Beyond the Beyond: Update 36: Respite (backtracking)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 36: Respite (backtracking)

The last time we saw our plucky band they had just killed a demon and rescued the missing Captain Domino. Then Domino said a bunch of cryptic stuff and walked out leaving the Vase of Life as a thank-you for saving his skin.

We're going to have a fun time carrying this aren't we?
Prra. Didn't even come with a lid, did it?
Hold on. I think I can fix that.
You got it, sis?
Yeah. No problem.
Then I guess we just have to carry it back downstairs.
No worries. I have a solution for that.

To save the team the danger of walking all the way back down the shrine (although with the pits it is fairly safe) Edward uses his Guiding Branch to teleport everyone to the entrance. This is why I always try to keep one on hand. That boss fight went better than I expected, to be honest, but I'd still rather take the quick, direct route out.

The Guiding Branch takes them back to the entrance, as expected, but there's something they need to do before leaving the shrine. They can't cross back to the mainland unless they open the bridge from this side.

I will be glad to be rid of this weird statue once and for all.
Is it spooky, Finn?
I'd rather not be reminded of that demon.
Don't worry, Finn. I'll hold onto it. It's kind of fascinating actually.

Whatever. Just as long as it doesn't summon any demons or anything.
Praa. There's another wolf, Finn. What about that?
That? That's a canine about to be put through obedience school.

Weary and eager to return to the safety of Jonowan the team left the shrine and made their way across the island.

Do you see anything, Steiner?
No. Nothing.
The pirate skedaddled as fast as he could.
How does one man operate a ship that large?
Well, he's a pirate. I guess he's got pirate tricks up his sleeve.
Pirate tricks?
*shrugs* Don't look at me. I'm not a sailor.

Thus the team returns to Jonowan where their deeds go unnoticed by the locals. Seriously. Despite the channel opening multiple times, the group returning from the monster-filled shrine, and Domino's ship leaving the area no one has anything new to say. They're all still worried about the island and bemoaning the fact that it's cursed or out of balance or whatever.

At least the team will get its money's worth at the inn this time.

I don't know how we're going to explain the fact that a demon took up residence in their holy shrine.
The demon was waiting for visitors, too. It got there before the pirates.
I guess that means the demon is responsible for breaking the seal or whatever it was that kept the island safe.
Monsters are friggin' everywhere! I'm not really surprised they'd be over there too.
Yeah but that demon probably summoned those monsters to protect the shrine, or it, or something.
...
Finn, what's wrong? You've gone all pale.
You know, it has been weird how we've been attacked every step of the way.
So?
So the thought occured to me that maybe that wasn't so random.
You definitely need a good night's sleep, Finn. Your nerves are shot. I mean, there's always been monsters. You even said yourself that some of them are probably just looking for food.
Yeah, I know.
All those spirits sealed up under Arawn's Palace had to have been put there for a reason.
Yes, but there was no demon down there and the seal is part of the structure.
Arawn... does have an odd taste in basements, I'll give you that. Don't worry, Finn. Things will quiet down once Bandore is out of Marion.
Prra. Assuming we get that far.
We will. For now let's get some rest.

But do you think things really will get better once Marion is safe, sis?
Sure. I mean it stands to reason at least some of the monsters we've run into were so agitated because so many humans are all worked up.
Yeah, I guess that makes sense. War turns everything topsy turvy.

The next day the team visits Ghustan the local traveling merchant to restock their herb supply. They still have enough Mage Potions for the time being so I hold off on buying any more.

Ya know I'm going to miss this place a little bit.
What? You? You're going to miss the angry villagers and hell beasts right outside of town?
Well ok I won't miss those but this place is still pretty nice despite that stuff.
I'm sure the villagers will calm down eventually. We killed the demon in the shrine, after all.
Prr. But nobody in town wanted to listen to us say that.
Like I said, they'll calm down... eventually. Surely the monsters won't stick around forever.
If you four are ready we should get going.
I'm ready, Sir Samson.
Yeah, me too. If I have to hear that old lady gripe another minute I might flip.

As I mentioned before despite killing the Water Demon and presumably restoring peace to the shrine there's no new dialogue in Jonowan. The villagers don't even acknowledge we ever left let alone came back victorious.

Domino could have taken us to Ophera if he wants us to use this vase so badly. It would save us a lot of walking.
*grumbles* He's probably putting a good distance between us and himself.
You don't trust him, Sir Samson?
Of course not. He's a pirate. No matter what he says he's after that fact doesn't change.
It would be great to spend some time on a ship but I guess you've got a good point, Sir Samson.

Agh! Not again!
We don't seem to have much luck, do we?

Actually it took two attempts to petrify Sir Samson and it happened only because I didn't feel like spending MP to kill one gargoyle. It's not like the stone condition is at all threatening.

AHHH!
I had forgotten about those.
Hopefully we will never need to pass through this valley ever again.

At least we can use this dungeon's gimmick to our benefit now that we're headed towards Luna. For the record yes it is a giant frustrating waste of time to go to Jonowan before getting the Statue of Gaia because you're not really sure what you're supposed to be doing so you're poking around everywhere looking for clues. Beyond the Beyond simply doesn't care that you struggle and waste lots of time because the few clues it gives are easy to miss. (Then when you do find a clue it's easy to forget what it was because there are a thousand random encounters between you and anywhere you want to go.)

Here we go again.
I have a feeling you're going to be saying that a lot before this is all over, Finn.

Some things just never change. The Sylphs are always eager to Wind 2 the party.

Before too long the team is back in Luna. It's a bit sad to think that they were levels 10 - 11 the first time they set foot in the city and now they're back at levels 16 - 17. Beyond the Beyond's encounter rate really doesn't play around.

Why are we back here?
I just want to rub salt in this guy's wounds. That's all.
*snickers* Finn's got a mean streak.
I do not! I just don't like this guy. Besides I kinda want to know if he can tell us anything else about the Vase of Life.

Damn! I wish someone would get my Vase of Life back.
Still on about that vase, eh human?
What would a dragon know of something so valuable?
You might be surprised.
I think you need to find something else to spend your time on.
I won't give up so easily! I'll get it back! Say, you kids are well traveled, aren't you? Would you like to do it? I'll reward you if you do. Will you return the Vase of Life to me?
A reward? That is tempting...
*raises an eyebrow in curiosity*
Well, I doubt that you will be able to get it from Domino. I will never see it again.
Certainty to defeat in seconds. Make up your mind, human!
Maybe I should just let it go. Even if anyone manages to get it from Domino, they probably won't give it back to me. The Vase of Life will never be in my hands again!
See, that's the spirit. You can't obsess over stuff like this. Take up a hobby. Make something of your life.
Annie the motivational speaker?
*shrugs* Eh.

Despite being given a choice there is no way to surrender the vase to this fellow. We quite obviously need it to advance the plot so the game cannot allow us to get rid of it no matter how much of a pain in the butt it must be to haul around. Seriously, it's a big vase full of magical water. It's a good thing we have hyperdimensional backpacks!

Well by this time tomorrow we'll be back in the desert.
Hopefully for the last damn time although knowing our luck we're on a wild goose chase.
At least we've got that vase full of water this time.
I know that's supposed to be encouraging but I am NOT drinking water from a spring a demon was marinating in. I don't care how holy it's supposed to be.
Ha, ha! Don't worry, sis, we've packed enough to make it to Ophera.

Ugh! I will never get used to having sand blown in my face.

Another old magic user?
Is it just me or does this guy look just like the ones we've seen before?
Huh? I guess he does. I wasn't really paying attention to the others.
Maybe it's a spooooky ghost, Finn.
Ha, ha. Very funny, Steiner.

The walk to Ophera is becoming distressingly routine by this point. The desert is little threat though. We've long since out-leveled anything it can throw at us.

We'll be leaving early tomorrow so don't get too comfortable.
Yeah, yeah I know.

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - I guess we're going to find out what the deal is with that vase.

Update Thirty-Five | Index | Update Thirty-Seven

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Short update

[ladyabaxa.livejournal.com]

Short update this time since I decided not to 'shop up some screenshots for a bit of exposition. The game's been on pause long enough and I'd like to keep things moving. Besides I might have a better spot for it later...