Part 14: One Weird Old Pigeon (Discovered By A King)

And as Barney turns to go:



POOF POOF



: You see, Sam, this island was your final test. You have proven both your skill and your compassion.

: You're a clever and determined Sim, Sam.

Marlon looks sad.

: We will certainly miss your company while you're away...

: Wait, I don't understand. Is Sam going somewhere?

: Ho ho! Indeed! You see today wasn't just about naming a new Wandolier... Sam, I'm sending you on a great quest!

Both Buddy and Lyndsay gasp and flail around.

: Whoa!

: A quest for King Roland?!

: As you know, my kingdom stretches over the entire world. That's a lot of area for just one king to cover! I wish I could be everywhere at once, but, well...



The king giggles bashfully.

: At my age it is not always so easy, you know!



: That is your quest, Sam.

Roland beams at us.

: Of course, I would never ask you to do this alone! Buddy, Lyndsay, you will accompany Sam on this quest.





Yay! says Sam.

: You do! Lyndsay, I need you to continue to support Sam with Marlon's Magic Bag.

: Yes, Your Majesty.

The king turns to Buddy.

: And Buddy, you will continue to be my loyal messenger.

Buddy salutes the King.







We are joined by Buddy's pigeon friend, Guillermo. Lyndsay scowls.

: Guillermo? You're bringing that weird old pigeon?

: Hey, Guillermo's my pal. He's really smart, too!







Lyndsay suddenly realizes that she has fallen into the Buddy Zone. She sighs heavily and turns back to the King.

: Your Majesty, there's just one thing I don't understand... how do we know when we've completed the quest?!

: Well, as you help Sims around the kingdom, I'll hear stories of your achievements. With each accomplishment, you'll earn a little bit more of my favor, and I'll reward you for your efforts.



: Well, I wouldn't call it points, exactly...





Screw you, king! Team Sam invents its own reality!



: Does that sound fair?

Sam nods.

: Then the quest has begun! You can leave as soon as you're ready. Barney, please give these three access to the royal ship!

oh thank goodness no more teleporting



: And Sam, since you're going all over the kingdom, maybe you can help me out with my fish collection?

No.

: Anytime you see a new fish, make sure to come talk to me and I'll give you a reward! Thanks!

Gosh, that sounds like a collection sidequest that might involve some kind of fishing minigame!

...

Nah. Couldn't be.

: Good luck, Sam!

: Stop by the castle anytime you want cupcakes!



The two of them poof back out.







Woo hoo, yay!



We all run for the boat.





My pals! And look at that face. Sam is already So Tired Of This Shit.



Anyway! We now have access to our world map--or some of it, anyway. Two lands are open to us, each with their own problems to solve...

Should Sam follow the sign of the pig to Renee's Nature Preserve? Or should he horseshoe over to Cowboy Junction?

I'm going to let the vote run for forty-eight hours, because it sounds like the forums might be wobbly over the next few days and I want to give everyone a chance to help make this momentous decision.