Part 30: All Over The Map

Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, Daniel got his shit together and decided it was time for some payback. Elysium has now allied itself with Kirgard, and our new objective is to take down what remains of the State Union of Zelmony. But before we get to the actual warfare part, we need to head back to Harlinton to meet with with Leonius and determine what our strategy is going to be. So let's get to it.



Well, actually, first let's put Cid in our party. Did you remember that this guy existed? Yeah, me neither. We've got a quick errand to run with him before we head to Helman Island.

Music: Credence - Chrono Cross, "Termina (Home World)"




We stop by the Credence inn, where someone seems to be missing...




I'm not sure why we didn't get this option when we first saw Teej, but regardless, once chapter 6 starts, Tiffany will leave and we'll be able to attempt to recruit him.




Now normally, this would just be the end of the conversation and we'd get nowhere. But if we have Cid in our party...




You're a musician, aren't you? Pour your emotions into a melody! Unleash your soul onto that guitar! Come on! Play your music for me! I want to hear it!
You... You seriously want to hear my song? Thank you so much, man. I really needed that. Give me a moment...




And Teej starts playing. The song he plays is one of the few songs in Exit Fate that isn't taken from another game. It's... well, just listen to it for yourself...









Thanks a lot man, I really appreciate this. Hey, you're with that guy over there, right?








Teej... pretty much has nothing going for him. There's not even that much to say; he's just utterly mediocre.





His method of attack is admittedly pretty awesome, but that's about all that's interesting about him. Next!



Now then, it's time to actually head to Bayside and, from there, to Harlinton. Johnny gets to take a ride with us this time, briefly booting Rorschach out of the party due to Jovian and Keyser's required status.



Despite having visited there before, Bayside and the rest of Helman Island are not available to us on the teleporter at the moment.



Instead, we get to do things the old-fashioned way.

Elsewhere...

Music: Commandos - Chrono Cross, "Dragon Knight"



Yep, it was announced earlier. The lieutenant confirmed it too.
That's completely ridiculous! Why would they let Colonel Vinyard back after he turned against us!?
I dunno, but I heard that General Knight had a lot to do with it.
Hmph, I should've known. They're old friends, aren't they? But even then, how could the other generals have gone along with this? And the king! This is beyond all reason!
And we were so close to getting him too... It would've gotten us a big promotion.



But what can we do? It's not like they'd listen to our complaints.
That's right, and you know why? They're mad! The whole country's gone mad!





Who knows? It's a horrible situation. I feel ashamed to be a part of this.




Back with Daniel...

Music: Bayside - Final Fantasy IX, "The Secret Library Daguerreo"



And with that, we find ourselves back in Bayside. It's been a long while since we were last here, and there's a few things to do now that we've returned. The first involves something Johnny told us awhile back. Didn't he say he had a friend here...?



Ah, that's right



Whoa! Hey there old boy, did you miss me?





Arf! Arf!
Yeah, me too. I'm sorry about that. I was looking for you all over the place, but I just had to get out of here. But hey, we're together now, right? You'll come back with me now, won't you?
Arf!








King is, in a lot of ways, very similar to Klaus. While he doesn't have Klaus's supreme speed, it's still quite high, and oddly enough he has better DEX--the second highest in the game, in fact. While King can take hits slightly better than our feline friend, he still is in no way a frontliner, and like Klaus, he's not allowed to wear any armor. If you really want a non-human in your party, Klaus is still the way to go, since he has much better STR and SPD. Curiously enough, though, Klaus reciprocates the B-rank relation King has with him.





King attacks by biting enemies. And that means, at long last, we have found the weirdest forge possibility in the game. That's right: we can take King to a blacksmith and forge his teeth, which is simultaneously completely horrifying and the most metal fucking thing in the history of ever.



There's also another person we can chat up in Bayside: our crazy feminist friend Petra here. Before we do, think about who we currently have in our party and entourage. Can you figure out what they all have in common?



Huh?
You think women are weak? You think we're useless? You disgust me. Another example of backwards, ignorant men who don't know how to use their heads.
Wha?








So yeah, if you couldn't figure it out, it's that they're all men. Talking to Petra with all of our party and entourage slots filled with men will cause her to force her way in to our army. As you can see from her stats, Petra is pretty damn strong, though her level 9 weapon is skewing her STR a bit--with equal weapon levels her STR is comparable to Griever's. She's fairly slow, but strangely accurate and skillful, and she's got good defenses and high HP. Just like she claims, she can do anything in the front row that a male frontliner could do.





She's also got one hell of a weapon. That axe's head is bigger than hers!



Now then, it's time to head to Harlinton. We make a quick stop back at Elysium to put Rorschach back in our party.



As it turns out, just standing in Bayside is enough to unlock all of the places we previously visted on Helman Island in the teleporter. I'm not complaining. To Harlinton!

Music: Harlinton - Final Fantasy IX, "Cleyra Settlement"




The soldiers at the gates give us our destination, but once again, we've got a few things to check out before we get on with our plot-related shenanigans.




Most notably, we have to hit up the shops. The blacksmith in town has risen from level 2 to level 9, with a corresponding increase in price. I hold off on upgrading our weapons for now, though.





The magic shop has also seen a serious upgrade, now stocking the elemental strike spells as well as second-tier attack magic.



I finally get off my ass and order up two copies of Eclipse. We're not that far away from Myst and Midian hitting 25 MP+, making Eclipse castable on the first turn of every battle. When they get there, we're going to want to have copies in stock.




We also make a stop at the inn, where we find a semi-familiar face in one of the rooms on the second floor.



In case you don't remember her, Mai was busy being an ass to everyone when we first visited Ansee.



This is another rare case where the game offers us dialogue choices. Except it's not really a choice at all, since picking "How interesting..." will immediately end the conversation. So we ask her what's wrong instead.



I came all the way to this city to do these people a great favor and open a magic store here, expecting them to appreciate the gesture. Instead, they told me that there's already a good enough store here, that they don't need another one! The nerve!! How dare they compare that senile old man's second-rate goods to my top-quality wares!? I've had about enough of these ignorant fools!



Because the best time to ask someone to join your army is when they're incredibly pissed off, right?



Hmm, I see. So you're asking me to open up a magic store in your castle. Finally, someone who recognizes my genius. But working in a moldy old castle? For an army, no less? That's far beneath me. Do you really expect to lower myself to that level? Hmph, very well. If you're serious about this, then prove it to me.




We've got Midian and Myst with us. This shit is in the bag.



Music: Battle - Suikoden II, "The Will"





Ow. This may be a little tougher than I thought.




And just like she said, only magic is allowed. While there's nothing stopping us from attacking physically, it will always do 0 damage.





Well then, if she's gonna be like that, we're gonna bring out the big guns.



Myst follows up with a Lightning Rod, and--



--oh. Huh.

Music: Battle Won - Final Fantasy Tactics, "Battle's End"



Yeah, it turns out Mai has only about 250 HP. Granted, if she had gotten another turn, we would have likely been the dead ones, but still.

Music: Harlinton - Final Fantasy IX, "Cleyra Settlement"









With the third-highest MAG in the game, Mai is one of the few characters who can rival Myst and Midian in terms of power. If that weren't enough, she also has better SPD and MDF than either of them. But there is one problem that keeps Mai from being a great mage: her MP+. Don't be fooled by the 17 on the screen here--Mai is wearing an Opal Amulet, which boosts MP+ by 4, and in the long run, while her MP+ is decent if you compare her to all characters, it seriously lags behind all of our other mages. It's not a huge deal now, especially with her amulet, but it will definitely need to be something we keep in mind when MP costs start rising further.





Mai attacks by whacking people with her purse, but though she can do damage to the enemies outside of Elysium, don't expect to see anything but zeroes elsewhere. Mai has the worst STR in the game.




Also, recruiting her has a nice little side benefit: she opens up a magic shop in Elysium Castle.



Like Bartolli's item shop, Mai sells every magic spell we've previously seen in stores, and will auto-update as we see new ones.



I take the opportunity to pick up a couple copies of Nerveheal, the paralysis-healing spell. I'm sure we're not going to need these soon, no sir.



Now then, it's finally time to meet with Leonius. We head into the governor's mansion.

Elsewhere...

Music: Brunhild - Final Fantasy VIII, "Find Your Way"





It's nothing more than the effect of our own actions. This was part of the plan from the start. We've been preparing this for a long time, General Tarlia.






You seem certain of that. Isn't there any chance it'll fail to go as planned?
There's nothing to be worried about. We've chosen the right people for the task.
That means the time has almost come to commence the operation...



General Ash... So you'll be in command? I was expecting that position to go to one of the more... mature officers.



We selected Ash because he's the most suitable commander to carry out this mission. He's already shown great talent.
This will hardly be a problem for me. It's going to be great fun.
Strong words from such a young man.
I'm saddened by your lack of faith in me. I hope milady is not showing signs of jealousy.



That's enough, Ash.
Show us results first, then you can boast all you want.
He's not an amateur, Gudrun. You know that. Give him the opportunity to prove his worth. You can go now, Ash.
Goodbye, my lord. And you too, ladies.




That smug smile, those contemptuous eyes, his feigned respect... Is he really the right person for this task?
I have to agree. He's enjoying this far too much.






Back with Daniel...

Music: Kirgard - Suikoden V, "Harbor Town by the Lighthouse"




Even though I'd already heard the news, I'm glad to see you back in person.




Hey Bruce.

I accept your apology, General. I'd like to get to the bottom of the incident some time, but we have other things on our minds for now.
That's right. We're here to form a strategy for taking down the State Union once and for all.
Are you sure such a plan is still necessary in this stage of the war? Zelmony is already crumbling, after all.
Of course it is. Even if we have the advantage in numbers, there is no need to waste them for no reason. Zelmony is not our only enemy. And what's more, at the start of the war we all believed it was going to be easy as well. We have the advantage here. The purpose of our meeting is to determine a strategy that lets us hold it.



Jesus, Jovian with the ...




Sorry, it was too easy.
T-This is unfair! I captured Harlinton by myself, and my defeat at Matrech was part of the plan! I'm a legion general, just like you! Surely that entitles me to some degree of respect!



It's no secret that you became a general due to the shortage of officers during the Almenga border war, not in the least because your brother married into the royal family. You should consider yourself fortunate that you made it to this position, despite your... if I may be so frank, mediocre abilities.



Yeah, Bruce has a... wait, Bruce has a point?

We're here to fight against Zelmony, not each other!
For once... I agree with Bruce. I'll have to ask you to stop this. General Leonius is not a failure. He's proven his worth before. He's just unfortunate to be in the company of men like Keyser.
Always the peacemaker, huh, Daniel? Well, let's get down to business then. At the moment, Zelmony's defenses consist only of...

Music: None




There's an important meeting going on here. This had better be urgent.
Excuse me, sir, but one of my squads was patrolling the area around the city, when they spotted some suspicious people just inside the forest. They tried to go in to question them, but they were all killed without hesitation. Only a rookie soldier who stayed behind survived to report it to us.
So? Why are you bothering us with this? Even if they're strong, you could've handled this by yourselves already.
Uh, well, the reason I came here is because...




Does this... sound familiar, Daniel?
Those people who were attacking Cento Temple... Those... "Caretakers".
Indeed. It seems they are up to something again.
Hmmm...



I'm going with Deus to check it out. I'm sure it's not a problem if the meeting is delayed a bit.
Running off again, Daniel? I guess you'll never change. Well, it's fine with me. We'll wait here for your return.
Let's go.
Very well. Should we ask anyone else along?



This is one of the few points in the game where we can change our entire party outside of Elysium Castle. Jovian and Keyser are no longer required, but Deus now is, so he takes Keyser's spot in the entourage.




Remember this forest? We ran through it when we escaped from Harlinton 25 updates ago. Let's see what our friends are up to...

Music: Thieves - Final Fantasy IX, "Vivi's Theme"




A lot longer than it would've if brainless over there hadn't interrupted the ritual when those soldiers showed up.
Brainless!? Because of my quick reaction, they didn't get the chance to run and tell the rest that we're here. There's no point in laying a trap if they already know about it, is there?
You could've just let -him- handle it. That's the only reason he's with us anyway.
Yeah yeah, just get to work. We don't have all day.

Music: None







Oh great, they're way too early. What are we going to do now?








Huh? The other two ran off?
Yes, as shameful as it is for me to admit, my companions have fled like the wind.



... What, on your own?
The odds are meaningless! This is about honor! A true warrior does not fear death! It's better to die like a lion than live as a mouse! Now face me, as I will show you the pride of my noble lineage! Witness my bravery and courage that will be gloriously remembered in history!



BOSS FIGHT: Boris

Music: Caretakers - Wild Arms 2, "Dungeon: Horror"



It's time for another go-around with Boris.






Boris has beefed himself up considerably, but his physical attack is nothing that a Mend can't handle. His PDF is a little more worrying, but Bast and Shiro can break through it just fine, and obviously Myst and Midian have no trouble.




He's also replaced his Thunder Flail with Glorious Thunder Flail, but aside from the higher damage it's still the exact same move: heavy damage with a chance of paralysis.




It's also just as inaccurate as before.



And... that's his entire moveset. Medium physical damage to one target, or heavy physical damage to one target with a chance of paralysis. The paralysis is easily handled with a Nerveheal, which is actually best cast by our frontliners, since MAG doesn't affect its effectiveness.






And with his low speed, that basically means Boris is the same as the Mad King. A single Mend, and occasionally a Nerveheal, will undo every one of his moves, leaving us with four or five turns to wail on him before his next attack.



We also steal a Titanium Bracer from him, an accessory that grants +8 PDF.



He's got a lot of HP, but as long as you've got a good number of Mends, you won't have any trouble here.

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



We don't get much of a reward, sadly.

Music: None





This is actually one of the best-animated actions in the game. Sadly, I didn't catch it, but it takes Boris several frames of animation to fall here.



Er...

Music: Tears - Xenogears, "Tears of the Stars, Hearts of the People"



I... have already lost the feeling in my left arm, and I can feel my lifeforce ebb away. I barely... have the strength left to... remain conscious... Yes, soon I will no longer be able... to keep my eyes open... and I will... fall into a gentle sleep. But... do not weep for me... worthy opponents. This is a battlefield. This is where those who are defeated... must die... I thank you all... from the bottom... of my heart. My dream... will finally... come true.




Music: None




Ice says what we're all thinking.

Ice! Don't you realize what this means!? We got Boris killed!
So? It's not like we lost the finest mind of our generation.
That's not what I'm talking about! Tiamat is going to be furious!
S-She... She'll kill us!




A-Ahh...
What do you two think you're doing here?
(Uh... we're pretty badly outnumbered. Maybe we should strategically retreat...)





Hmph, so our plan failed. It doesn't matter to me. I'll take care of this right here.



I didn't want any unfounded rumors to be spread around behind my back.
U-Unfounded rumors? You...! So that's how you want to play it, huh?



Let's end this nonsense, Daniel. We have no time for this. He's just trying to destroy the reputation of the temple.





Sir! Don't listen to him!
You can go back to Harlinton if you want. I'm in charge here, and I will listen to what he has to say.
All right, then. I'll tell you. I'll tell you all about this guy.

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





But we were good at it. At one point, we were planning a big hit that we could've lived off for years. We had to borow some cash as an... investment, but it would've paid us back tenfold if it had succeeded. I say "if", because it didn't succeed. Thanks to him. We figured that Cento Temple was full of gullible people. All Deus had to do was go in and find some of them. And so I waited and waited. I waited for weeks, but he never came back.



And that wasn't the worst of it, no. I tried to see him of course, but he just pretended he didn't know me, just like he's doing now. He acted like his whole life up to that point had never happened. So while Mr. Righteous here was now living comfortably at the temple, he left me to deal with all the consequences. Yeah, that money I said we loaned? Deus took half of it with him when he vanished. There was no way I could've paid all of it back myself, let alone the huge interest. I had to run. I had to leave my home and everything I knew behind, just so -they- wouldn't find me.



Did you ever stop to think about what you've done to me!? What's your excuse, huh!?



Deus?
I was... afraid.



The longer I stayed, the more I came to realize that the way I'd been living up to then was wrong. Yes... for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I knew I had to leave my old life behind.
And it never occurred to you that you destroyed my life in the process!?
I was just... too afraid... Everyone was so friendly to me. I was only a stranger, but they accepted me as if I'd been with them all my life. I'd never experienced anything like that before. But I was afraid, afraid that they'd find out about what I had done in the past. I... I didn't want to leave. I didn't want them to reject me.
Is that what this was all about? You were afraid the other priests would shun you if they found out what you'd done?



Yes, forgive me... They might have said they'd forgive me. But if they did, would they really mean it? Would they have continued to look at me in the same way?
Is that really what you believe? Is your faith in the other priests that weak? Haven't you proven already that you're serious about changing your ways? The temple priests would understand that. They of all people would.



Now what? Do you still want to take revenge on him? Is that going to solve any of your problems? He's my subordinate now, and what he has done in the past doesn't matter to me. I'll still protect him.



You broke me, you know that? You were the only person I really trusted. I just couldn't accept it. I've never felt so miserable as I did at that time. I started believing that the only way I could be happy again was by making you pay for what you'd done to me. I can't believe it. I finally caught you. You're right in front of me, but...





What are you going to do now?
Good question... I can't go back to them anymore. I no longer have a reason to stay there.



What are you talking about?
I know I can't make up for what happened during those six years, but... If you stay with the Elysium Army, at least you'll have a safe place to stay, a roof over your head and food to eat.
That's a crazy idea. ... But you're right. I have no place to stay anymore. It would be nice not having to be on the run all the time.








Jesus tap-dancing Christ, that MDF! Orlando has the distinction of having the highest MDF in the game, as well as the distinction of being one of the few hybrid characters who is actually somewhat good. His STR is roughly equal to Daniel's, but his MAG is much better (though not as good as our pure mages), and he's also got fairly decent speed. While there's not much reason to use him now, Orlando shines in the late game as a buff specialist and healer, since in the back row basically nothing can even scratch him, and he allows other mages to focus on attacking while he keeps everyone alive. His Focus skill allows him to build up a reserve of MP while he's not doing anything, in order to cast more powerful support spells later.





Orlando's weapon of choice is his bo. His damage is okay, but if you're going to use him his turns are probably better spent Focusing or using supportive spells.



To be honest, I know as much as you do. Ice, Boris and I were all the same. We were all just responding to an invitation by that woman who called herself Tiamat. At first she was just using us to produce those elementals, but I don't know... She seemed to enjoy bossing people around. I don't even know what her reasons were for attacking the Temple. Maybe she had no reason at all...
I see...



Next time: It's time to take the fight to Zelmony.