Exit Fate Part #7 - It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know

Part 7: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know

Music: Forest - Suikoden V, "The Deep Forest, The Lost Forest"

Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, we decided to defect to Zelmony, and started making our way to the capital, Matrech, to figure out how exactly this whole switching-sides thing is going to work. But to get there, we first need to make it through this forest. So let's get to it.

The forest is a fairly standard dungeon without any gimmicks or puzzles to solve. We simply need to make our way to the western end of the forest and get back onto the world map.

Of course, the denizens of the forest aren't going to just let us pass by.

The little Goblins mainly attack physically, but will also occasionally use the Spark spell. Of course, being goblins, their magical strength is utter shit. With their high MDF, Daniel and Ljusalf don't even take any damage.

The big Orc, on the other hand, doesn't do anything except hit people with his club. He will occasionally use Row Bash, but he's not particularly smart about targeting it.

Since I neglected to show it off last update, here's Col's Scan ability in action, as well.

Enemies have the same stats as we do, except for SKL and MP+. Enemies can't land criticals, but they're also cheating bastards and don't have to worry about MP.

At the bottom, we can see the item that the enemy may drop if we kill it, as well as what item we can steal from them. We don't have anyone who can steal yet, though.

Once an enemy has been scanned, we can see their current HP when targeting them for the rest of the battle. However, this only works for the particular enemy we scanned--other copies of the enemy won't have their HP revealed unless we scan them too.

On the next screen the bribe popup comes up and I race for this treasure chest, but I don't make it in time. One thing I haven't mentioned about the encounter system is that bribing isn't the only way to make an encounter disappear. If you interact with something (like a chest or NPC) or leave the screen while the bribe popup is present, it will cancel the encounter for free. It's pretty situational, though, so you should never count on it.

Once the battle is over I pick up this Feathered Hat. It goes to Ayara to replace her Iron Helmet, giving her the same defense for less weight. Since this makes absolutely no sense, I'm going to pretend that the Feathered Hat is just another helmet with a plume on it.

In the next fight we run into some Lizardmen. Despite their appearances, Lizardmen are actually pretty weak. They'll generally appear behind other enemies so they can plink away at you while you kill the enemy covering them.

Like most of the enemies in this forest, however, they're not very threatening and we take them down without much trouble. We're starting to gain several levels from these battles.

More walking. I wish there was more interesting stuff to say about the forest, but there really isn't.

We eventually run into a group of wolves. Wolves occasionally attack with Rabid Bite, which does no damage but berserks the target. Berserk characters lose control and attack a random enemy each turn, but with their ACC lowered.

Their regular attack also hits fairly hard.

Of course, having them lined up in a row makes them easier to take down.

Eventually we run into a save point.

The path leading northwest from the save point leads to a house, but it's locked. We have no choice but to go south instead.

Not far from the save point, we trigger a scene.

There was no Mist Monster to be seen anywhere. I wonder if it actually existed in the first place... Regardless, it seems I've won our bet.

Well, this is one bet I don't feel bad about losing, after the stories I've heard about these monsters.

But just then...

Music: None

What was that?

Uh... I think that was our cue to leave...

...It sounds like someone in trouble.

Damn... We can't just leave him like that. We should go take a look. It didn't sound like it came from very far away.

That's just what I was afraid of...

Don't worry! We'll take care of anything that gets in our way!

Music: Forest - Suikoden V, "The Deep Forest, The Lost Forest"

So, it seems as RPG protagonists we are required to be Big Damn Heroes whenever needed. All right, let's head back...

Random battles will still show up on the way back. This particular formation is rather easy to deal with, since we can use the turns before Ljusalf's MP charges up to kill the front wolf...

... and then unleash a Lightning on the remaining baddies. The spell kills the Lizardmen in a single hit.

Our goal is the house we saw earlier, where we find someone battling--you guessed it--some Mist Monsters.

Music: None

Whoever you are, you'd better run while you still can! Or... if you think you're strong enough, come lend me a hand!

Uh... Should we stay here?

We're here to help! You worry about the one in front of you, and we'll take on the other one!

BOSS FIGHT: Mist Monster

Music: Boss Battle - Wild Arms 2, "Battle vs. Solid"

The Mist Monster's first move is to cast Enfeeble, which... inflicts Enfeeble. Thankfully, Daniel is perfectly capable of casting magic, so the Enfeeble status isn't that big of a deal on him.

The Mist Monster has a bunch of HP, but its stats are fairly similar to our characters'.

Also, here's a demonstration of what Enfeeble does to our damage. Daniel's normal attack does about 20 damage, so it's not that big of a deal.

Since the Mist Monster is lightning-aligned, the obvious move is to cast Splash on it as many times as possible. But we only have one copy, and in any case we need to wait for our MP to build up before we can cast it. That is, unless we load up Ljusalf with some Blue Drops before the battle so we can throw them while waiting for his MP to charge.

Attack items function as though the character cast the associated spell without the MP cost. This makes Ljusalf our prime candidate for Blue Drop throwing.

The Mist Monster will also occasionally throw out a Mist Cloud, which hits everyone for a good bit of damage.

He also knows Lightning, which is identical to our copy of the spell.

But we keep tossing out spell after spell...

... and the Mist Monster fades away before we're in serious danger.

Music: Boss Battle Won - Chrono Cross, "Victory (A Cry In Summer)"

Music: Forest - Suikoden V, "The Deep Forest, The Lost Forest"

These mist creatures are unlike anything I've seen before. They look somewhat... unnatural.

I don't think they -are- natural. They appeared out of nowhere recently, and I have absolutely no idea what caused it. All my investigations on this have been fruitless, and I'm busy enough destroying these things before they can hurt anyone to look further into it.

I assume you're some sort of forest ranger?

I have no options left but to comb out the whole forest to find the source of these creatures. Unfortunatley, they keep regenerating. Exploring the deeper regions of the forest is an endless battle against these things.

How curious... They seem like elemental beings, so perhaps their origin is magical? Daniel, if it's possible I would like to return here at some point later in time. This mystery has certainly caught my attention, and I think I may be of use to solve this problem.

Anyway, I'll welcome all the help I can get, so feel free to come around any time.

But we don't have time for that now! We really should go. We've already lost a lot of time.

Yes, we have things to take care of at the moment. But maybe another time...

Well, thanks again for the help. Good luck on your travels.

And with that, we're free to head back to the exit of the forest.

We come out in another little town.

Music: Madrigal - Final Fantasy VI, "Epitaph"

There's not really all that much to see here. It's more just a place to rest up after our trek through the forest.

We do, however, get a hint as to what's going on with the war.

A breach of trust in the Chancellor could break this nation apart. That's the last thing we need at the moment.

This weirdo is also hanging out at the inn, but he doesn't have anything else to say to us.

What an interesting rumor!

There's nothing to do here, so let's get moving.

Our trip to Matrech takes no time at all. I don't think we even get into a battle.

Music: Matrech - Suikoden V, "Military Fortress"

It's even larger than St. Reinard... but the royal castle is much more amazing.

I'll go deliver the colonel's letter to the Matrech guard and let them know you're here. I guess you might want to take a look around the city, so let's meet in the inn to the northwest once you're ready.

All right. Thank you for taking us here.

Don't mention it. I'm only doing my job.

Well, it looks like we have some spare time right now. Should we go explore the city?

Hmm, I wonder what kind of magic they would have in a city like this. There must be some interesting research going on.

I'd rather see what the blacksmiths here are like. Maybe I could get some new armor.

Let's split up and go our own way, then. Everyone come back to the inn that Col mentioned when you're done.

All right, sir!

Like Daniel said, we have some time to explore the city right now, so let's take a look around.

I've heard the Fairwind Republic south of Zelmony has been in chaos recently too.

Interesting. This is the first we've heard of countries outside of Kirgard, Zelmony and Almenga. I wonder how Fairwind will factor into things?

We find Ljusalf, as promised, in the magic shop.

And he's right about the spells on sale not being worth the money. Instead of Mend + the attack spells that we've seen earlier, the spells here are all status healing spells. We haven't seen all of these statuses yet, so here's a handy list.

Neutralize cures Poison, which deals damage to a character over time.
Memorial cures Amnesia, which lowers a character's MAG.
Vigour cures Slow, which lowers a character's SPD.
Clearsight cures Blind, which lowers a character's ACC.
Muscleheal cures Enfeeble, which lowers a character's STR.
Noise cures Silence, which prevents a character from using magic.

In another house we find this guy and his sick father.

There's also a few guys on the street who are coming dangerously close to breaking the fourth wall.

In the item shop, we come across the final accessory class, belts. Belts increase max HP, somehow, but generally the boost is so small that it's not worth the money.

There's also--hey! Didn't we see you somewhere before?

Unfortunately, the cat runs away again when we talk to it.

Cursed is the light that burns our eyes and offers no relief from those who are unable to understand us.

Ayara can be found in the blacksmith's shop.

The blacksmith here is level 4. I have him upgrade the Seraphim a bit. I'd like to upgrade the other characters' weapons as well, but they're not with us at the moment.

He also has some new armor for sale, but the difference between it and what we have is negligible. 1 extra point of PDF is not worth 200 Arn, especially when it comes with an extra point of weight.

Anyway, let's head over to the inn. The game will give us a choice to leave if we still want to explore some, but we're done, so let's get the plot moving again.

Music: None

I've spoken to my superiors here, and...

Go on, have a seat first.

Uh, thanks.

They took Colonel Merrick's letter very seriously and took action immediately. They told me to wait for a while, and when they came back, they... Well, I can hardly believe it myself.

What did they tell you?

Looks like we're moving up in the world!

The Chancellor of Zelmony? Strange... Isn't this a strictly military affair?

I'll take you to see him at the Matrech State Hall tomorrow morning, along with the rest of you.

The chancellor himself...

Yeah...

This is quite a surprise. I didn't expect to be treated this well. I guess I can rest a little easier now, since the chancellor is going out of his way to meet me.

Music: Reflection - Chrono Trigger, "At the Bottom of the Night"

Go ahead. What do you want to know?

I heard you were a successful colonel back in Kirgard, so why do you want to fight for us now? I mean, I know that you didn't leave Kirgard voluntarily, but... why join our side now and fight against your old friends? Is it for revenge?

Revenge? No, it's nothing like that. When it comes down to it, I don't care about what country I fight for. I'm not doing it for glory or for power. I simply want to fight to make the fighting end.

Eight years ago we were in the same situation, but we didn't learn a thing from it. We forgot what it's like to be on the other side. I can't sit idly while that happens. This continuous strife between our countries has to end, one way or another.

The truth? About what?

It's... a long story, but if you want, I'll tell you...

Fade to black...

Do you really think you were set up by your old friend?

I just don't know. I... hope I'm wrong.

Music: None

The others arrive.

Oh, welcome back, all of you.

I'm ready, sir. Have you received any news yet?

Yeah. Have a seat, and I'll tell you all about it.

Another fade to black, during which the inn theme plays...

Music: Matrech - Suikoden V, "Military Fortress"

It's the huge castle at the far end of the city. Once inside, just keep walking straight ahead and up the stairs to the reception chamber. The people there will tell us what to do.

Before we do that, though... we have a full party again, which means it's time to visit the blacksmith.

I bump up everyone's weapon levels somewhat. We don't have anywhere near enough money to get everyone to level 4, but I do what I can.

Right then, let's see what we have here.

Within the Matrech Guard, the Knights of Matrech are the elite troops. They were originally in charge of protecting the royal family.

I guess that explains that whole silly captain-that-outranks-colonel thing. Still sounds dumb though.

This guy can be found off to the right of the building.

I'm Carson, the Chancellor's personal administrative aid. I know about everything that's going on.

Further in, we find this woman. We know what this means!

Unfortunately this is the only reaction we can get out of her.

At the northern end of the building we find these soldiers. Guess we have no choice but to wait.

Well, we're not in a hurry, I guess.

The guards will come to take you to the chancellor when he's ready.

At this point we have to talk to the people in our party to advance time a bit. So let's get on that.

Life of fighting?

Didn't you know that it was Chancellor Ryan who reunited Zelmony, about thirty years ago?

Now that you mention it, I do remember that. I didn't realize that this same man is still the chancellor. We weren't taught a lot about your country's history.

I never knew about this at all.

After a short civil war, the royal family was dethroned and the country fell apart into separate states. It stayed like that for a long time. But forty-five years ago, Kirgard once again took control over Helman Island. Ryan was one of the soldiers who fought for us back then. When he returned to the mainland, he realized the necessity of uniting the country if we ever wanted to stand up to Kirgard. After becoming an officer in the Mayfall army, he tried to reason with the state leaders, but it was useless. All of them distrusted each other.

Even in the isolated Highland state, he found a lot of supporters. He just had a natural charisma and knew how to speak what was on people's minds. Finally, Ryan returned to Matrech and publically advocated a centralized nation where each state could count on help from the others when needed. At first the leaders tried to ignore him, but as Ryan's influence grew, they started to fear him and tried to put him out of action through force.

After that, the other states quickly entered negotiations with Ryan to prevent the same thing from happening to themselves. Finally, the State Union of Zelmony was founded, with Ryan as the first chancellor. Each state would remain mostly independent under their own governor, but in case of emergency the chancellor would have complete authority over all states.

So that's how Ryan became chancellor...

Yeah. It's thanks to him that we're one nation again.

It's an interesting story. It's made me even more confident that he'll be able to help us.

That was quite an info dump. I wonder if talking to the other characters will result in just as much monologuing?

Nope. Stromgaard continues to give no fucks.

It's such a pain to deal with sometimes. People who really want the same thing end up fighting because of simple misunderstandings.

That's a consequence of the variety between people, I suppose. Still, talking to each other is the only way to find out everyone's desires. It's a necessary thing.

Now that we've talked to everyone, if we talk to Col...

Music: Chancellor - Final Fantasy VIII, "Overture"

It's an honor to meet you, Chancellor. I take it you have already been informed about my situation?

I know who you are, and why you are here, but I'm sure that there is more to it than I've been told.

Yes, allow me to explain...

Fade to black...

If you have a question to ask, Captain, feel free to do so.

Colonel, you suspect that you've been betrayed by your most trusted allies, but you have no evidence of this, do you?

Captain, I understand your point. Sowing discord among Kirgard officers will only help their enemies. However, out of all their commanders, none were more opposed to this war than I am. If it were your doing, there would have been no reason to pick me. In fact, since it was me, it may have even made Kirgard more determined.

You are very insightful regarding your situation, but still you are not fully convinced of your former companions' guilt?

Some of these people I counted as close friends. It's important to me to find out who was part of this and for what reason.

I see, that is understandable. Was that a satisfactory answer, Captain?

I have no further questions.

The question that remains is exactly how you will fit into the State Army. It would be a waste of your talents to make you a lower officer. But before we discuss your new position, I'm sure you possess valuable information that you should be willing to share with us. In particular, I'm interested in Kirgard's plans for the near future, and whether they really plan to attack the mainland or not.

Even that strategy for Helman Island that I -was- aware of was changed after I... left.

Hmm, even so, anything you know could prove useful to us.

The primary goal was to benefit from the element of surprise to take the island quickly and with few losses, seizing the ports first and then the capital. But now that you're aware of their aggression, they'll wait at least a month to reorganize themselves and give you a false sense of security. I very much doubt that, even in this situation, they will attack on short term.

Hmm... interesting. This should give us time to--

We cannot be careful enough. He is still an enemy officer. We can't take his words for fact when we have no way of telling if he can be trusted. We'll see if your information turns out to be correct.

Yes, I suppose you're right. I apologize, Colonel, but we are responsible for the entire nation. The safety of Zelmony comes before anything else.

I understand.

Now... I would like to discuss your situation in private with the captain.

You will hear from us tomorrow, so please stay in the city for now.

Thank you for your hospitality, Chancellor. I appreciate the time you've taken to speak to me.

Music: None

Perhaps he reminds me of how I used to be...

Used to be? You are still the same Ryan you've always been.

I am tired, Erin. I can't fight this war like I did last time. It's hard enough to deal with the state governors alone. This, too, will be difficult...

Fade to black...

I would like to look around in town some more, so please excuse me.

You still haven't seen everything, Ljusalf? Well, we have some time, so go ahead.

Thank you.

Another fade to black...

Yes? Come in.

Wait, what?

To be honest, I wasn't even sure that it was really you. I was beginning to doubt myself when you said nothing to me during the meeting.

I understand your confusion. It's not in my nature to lie.

So you haven't told him. Why? You must have your reasons, but as usual they are beyond me.

Surely you too must have noticed it, even having met him only briefly.

It's true that he reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger. Is that why you chose to go with him?

I remember it well, even though it was over forty years ago. I was much younger at the time too. I still remember that young soldier who came to us, begging for the people of Alfheim to help him fight against the Kirgard invaders.

Ah, but you underestimate the effect that your words had. They were honest words that came straight from the heart. You may not have known this, Ryan, but if neutrality were no longer possible for Alfheim, it would have taken your side without hesitation.

I wonder...

It is true that I am different from the others, but it's only because I am driven by curiosity about the outside world.

But even that time, you returned home when I went back to Mayfall. And now... you've actually come here, to Matrech. Was it in order to meet me again, or is he... special?

He may be. We elves are more attuned to the elements than humans. We perceive things that you cannot. Something happened, thirty-two years ago. I could sense it. I thought it was the effect of you reuniting Zelmony, but... Ah, I am trailing off...

Destiny? What does this mean, for us?

I believe it would be in your best interest to support him in any way you can. He has the potential to be a force of great magnitude. As an old friend, I would advise you not to make him into an enemy.

The next morning...

Your application to join the State Army has been accepted, but your new position will be a... unique one. You've been given command over a new regiment of reserve troops. Captain Erin will be monitoring your progress directly for now. She will send you on various assignments when possible, so you can prove your loyalty to us.

That sounds good to me. I wasn't expecting to be made a colonel in the State Army right off the bat or anything. But... how is this new position special?

Well... In your short time here, you've already gathered a small group of followers. Even this young scout from the Mayfall army has asked to be transferred to your new unit.

Of course. You've been a great help so far, so you're welcome to stay.

Thank you, sir!

Anyway, I'm sure you understand that we don't have a whole lot of men to spare at the moment, especially since you're not going to be on the frontlines right now. The chancellor has noticed your charisma and speaking abilities. He believes you'll be able to use those skills to recruit some men by yourself.

This is what the chancellor and the captain decided. It's up to you to accept it or not. There are many people out there who are unwilling to join the regular army or have never considered it. You may be able to convince them by talking to them in person.

Oh no, I'll gladly accept. It's just... unusual.

Well then, let's wrap things up here. You'll understand that the chancellor is a busy man, so he won't have time to meet you again on short term. Captain Erin will be your commanding officer. Her office is inside the state hall, on the first floor, below the reception hall. Go see her regularly to stay up to date about any new missions and developments. Also, you can find me in my office near the entrance of the state hall. You'll soon have more men than you can take with you at once, so if you want to switch people around, come see me and I'll take care of the logistics.