Part 13: Update XI - Goondalf the G(houlish)

Part XI - Goondalf the G(houlish)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8piAqTo1EY
(There will be new music once we start exploring the catacombs, don't worry.)

Okay, let’s try that again! Exploring the Inner Bailey some more, there’s a nice inn/barracks in the northeast.





Well, someone’s confident!





Sure. We’ll go with “timeless.”





Well, aren’t you one-of-a-kind?

Tristan: I’m afraid I don’t catch your meaning, sir.

In a keep of miserable soldiers, you greet me warmly. You’re very animated, and your manner is charming. You seem very out of place. Why is it you’re the one soldier who stays optimistic?



Me, distinguished? I like it.

Tristan: ...Well, your accomplishments have been impressive thus far. As time passes, your popularity will grow, as will your accomplishments, as will the soldiers’ and commanding officers’ respect for you. I know this. In fact, I’ve already started writing…

Writing what?



YES, FINALLY.

You’re right about that, fop! I AM greatness personified! Nations will rise and fall at my whim, enemies surrender without scuffle! A legion of Sha’ahoul slaves will dance to my tune!



So how did someone with your obvious non-combative skill become a soldier?

Tristan: What you wish to know is how I was torn from the great Bardic College to serve as a common soldier in the keep of Avalon, right?

Something like that, yes.



Great, soldier? You know, for all your happy soldier act, I can ignore neither the sadness in your eyes nor the dark circles beneath them.

Tristan: You’re… A perceptive person, sir. [He sighs.] I’ve been worrying about a friend of mine for a couple of days now. He was part of an expedition sent to the ruins beneath Avalon, and I’ve not heard from him since. In fact, no one’s heard anything from the party yet. I fear the worst, but… I have to be sure. I’ve heard a rumor that you’re to be selected to investigate the party’s disappearance…

What would you like me to do?

Tristan: My friend had a signet ring he would never be without… I’m sure you can identify him… or his remains by it. It’s got a fox’s head on it. What I’d like you to do is bring me the ring… So I can be sure… I mean, if you can’t find it, I can still hold out some hope that he may still be alive. But… I have a feeling I’ll never trade stories and share thoughts with him again. I… I just need to know for sure.

That shouldn’t be a problem, Tristan. I’ll see what I can find.

Tristan: Thank you very much, sir. It would really set my heart at ease to know for sure…

I’m not so sure of that, Tristan. Farewell.

It’s the least we can do for our own personal bard!

Oh hey, a gazebo.









Times is tough, even for the rich and beautiful.

Oh hell yeah, there’s a tavern here too. The Inner Bailey rules.





From you, lady? You better believe it!



NOW you’re speaking my language! I’ve enough potency for you AND y—

Goon status: re-secured.



And you expect me to drink this poison? I’m on duty!



It doesn’t look like it’s solving anything for him…

Adaela: To each his own, I suppose. There’s no accounting for taste.

Indeed. If you will excuse me, my lady.

Alright, who else can we embarrass ourselves talking to.





Thanks, I think I will. What is this place?

Gentza: Oh, this room is largely unused. I suppose when the reinforcements arrive, the higher-ups’ll decide it needs to be used for something, but for the time being, me and the missus… Well, she’s not MY missus, but… Anyway, we turned it into a sort of a refuge. Since we don’t have anything resembling a bar around here, we’ve got to make do somehow!

Yes, but bars have drinks, don’t they, mister…??



Pretty strong stuff, ain’t it?



Say, you wouldn’t happen to be from Aratoy, would you?



Ah. I must be on my way now. Farewell.





Good day. I don’t believe we’ve met. From where did you come?



Knowing so little, can we make such a judgment?



If we can’t even get along with ourselves, how are we to do with those who have such radically different views?

Orvyn: But we get along great! We may still make jokes about our kingdoms, but… oh.

Now you see it, don’t you, Orvyn? The only reason we’re all working together so smoothly and efficiently is because we are united against a common threat. As odd as it sounds, the Sha’ahoul are bringing us closer together.

Orvyn: Oh, ah… s’pose you’re right, sir. You’re smarter than you look.

I was about to tell you the same thing.

[Return]

Hey. Say, what news have you heard recently? I’ve been away and I’m trying to catch up on current events.

Orvyn: Ah heard the other day from mah psychic friend that we’re all going on a long voyage.

Oh, you have one of those? Say, next time, ask precisely how we can defeat the Ahoul with the least lives and resources lost by our side, okay?

Orvyn: Ah’m not sure she’d like to get involved that-a-way, but ah’ll surely ask.

Er, thank you, soldier. Ah, I must be taking my leave now. I’ll talk to you later.



The door to the south there leads back to the Outer Keep.





Let’s see what’s going on over there.





Oh okay. Traitor confirmed.

There actually isn’t anything new in the areas we’ve previously been to yet. Just wanted to show that guy being a jerk.

For now, we head back to the Inner Keep to check out its basement.













Let me guess…

Olni: You’ve heard the voices?

Err… I’ve heard some noises, but…

Olni: No, voices! Up here in this level, it’s voices we hear. Whispering our names, mostly, sometimes laughing.

I think you should seek counseling. The Friar might be able to help you with that.

Olni: Somehow, I knew you wouldn’t understand.

Oh, I understand all too well, soldier. Pardon me.

Well, okay then.



Permission, eh? There are also some chests down here. Mostly crap, except for these:







And also a… fancy room?







What is this work you speak of, good mage?



Though I am young, sir, I am experienced enough to not pass judgment in ignorance. Who can say what knowledge might prove useful on my quest? I am quite willing to learn of your arts, if they can serve in dispelling the scourge of the Sha’ahoul.



[Speaks of all things dead]

Perhaps I can prove the value of your work in my mission to the ruins beneath this keep.

The caves, you say? My only friend here, a scout I have known since we were children, went missing there recently. I warned her of the horrors she might face, for such places are often havens for the undead. In my limited forays into the ruins, I have also seen some signs that point to the presence of an elemental of rock, something I also warned her of. Any word of her would be greatly appreciated, for I fear for her safety in such a hazardous area.

With all due respect, Felious, why did you not seek her out yourself?

I was actually considering looking for her, but my work is quite a powerful distraction. Perhaps I have become too involved in death to appreciate life. [He sighs.] Feel free to return for instruction, or simply to visit. I don’t actually dislike the living, you know, and my only companion down here is regrettably lacking in serious conversation.

I shall go now, Felious. Hopefully, the fate of your friend and the others missing in the ruins will soon be known.



Shoulder pads.

So, the door to the back has a hidden room where we can find the “companion” Felious mentioned. Also happens to be the best character in the game.







*click tap* *scrape scrape tap*



Above you, indeed. Can’t we all just get along?

: I do not believe so. Does not this latest conflict illustrate that we cannot? When simple people adopt simple beliefs… Well, I won’t get started; doubtless you’ve not the time to chat with me about such things. How can I help you?

I was curious how a skeleton has a personality.

: For lack of a better word or words to describe the process, I was “raised.” I have formed my own “personality” through my experiences. It took my creator much more time and effort to summon me in such a fashion, but he thinks it’s worth it because he has someone to talk to.

Felious mentioned something about you assisting me…





Yep, Bones is Chapter Two’s Mage trainer. While Phelic’s Apprentice has Aura of Iron, he doesn’t always have enough mana to cast it on everyone, so we pick it up for ourselves as well. With that, we will have to come back for the rest later, as that brings us down to only 9 TP.



Anyway, the basement is fully explored, except for that door we can’t get past that leads into the caves. As I took stock of whether or not I had everything for the expedition, I realized there was something I missed in the Inner Bailey.



There’s no way to rotate the camera, so this chest is impossible to find unless we’re either insanely dedicated, or using a guide. I found it a grand total of one time out of the half a dozen I played through this game without a guide.







These bonuses are kinda nuts. This is also exactly what I was looking for before busting out the Giant’s Pauldrons, so I take the opportunity to sort out the equipment of Goondalf and his party.





Doubling Phelic’s Apprentice up on both pants and tabards, because why not? Also giving him the Mystic Claw.



Wyatt gets a bunch of armor and spare rings to make him a little more durable, should he be noticed.

And Goondalf… Goondalf is now an Armor Wizard.





Now, wearing that and having Aura of Iron up, we have 68-74% resistance to all physical damage. Gonna need it too, since with this party setup, Goondalf is going to have to do the tanking.



Not too shabby. Let’s show it off!



It’s already a big hit with the ladies.



Our outfit also rivals this potential traitor’s now, so let’s see what he thinks.



Better every time I see you. Oh, the things you’re missing.

Neese: Oh, I know what you think I’m missing, and I’m not missing it at all. What I miss is the cook back at our estates… He could bake the best—

[sigh] Never mind. Have you heard any good gossip?



I see where you’re going with that. I’m sure Sir Roth has something in the works. Oh, and I’m sure /you/ want some of the action, too, right? Cut up a few bloodthirsty savages? Hey, girls /like/ scars. Shows you’re a man. Have you any hair on your chest yet, Neese?



Yes, you know, the opposite sex? You /have/ been told about the birds and the bees, haven’t you?

Neese: Of course I know! [flustered appearance] I’ve been with… I… I know…

I’m sure you do, friend, I’m just joking with you. Just be lucky you didn’t go through a real boot camp. Take care of yourself.



No need to be so defensive. I told you I was joking.



You should spend more time outside, Neese. In fact, spend some time with the peasants on a soldier’s income. I think it will bring something out of you that’s in danger of dying.



You, wielding a sword? Although the image is refreshingly farcical, I /can/ imagine it.



And I’ll accept. Practice swords only, of course. I wouldn’t want to behead you on the first pass.

Neese: Nor I you. [smile]

I’m impressed, Neese. Your confidence is refreshing. Your father would be proud already.



We actually get Training Points for that harangue. Just two, but we'll take 'em. ‘Kay.

Now we need to see what the knights think of our outfit.





Just fine, actually. Forgive my rudeness, but who are you?



And rise I shall continue to do…

Sir Ither: [He lowers his voice.] That’s actually the reason I wanted to speak with you. I’m sure you’re aware that there are traitors in our midsts; from what I hear, you’ve had a hand in disposing some of them yourself. As hard as it is for me to admit it, I believe one of my fellows is a traitor.

Oh? Who might that be?

Sir Ither: [He sighs melodramatically.] It pains me to say it, but… I believe good Sir Osla has fallen… He received a letter that he guards jealously… I wouldn’t be surprised if it was shut up deep in his footlocker, but… I believe it’s a message from the outside… From the enemy. I don’t know what he has planned, but whatever the reason, the letter has him on edge.

And what would you like me to do about it?

Sir Ither: If you can recover the letter and bring it to me, I shall seek a private audience with our king and expose Osla, if the letter’s what I think it is. Will you help me with this.

Certainly, Sir Ither. I will return to you when I have learned something new.



I knew it!



Oh yeah, it’s that guy who was a jerk to us too. Why are the traitors always assholes!?



You’ll want to accept this one, Sir Osla, I—

Sir Osla: Leave me alone to my thoughts! Go back from whence you came, fiend, or I shall be forced to run you through!

Bring it punk.

I can see this is going to be difficult. I will return in a moment.



Let’s go back and see what Ither has to say.



In a manner of speaking, Sir Ither. I can’t get the letter from him; he won’t even talk to me!

Sir Ither: That’s not my problem, kid. Be more persuasive with your pen or your sword.

Hmm. Good idea, Sir Ither. I shall return.

Well damn.



I know about the letter, Sir Osla. I know it tells who the traitors are. Give me the letter and I assure you that the alleged traitors will be given a fair trial.

Sir Osla: Oh, so you know the truth… [He sighs.] I would ha—

Say no more, Sir Osla. Hand me the letter and I shall be on my way.



Read it? Sir Ither has told me—

Sir Osla: You’re acting very strangely, kid… Just read the letter. It should answer all your questions.

As you wish…

Sir Osla: (The letter is actually a communique from Ovoron the traitor to Ither. It contains orders.) So now you understand.

I understand that Sir Ither is the traitor, and tried to get me to confiscate the evidence that will now be used against him. One question still remains, Sir Osla. Why did you keep this letter to yourself if it implicates Ither and Ovoron?



I understand, Sir Osla, but Ovoron’s treacher is already known among the officers of Avalon. Allow me to bring this news to the King.

Sir Osla: Thanks, kid. I knew I could trust you.

I’ll let you know what happens, Osla.





I was approached by Sir Ither today with some disturbing news. He told me that he believed that Sir Osla was a traitor and that he had in his possession a letter that proved it. He asked me to retrieve the letter for him, perhaps thinking I would have more luck with Sir Osla than he would have.

King Ryence: Yes? What happened? Do you have the letter? What of Sirs Osla and Ither?

I went to Sir Osla, and at first he would not speak to me, but eventually I got through to him and he showed me the true contents of the letter. It is a missive between General Ovoron, who, as I’m sure you’re aware, is a known traitor, and Sir Ither. Sir Osla and I decided that I should come immediately to you with this document and let you decide what is to be done. I have the letter on my person, Your Highness.

King Ryence: [He takes the letter from you and reads it slowly.] You have acted thoughtfully and quickly in this matter and I applaud your efforts. Ither shall be dealt with. Guards! Have Sir Ither arrested immediately on charges of treason! You are dismissed, son. You have done me a great service, and I shall not forget it.

Thank you, Your Highness.



Now we get a nice chunk of TP to buy more Mage stuff with, we make a better impression on the king, and Sir Ither is just… gone.




RUMORS

Yes, we do already know this. Multiple people have told us about the caves and tunnels. I just like this guy’s name.

JOURNAL ENTRIES

-soldiers.








-rate, we leave within the hour, so I must get ready. I’ll write more when I get back.

BOOK CORNER


-Sha’ahoul conflict. Taberland knights, fearing civil war in their own country, left the Sha’ahoul front, believing that conflict over. Their decision cost the Seven Kingdoms dearly.