Beyond the Beyond: Update 26: Confession (Simone Village pt. 2)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 26: Confession (Simone Village pt. 2)

Where were we? I think there was a bit of confusion but last I remember the elder of Simone was trying to remove Sir Samson's curse, right? Hmm, let's see. There was a bright flash of light, then the screen faded out into static and I think some stuff happened but my memory is kind of hazy on that.

(elder) Ah, ah, ahhh, aaahhhhh!

Oh, there we are and it looks like the village elder has collapsed! Two other mages rush forward to see what the problem is.

(left) What happened?
Uh, Finn, that is kind of ominous.
You're telling me.
(right) Are you all right?
(elder) I'm all right... what about you?
*shaking his head* Dizzy... but still in one piece.
(elder) ... *shakes head* This curse is too strong for me. I think you need to see Master Zeon, the greatest magician in Simone. He's the only one who will be able to break the curse.
(left) Such a cold, malevolent shockwave. Brr. *turns to the elder* Even Master Zeon would have trouble with this!
(elder) He'll have to manage somehow... and soon.
(left) But Master Zeon is currently training at the Mystic Shrine.
(elder) *faces Samson* That's right... predicting the upcoming disaster, Master Zeon went to Mystic Shrine to seek a solution. [sic]
Then you're saying if we go to the Mystic Shrine, we can meet the master magician Zeon? Samson! We should hurry to the Shrine and have him break your curse.
Easier said then done.

With that miserable failure behind them the group reforms.

Sooo, what are we going to do about that rock?
(elder) The rock blocking the path to the Mystic Shrine is held in place by Zeon's magic. Unless Zeon returns, no one will be able to see him.
Well, yes, that is something of a problem. Do we just have to wait for him to come back to the village?
Kyraa. That might be weeks from now.
We'll just have to find someone else who can move it. Every lock has a key somewhere, right?
I don't suppose any of the rest of you have any ideas, eh?
(lower right) If our leader cannot break the curse, then obviously I can't. I guess you need to find Master Zeon.
Somehow I figured you were going to say something like that. Anyone else?
(left) Umm... Um... Um... I think the curse also suggests the coming of a major disaster.
Pryaa? Really?
(left) Well, it was just an idea.
(right) *whispers* An evil cloud is heading to this land...
Clouds can be evil?
I think he meant more like evil force gathering on the horizon preparing to attack sort of cloud, Finn.
Oh... I knew that.

As the team leaves they start to collectively wonder just what the hell they're supposed to do now.

Well that could have gone better.
At least the elder tried. That's better than any of us can do.
I don't understand how Ramue's magic could be so strong.
Ramue? Who's that?
A particularly nasty sorceress allied to Bandore.
Oh. She's the one who cursed your friend?
Yes.
She must be... *hesitates* She must be quite powerful then.

Tont can I speak to you for a moment?
Uh, haha, you must be mistaken. I'm not...
It does not do well to lie to your elders, boy.
*nervous laugh* Yes sir.
The rest of you run along now. I'll send someone to find you when your accommodations for the night are ready.
But we're not staying that long.
*chuckles* Oh, surely you're not going to refuse our hospitality after what must have been a long and dangerous trip?
*flustered* Uh, of course not.

With that brief exchange the elder drags Tont off. (P.S. I love you Photoshop.)

So what exactly are we going to do with our day now that we've seen the village?
I'll go take another look at that barrier but I don't expect I can do much. Sir Samson?
Maybe the elder will think of something. We've come all this way. We don't exactly lose anything by staying another day.
Yes, I suppose that makes sense. Finn, Annie what about you two?
Well we did tell Tont we would help him so I guess we at least have to stick around until the elder's done chewing him out.
I'm glad I'm not in his shoes right now. Uh, but we'll, uh, go for a stroll in the woods I guess. Annie?
Eh, whatever.
*lands on Finn's head* You're not going anywhere without me!
Like I could even if I wanted to.
Ok then. Meet up outside this tree later, if we don't run into one another before then.
*nods*

After our plucky wanna-be heroes disperse Edward finds himself in a staring match at the barrier that impedes their progress, Sir Samson still at his side.

I take it by the fact that nothing is happening that you have no idea how move that rock.
*continues to glare at the rock*
It does look that way.
If only Master Myrrdin were here...
He'd know what to do?
Yeah.
And this Myrrdin is... who?
A court mage of Marion. Well, a former court mage of Marion.
I take it this boy is his student.
Was his student.
I'm not sure I'm following you.
*soft voice* He was killed by Bandore.
I had heard a rumor that Marion had fallen. I didn't want to believe it was true.
A couple hours ago no one seemed to know anything about Marion.
Well, you know how it is. New faces arrive in town. People start talking...
*grumbles* Point taken.

Ok, I give up. I have no idea how to dispel this barrier.
We'll find a way into the shrine.
I know. It's just... another delay. That's all we've run into it seems like - one delay after another. We came all this way just to have to turn around and go right back to Luna.
It can't be helped.
Are we really going to have to go find Arawn and ask for his help?
There are worse people in the world to ask, if you'd prefer.
No, that's quite all right.
Arawn? *weak laugh* You really think you can find Arawn?
I don't know. I'm just... throwing it out there because that seems to be the only person who can actually do something about all of this.
Well I guess with the appearance of Arawn's Tower there's never been a better chance of finding him.
We didn't fully search the pyramid under the tower.
Why would Arawn hide from the world?
I don't know.
Sir Samson is right though. There's a barrier in Arawn's Palace keeping something confined to its lower floors.
I think there may be some books in the library about the palace. If not there's surely something in the archives.
Archives?
We don't usually let outsiders inside but the elder might make an exception.

Speaking of the archives...

Elder Xelmet I still don't understand. Why did you bring me down here?
Paula and Simon's boy. Yes, I remember you.
Ummm...
You've always been curious but now you've put me in something of a conundrum.
Really?
You stole your mother's cloak and tried to run away.
No! It-it's all a big misunderstanding!
And now you're trying to weasel out of it.
*gulps*
I understand the desire to see the world but you know the law about leaving the village.
Yes, elder.
Do you, perchance, know why the law is what it is?
No, elder.
Then I'll tell you. Long ago there were mighty mages the world over.

But some of those mages sought only to increase their own power. They became wicked and cruel. Magic is an amazing thing when you're the one wielding it but most people have little or no gift. If they cross paths with a cruel mage they live at that mage's mercy.
Sooo, all the mages moved here to make sure nobody got out of hand?
Something like that. Here, take this book.
*eyes widen, looks up in alarm*
You will need it. Once you leave this village no one can teach you the magic you will have to master.
Y-y-you're saying I can leave? I have your blessing?
Technically as you are not human anymore I have no authority over you.
But I don't want to stay like this!
Simone needs a pair of eyes and ears out in the greater world. When you return I want to hear all about your adventures. Until then study and remember what kind of name you're making for yourself out there.
I-I don't know what to say.
We'll talk more when you get back.

Elsewhere in the village the prince and the soldier have temporarily parted ways. Tucked away in a quiet corner just past the village's main boundaries is Samson.

Steiner? I'm surprised Finn isn't with you. Weren't you going into the woods with he and Annie?
Prryaa. I was but then Finn decided he wanted to have lunch first. He stuffed his belly so full he fell asleep at the table.
That sounds about right for him.
...
Was there something else?
Are you sure you're all right?
I'm about as well as could be expected, I guess.
*slightly irritated* Samson...
Oh no. You're not going to fawn over me too, are you? I'm FINE!
You're not exactly convincing me.
Look, I already have three kids trying to be my doctor. I don't need to add a dragon to that list.
Kryraaa! But you still hide the the fresh wounds each day. Don't try to deny it, human! This nose knows!
Yes, yes, you've already told me you're worried. Do we really need to rehash this?
Where's Edward?
Reading.
Alone?
Yes. Is there a point to this, Steiner?
You did that in Ophera too.
What?
Left Edward all alone.
I'm his bodyguard, not his babysitter.

You don't worry something might happen to him when you're not around?
...No.
...Where were you when Marion Castle fell?
What? Are you seriously suggesting that I have been shirking my duty?
No but you are angry over something. I just want to know if Edward is the source or...
*growling* Or what?
Or if this is just another part of that wall you like to keep up around you.
Hrmph.
Ok. Fine. Whatever gets you through the day I guess.

Steiner starts to fly away.

...
I wasn't in the castle when it started.
Pryaa?
Some suspicious tracks had been found in the forest. I was part of the patrol sent out to find who they belonged to. Believe me when we realized there was trouble we hurried back but the castle had already been breached. By the time we joined the garrison things were grim. Only a handful of us managed to fight our way through the horde and escape.
Then you decided to return alone to rescue Prince Edward?
Yes. I couldn't just leave the prince behind. Besides, Bandore troops were already looking for me.
But you still hid out in town for a week?
A day, actually.
Just one day? What were you doing that whole time?
What needed to be done. I've still got a lot of friends around Marion. Arrangements to get out of the kingdom don't happen on their own. I swear, though, that I went back for the prince as soon as I could.
Does... Edward know any of this?
It wasn't exactly a secret Lord Kevins sent me out but no I've never told him any of this if that's what you're asking. There'd be no point.
I... see. Don't think I'm any less suspicious of you, though.
I frankly don't care if you're suspicious. *pauses* Maybe you should be.
Hrryaa? What's that supposed to mean?
...
Samson?
Forget it.

Meanwhile high above the village in a part of Simone rarely seen by outsiders Annie was enjoying a moment of peace and quiet.

He didn't move a muscle while we carried him. Poor lad is all worn out.
He'll be fine. It's just been a long journey.
So you're from Marion?
Yup.
Both of you?
Yeah, he's my brother.
Huh? You two don't look very much alike.
Different birth parents. His mother died when he was a baby so my parents took him in.
Oh. I'm so sorry to hear that.
Honestly, though, these last couple of months I've had to practically be his mother. It's exhausting.
You do have a sort of demeanor about you. I'm not really sure how to describe it. Vigilant, perhaps?
Well I guess with everything that's happened I am more on edge. Is it really that noticeable?
I'm not sure. Honestly I only noticed because you have an odd sort of magical... essence about you. I've never felt anything like it.
Well I do know a little white magic.
Oh, I see. So Marion continues to preserve that knowledge. It is a great burden and responsibility to master white magic. Most of the kids here prefer to fool around with black magic. They think creating fire or calling lightning will make people respect them. Few have the patience for anything else. Bah! For all their attitude they still come running when they get a scraped knee.
*smiles* Yup, sounds a lot like Finn.
*chuckles*
So you can use white magic?
Yes. I am one of the healers of Simone although I do dabble with flashier magic on occasion.
Can I ask you a question then?
Sure.
I wasn't actually trained in magic. Uh, my parents are more of the sword-wielding knight type.

After an explanation of what happened in the Cave of Spirits there is a deathly quiet.

That is... unusual and a little worrisome. I still don't understand how you could have picked up new spells without any training since your accident.
When I woke up the next morning I just knew. It came sort of naturally, I guess.
*concentrates* No, I don't feel the presence of any spirit within you. Spirit water is reputed to have some unusual magical properties but usually of the sort that would end a possession. And your powers have continued to grow?
Yes.
I don't know what to tell you. I've never heard of anything like this happening before.
It always seems so obvious when I realize I know a new spell. Like how could I not have known something so simple? I've even been able to teach Finn a little white magic. But I never really ever think about the principles involved. I mean, it's not like what Edward does when he studies or works on some arcane question. I don't feel magic like he does.
The knowledge simply comes to you?
Yeah. Yeah that's a good way of putting it. It just comes at its own pace.
I can understand why you're worried. Have you spoken to a priest of Arawn about this?
No. A priest has lived in my village for as long as I can remember but I don't recall him ever doing any sort of healing except for some snake bites.
I see. Our priest is like that too. They're secretive about their skills but I suspect that's because they don't have much magic at their command. Our priest can't cast even the simplest of healing spells.
Well they can revive the dead. *pauses, then follows with a weary laugh*
They can only revive people who haven't died of natural causes. I...

Just then quiet footsteps interrupt them.

Finn!
*sleepily* I thought I heard your voice, sis. *yawns* Where's Steiner?
He wandered off after you fell asleep.
I fell asleep? Oh, I guess I did.
I should get moving. I have some work to do elsewhere.
Ok, talk to you later, I guess.

Ignorant of everything else going on in Simone is Edward, engrossed as he is in the depths of the village archives.

Maybe? No, that doesn't seem quite right.
Hard at work, youngster?
What? Oh, it's you. I was just looking for anything on Arawn's Palace.
That pyramid out in the desert?
Yes.
Strange structure. It's been abandoned for a very long time. No one ever tries to claim it. I'm not sure anyone even knows who designed it or when, or how it was built. *pauses* What is your interest in it?
If I'm going to help Sir Samson I need to find some way to reach Master Zeon. I thought, well the palace might have some spell or artifact within that could do that.
What makes you think that?
We've been inside it and there's a barrier within; a magical barrier containing something below.
Hmm, I do vaguely recall a story that some sort of magical device was hidden in the ruins. It is a very dangerous place, however. Are you sure it's worth the risk?
At this point just about anything would.

Hmm, I suppose so. Time may be short for your friend.
*worried expression*
There is a vicious evil within him. I only got the briefest glimpse when it lashed out at me. It was surprised and angry.
The curse is a sentient thing?
It is aware of us. It plans. I dread to think what might happen if your friend's resolve should falter. It would quickly... consume him.
I knew it was bad but I had no idea...
Such a thing would truly be a fate worse than death. Your friend would become a vessel or a gateway. That is why I have decided to allow Tont to travel with your group. He is still very inexperienced but eager to learn. Please look after him. I am sure he will assist you in any way he can.
I, uh, yes of course.
Good. Then I'll let you return to your reading.

As the day draws to a close the trio stands in the forest, always careful to stay within sight of the tall trees that mark the heart of Simone.

It's getting late. We should turn back.
At least it's quiet.
*sniffs air* Pryaa. What is that smell?
Huh? Someone's coming!

They fall silent as footsteps approach.

Oh, it's you again.
Oh, hi! I didn't expect to run into any of you out here.
Woof, woof!
How did you get here?
We climbed down from the plateau above. There's a cave up there that runs to the plains up north.
Zalagoon?
I guess, not really familiar with the names of places yet.
If there's a cave to leads to Zalagoon then why did we spend months walking halfway across the continent to get here?
Actually we climbed up and down the mountain trails. That cave is way too dangerous. Place is crawlin' with soldiers.
That would probably be why. So what brings you to Simone?
I'm still looking for a way back to my world.
Well if anybody has a clue how to do that you'd probably find them here.
Come on, we'll show you around.

-- SUMMARY OF EVENTS --

The team, directed there by Sir Bison back in Zalagoon, walked halfway across the Greenheim continent to reach the small, remote village of Simone. On the way there they found and picked up a magical emerald that was just sort of lying on the ground. Said emerald turned out to be a magical reagant wanted by a mage in Simone trying some summoning shenanigans that managed to blow the roof off of his house, nearly killed the team, and brought the fifth party member to their side. The new member is a boy named Tont who, for reasons the game is never going to explain, decided to steal some transformation powder from another village mage before running off with his family's invisibility cloak. Predictably enough the powder spilled on him when he was summoned so now instead of being a human boy he is a goopy sort of thing with arms and legs that fills this game's 'rridiculous and somewhat cute optional character' quota.

And by optional I really do mean optional. That bit of text Tont had when he first joined is about all the character development the game gives him for a long, long time. While it isn't strictly necessary to visit Simone until an event later in the game the difficulty curve of random encounters plus Sir Bison's dialogue make it the logical narrative choice. It also makes the next few dungeons more manageable since I strongly suspect the developers set up the random encounters in them expecting Tont to be in the party.

When the village elder tried to break Samson's curse and came up bust our protagonists were told that only the greatest magician of Simone, Zeon, could do it. (Yes, Zeon. No, I don't think this game is intended to be a prequel to the Shining Force series.) Zeon, however, has taken it upon himself to research "the upcoming disaster" by locking himself in a shrine we can't reach because a dirt path is blocked by a rock. Ahem, a MAGIC ROCK that somehow manages to be a massive impenetrable wall. Because of it we have to turn around and go back the way we came to Luna. Backtracking is fun, right? Right?

-- BONUS CONTENT --

This is how the developers probably envisioned the scene with the rock playing out. Note how Tont is nowhere to be seen because I haven't gone to fetch him yet. Also of note: Annie is put on an impassable tile. At least it looks like she could plausibly stand there. The person who tells the team about the rock vanishes, never to return, if we leave town and come back so I am inclined to think this was something hastily added at the last minute.

If you don't have Tont in your party (or he is dead) he doesn't appear when you talk to the elder, as would be expected.

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - well Simone was less helpful than the team had hoped. I guess it's back to Ophera then.

Update Twenty-Five | Index | Update Twenty-Seven