Part 40: Explosions Solve Everything

Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, we finally made our first foray into Kirgard, only to be harshly rebuffed by the mountain tribes occupying the southern part of the country. The tribes are occupying a heavily-defended fortress known as Vishnu Citadel, and attacking it head-on will only lead to a bloodbath we can't afford. So instead, we're going to infiltrate the citadel and destroy the gate controls so that only a part of the tribes' army can ride out to meet us. Let's get to it.



Since Daniel can't join us on this mission, the will of the goons decreed that Griever would join us in his stead.



It turns out that we already have enough money to get Griever's weapon up to a reasonable level, if not the highest possible. Even still, I decide to fight a few battles outside of Trarcia to get her some experience.



The encounters outside Trarcia consist almost entirely of the Hoarder in the back with a bunch of Azure Golems. These guys aren't really any threat, especially since we can kill all of the Azure Golems before they even get turns, but they're the highest-leveled monsters we can fight right now.



Like the Hermit before him, the Hoarder also carries a stealable item that goes into the Special section of our inventory and has no obvious use, in this case a Black Ruby. We'll see what this is for later.



In any case, it only takes three battles to get Griever into fighting shape.




After that, it's time to get moving.

Well then, please pick the team that will accompany me.




Fade to black...



Music: Vishnu - Wild Arms 2, "Dungeon: Heimdal Gazzo"




And with that, control is returned to us. Vishnu Citadel is a pretty straightforward dungeon, but there's a lot of treasure to be had here, so we'll need to make sure to explore it thoroughly.





The citadel consists mainly of circular pathways, with the important stuff in the middle of the circle. The treasures can mostly be found on the outside.




Of course, this being an Exit Fate stealth mission and not a Metal Gear one, there are plenty of enemies to contend with, and none of them ever seem to get the bright idea of raising the alarm.




The Savak up front is a straight physical attacker, fond of using Row Strike as well as a decently powerful regular attack. They also have a pretty good stockpile of HP.




Like the Lizard and Dragon Men before him, the Hunter in the back uses his bow to attack anyone on the field, and will also often use Snipe Shot, which has a chance of stunning a character. Their attack power leaves a bit to be desired, though.



Also like his predecessors, the Hunter's HP is utter shit.




The Warlock, on the other hand, is the only enemy in this dungeon with any sort of variety to his attacks. He can cast Dark Bolt for a bit of magical damage...




... as well as Eclipse to put on some more serious hurt.




And while he's not a huge threat on his own, he can use Chaos to turn one of your party members into one.




After a bit of walking, we check out a side door for some treasure.



Oh thank god. Dealing with Chaos was starting to get really annoying.



The other chest holds a Chain Belt, which goes to Klaus to beef up his HP.



By the way, I'm not sure if I mentioned this when we first put him in our party, but Klaus is currently Tetsuya Nomura's wet dream. Even with all this extra HP he's still quite capable of getting one-shot, but every little bit helps.



A little further in, we reach what appears to be the front of the fortress. There's a four-way junction here.



Make that three-way.



The right path leads us to our first elemental Shield spell. Fireshield is a buff that, as its name implies, temporarily lowers the target's damage from fire-aligned attacks. Like the elemental strike spells, however, it's quite expensive for what it does at 70/84 MP, and most enemies aren't dangerous enough to justify using it yet. This may get more use in the endgame, though.





The door to the north of the front area leads to what appears to be some living quarters, but there's nothing inside of importance. We head straight to the stairs at the northwest.





That takes us to another four-way junction, and north of that is a save point and another door.



However, we can't open it yet. You know, I have to wonder what sort of logic Harvey is using here. Generally when a door is locked my first thought is that I need a key to open it, not that there must be some device somewhere that unlocks it.



On our way back, we run into some Tribal Warriors. After all the talk we've heard from Keyser and Eander about the tribal army fighting like an "army of lions," these guys have to be a serious threat, right?






Haha, nope. Tribal Warriors are a joke. Their damage is piddly for this stage of the game, and that's only if they hit. Our characters dodge the majority of their attacks, and it only takes a few attacks from us to bring them down.




They can be a bit of a nuisance when they use Eyejab, which has a chance of blinding the target, but that's about all they can do.




South of the four-way junction we find some more treasure. The Knight Armor is the next tier of heavy armor, granting +19 PDF for 10 weight, but the Rainbow Ore is a mystery. Like the Black Ruby we stole earlier this update, the Ore sits in the Special section of our inventory doing nothing at the moment. We'll have to see what it's used for later.







We take another circular path around the fortress and find this conspicuous switch in the center, which rather noisily opens the northern door.



On our way back we also make a quick detour to pick up another Cure spell, bringing our total to five.





Then we head through the door and up the stairs...



... and run into someone.





BOSS FIGHT: Beastmaster

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



The Beastmaster is another fairly interesting boss fight. He's backed up by a Black Beast and a White Beast, and as you might expect, they're the ones who are going to be doing most of the damage.




Their signature moves are elemental claw attacks. The Black Beast's Poison Claw isn't that threatening, but...




... the White Beast prefers Freezing Claw, which can ruin your day really quick.



I move Angel into Ayara's place, but Angel doesn't exactly have the best PDF, so this may not be the best move.



The Beastmaster himself has a few attacks, but he spends most of the fight buffing the Beasts and occasionally himself with Barrier and Shield. This is more of a nuisance than anything, but it's especially annoying when he does it to the White Beast, since we want to get the enemy's ability to freeze out of the fight as quickly as possible.




The Beasts' regular attacks are no slouch, either. Griever and Jovian can take the hit decently enough, but Angel takes over 200 damage from their attacks.




The Beastmaster also decides to demonstrate his Whiplash move on Angel, which has a chance of blinding the target.




Now, here's the thing. I mentioned earlier that I want to get the White Beast out of the way first, so that I don't have to worry about characters getting frozen anymore. The problem is, Reod is having some trouble stealing from the White Beast, and I don't want it to die before I can get the steal. So I end up having to go after the Beastmaster and Black Beast instead.





This ends up biting me in the ass rather quickly.



And of course Reod gets the steal from the White Beast immediately afterward. The Silver Badge is an accessory that grants +8 STR.



I get Angel back on her feet...






... but then the entire enemy group decides to attack her.




Fortunately, Jovian takes out the White Beast on his next turn.



Once the White Beast is gone, the battle becomes a whole lot easier. Reod steals a Studded Belt from the Black Beast, an accessory that grants +40 max HP. More belts for Klaus!



And Ayara's frozen status expires as I revive Angel again, so I switch the two back into their normal places.




It's not much longer before the Black Beast falls as well.






Once the Beastmaster is alone, the battle is just an exercise in tedium. Although he's not the main source of damage for the group, he has nearly twice the HP that the Beasts do and very high defenses, not to mention the ability to Barrier and Shield himself, so it takes some time to whittle him down.



But eventually, he falls. Oh, and his steal? Don't worry about it. It's a Brown Herb. Yeah. Not even a Green Herb, a Brown Herb.

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



And for winning the battle we get a Purple Herb.

Music: Vishnu - Wild Arms 2, "Dungeon: Heimdal Gazzo"






But first, the signal.





The signal explodes with enough force to shake the screen hard. Now that's my kind of signal!




There's no problem. All I have to do is destroy the machinery here at the right time...




We're given a chance to save and change our units for the upcoming battle. We're good, so let's get moving.

Music: Pereious - Final Fantasy Tactics, "Run Past Through The Plains"




Everyone! Move out!




There's no response! The gates seem to be jammed!
What's going on!? Half of our men are still inside! Did they...? But that's impossible!
What will we do now?
We fight! No matter what, we'll fight!





It's time for another go-around with Pereious. Harvey's plan has cost Pereious a third of his men, making this battle a whole lot more manageable.



Pereious and his units are still the same statwise; there's just fewer of them. We're still going to need to keep an eye on Pereious's personal unit, but with fourteen units, we can lose two and still get an A-rank, provided we get 100% for speed and efficiency. So a sacrifice may be in order.





In any case, the battle begins the same way as last time. Both armies advance, and Pereious rushes out ahead of his army.




I also set up Jovian again as the only unit in enemy range on turn 2.





Once again, the enemy cavalry takes the bait and rushes forward.



And the rest of the enemy units shuffle around.





Well, the strategy seems to be working so far, and I see no reason to change a good thing. Nashal takes Jovian's place at the front and takes out the forward cavalry.




And Paris takes his potshot at another cavalry, just like last time.



I set up my cavalry and scouts outside of Pereious's range. It's time to see what'll happen with this strategy when we aren't forced to flee the battle immediately afterward.





Paris takes the first hit, but he's okay.




The other full-strength cavalry goes after Daniel, but Regenerate keeps him in fighting shape.



The lone enemy scout also takes a shot at Daniel, but he evades.




And Pereious rushes forward and annihilates Nashal. But that's hardly a surprise, and he's now surrounded by almost all of our units. I think we'll be okay.





Our first order of business on turn 4 is to see what we can do with our long-range units. Paris weakens one of the enemy cavalry.




Shiro follows up by striking down the adjacent cavalry.




Bast rushes into the hole left behind and makes a crippling strike on one of the enemy infantry.





Then it's time to see what we can do about Pereious. Ljusalf and Marian soften him up significantly, but he's still somewhat of a threat.



Then Eander rides in to give Outsider and Merrick somewhere to shoot from. He attacks the enemy scout...



... but the scout evades him. Motherfucker!




Well, we'll just have to work with what we've been dealt. Griever makes an analysis on Pereious and cripples him, removing him as a force in this battle.





Then Daniel slides to the west and takes out the western cavalry for some free heals.




Jovian may have been hit once, but he's not going to let that stop him from getting another kill.




And Merrick takes a shot at that scout, managing to land the hit this time and crippling it.



We end the turn by having Erin move up to box Pereious in.




Pereious is on the ropes. The only enemy unit with a chance of doing any real damage was this infantry here, and Bast evades him.




The enemy scout also takes a shot at Ljusalf because he can, but the damage is negligible.



Pereious tries to get away. Where do you think you're going?





Fuck you and your Evasion skill.





The only real challenge this turn is taking out the two full-strength infantry, but we've got enough units to finish the job. Ljusalf and Paris take out one...



... and Bast cripples the other. We'll take care of him in a sec.




First, Jovian gets the other infantry out of the way.




Then Merrick takes out the remaining infantry...




... and Eander ends it.



Music: War Battle Won - Suikoden V, "Cry Victory!"





I'd say something about allied units, but I think that's been pretty much run into the ground by now.

For the A-rank, we receive a copy of Darkshield, the dark counterpart to the Fireshield we picked up earlier in the update. The B-rank reward is a pair of Mountain Boots, which grant +6 PDF for 2 weight. The C-rank reward is a Red Cape, an accessory which grants +4 DEX.

Music: None



It was a resounding success, but we're not done yet. There's still the matter of those people inside the citadel.
Oh, I think that problem will solve itself soon enough.





Does he have a large force with him?
No, sir. Only a handful of people.
Hmm, good. Ride out and tell him that I'll meet with him.
Yes, sir.



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




I am Daniel Vinyard, General of the Elysium Army. What brings you here? Do you still want to continue to fight?
No, I have no intention of prolonging this battle. I admit defeat. You've proven yourself to be a great warrior. I salute you.
I have to say, I'm surprised. That's not the response I was expecting from a man like you.



What's more... we still have to talk about those men of mine you locked up inside the citadel.
That's right... Hmm... I wonder if Harvey's all right.





I wouldn't exactly call it "unnoticed". We must've fought at least two dozen of the tribal warriors while we were "sneaking" around the citadel.

Ah, unfortunately I can't disclose the secrets of my trade, but you'd be surprised to know how methods of waging war have changed, even in the past ten years.
Hmm...
But you were talking about your men.
All right, let's make a deal. If you let them go unharmed, I'll take my forces back to the mountains and won't attack you again while you're taking on the Almenga army.
And how do I know if I can trust you?




Besides, our chance has gone. Without the protection of the citadel, we'd stand no chance against your army.
All right, then just answer this one question for me... Have you been actively working together with Almenga, or was this invasion your own plan?
They made the suggestion, that's all. I haven't dealt with them since then, and I don't trust them anyway. I'm sure they were planning on throwing me out eventually. This was all for my own ambitions, nothing more.
So there isn't anything more you could tell me about their motives?
Nope. I know nothing you don't.
All right. I will let your men go. According to our agreement, you'll take all of them back to your own territory, and stay out of this conflict.
Understood. You won't hear from me again.





Well... That's one way of looking at it. Goodbye, Pereious. I don't share your love for battle, but I still admire your sense of leadership. I hope we'll stay on good terms from now on.

Fade to black...

Music: Trarcia - Chrono Cross, "Arni Village (Another World)"



We couldn't have done it without your help, Harvey... at least not as easily. But our mission to liberate Kirgard has only just begun. I'm sure we're going to need your expertise again.










I went over Harvey's stats last update, but we never got to see him in action, so here you go. Harvey fights by throwing grenades.





To tell you the truth, when we were faced with the reality of losing our homeland, I was really worried. I didn't want to show it, but for a while I thought we were doomed. But now, we're back in business. After this, I firmly believe we can do it.
It's still too early to tell. We've yet to face the imperial army itself.
Now don't start getting pessimistic. You're supposed to be our source of hope.
Hah... Well, I guess you're right. Things are looking a little better now.




Yeah, you're right... We've won the battle in Zelmony, so we can't let Kirgard slip away.
You know, we used to hold different opinions about how to accomplish tihngs, but it seems we've finally been able to find common ground. I'm glad.
We've both had to sacrifice something. Things haven't been easy, but we've come out stronger as a result.
That's right...



Do you remember? It was the last part of Kirgard we saw before the war... the last time we'd ever see his majesty, too. Let's go there. I'd like to see the city again.
At a time like this? Are you sure about that?
Don't worry. Our men are tired and need rest, so we can't do anything for the time being. It's okay to relax for a bit. In fact, I think it's just what we need.
All right, then. Let's go take a look around Ashton.
Do you still know where it is? Just cross the bridge and follow the road. It's at the southernmost tip of the continent.

Fade to black...



Ashton, huh? Well, it seems a little arbitrary, but if Jovian wants us to go there, we might as well. Unlike our ill-fated plan to run off and visit Levier, a stop in Ashton is perfectly reasonable, as both it and Trarcia are close enough on the world map to fit on the screen together. The rest of southern Kirgard is now open to us with Pereious's defeat, but we'll be exploring that area next update.

Music: Ashton - Chrono Cross, "Termina (Another World)"




Likewise, we'll take a closer look at Ashton next update as well, as parts of the city are currently blocked off. This doesn't look like a way to railroad us into a plot event at all, no sir.



In any case, as we walk around the southern part of the city, Daniel will abruptly stop.




Music: Banisher - Final Fantasy VII, "Turks' Theme"




It's you? But how did you know I was going to be here?
It's not about knowing, it's about feeling. I had a feeling you'd show up.



If I had to, I would. But that's not why I'm here. I came to talk.
Does that mean you gave up this hunt of yours?
Just consider this a time-out. I have different priorities right now.



I'm not sure I know what you mean.



Now that you mention it, I did feel an odd sensation about three days ago, but I thought nothing of it.
That's all you'll feel without the training I've had. For me, it was clear as day.



Vanaheim? What does that mean? Is it a repeat of whatever happened to me?
All I know is something strange is going on over there. I thought maybe you'd know more about it.
Evidently, I don't. But why are you telling me this? I thought I was your enemy.
It's not just you. Anyone who has that kind of power is my enemy, and if those people have some way of creating more of you, I'll have to do something about it. Anyway, you don't know anything, so it looks like I'll have to investigate this myself. I'll come back for you another time.




Listen, you're wrong about me, about this energy within me that you talked about. It's not the evil force you think of it. The power in itself is neither good nor evil. It all depends on the one who's using it.



No single person in the world should have that much strength.
Is that why you're doing this? Because you don't trust anyone with that kind of power?



Deep inside, you know I'm right.

Music: None



Daniel...
He's not completely wrong, but...
Don't worry. If he comes back for you, we'll be there to protect you.



Just don't give up. Keep on resisting it. You've done well to keep it under control so far, haven't you? Hey, come on. You're supposed to be the optimist.
But what worries me is what Clint just told us. Something similar to what happened in Vanaheim thirty years ago is happening again.
If it's true, it must've had something to do with you and Brunhild. It can't have been a coincidence.




And we'll have to leave it there for now.

Thanks to all of you who have been reading my thread so far. Unfortunately, due to a combination of relatives visiting and my own traveling, I'm not going to have time to make new updates for the next week and a half or so, and I'm going to have to place this LP on a brief hiatus. I'll still have internet access, so I'll be able to read and post in the thread if any interesting questions or discussions pop up, but updates and interviews are going to halt for the time being.

That said, I'm not planning on putting this LP on hiatus and then just kind of fading away into the aether. I can tell you exactly when the next update is going to be posted, and that is Tuesday, July 10th. I can also tell you that the next update is going to contain a pretty big vote, so I hope that'll entice you all to check back when I get this thing started again.

Thanks for sticking with me thus far, and make sure to check back on the 10th.

Next time: And you thought the infiltration of Vishnu was elaborate...