer.
Dear Journal, after another three days of travel we reached the sands of the east. It is perhaps one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen of the natural world. We were walking south when suddenly the lush green lands simply stopped and the land became a brown, rocky set of sandy dunes that stretched as far as I could see. I can't help but wonder why this area is a desert. It doesn't seem that dry but maybe that's just because we haven't yet entered the sands themselves. When we spotted the desert Sir Samson brought us to a halt to take stock of our water supply. I don't think he's convinced we have enough.
I am worried, though. We have no map and no trail to follow. If we lose our way this desert might swallow us up. I am thankful that Sir Samson seems to have an idea which direction we need to go. He says that even if we head the wrong way we cannot turn back. The only way to cross the desert, he says, is to pick a direction and keep going no matter what.
As Sir Samson had warned us when we left Zalagoon the sands of the east are hot and indeed miserable. In the space of an afternoon I was already sick to death of it all - of choking on hot sand being blown in my face, of the sun relentlessly reflected into my eyes, of insatiable thirst. It was all I could do just to keep walking forward despite every predilection to turn and run back to more welcoming terrain. I guess then that it's no wonder that near nightfall we were ambushed and set upon by a cloaked figure who appeared without warning.
The first clue anything was wrong was when Sir Samson suddenly yelped and recoiled in pain.
I had no idea what had happened when, out of the blue, a dagger grazed my arm. Thankfully the wound was merely a scratch and nothing to worry about.
(Why yes we have run into random enemies that can attack twice per round. Thieves actually get two actions per round so they can potentially attack four times. They're so weak compared to our party that they're not a threat and even if we were under leveled at this point as seen in previous updates they often run away.)
I heard Finn shout and Steiner trumpet then, as quick as lightning, the two of them cut down our assailant. Sir Samson muttered for awhile how you can't trust cloaked figures. I guess there is something behind what he's been saying all this time. We will presson after nightfall.
Dear Journal, it is... day five since we entered the desert. I can't think very clearly. Twice I have fallen in exhaustion and found myself carried by Sir Samson. Neither Finn nor Annie have needed such help and it stings to know I am being a burden.This is what the great 'Hero of Marion' is reduced to thanks to me - a glorified pack mule.
The sun is cruel and we have been without water for most of a day now. We crested a huge dune and in the distance I now see what is perhaps the sea. Maybe it is just a trick of my mind. The heat is too much so now we rest to wait for sunset. I must gather my strength.
Dear Journal, by Arawn's merciful providence we might not be forced to spend another night in the sand. I write in hasty joy with little time to spare. Annie went ahead to scout and soon came back excited. Although I don't want to get my hopes up she has spotted what looks like trees and grass and what might be a village. We will make haste there before any of us drop from thirst.
Next time on Beyond the Beyond - is this village in the desert inhabited? We're going to find out.
