Part 37: Update 35 – The World is Round

Well, Yafutoma, it's been a blast and a half, but it's time we were on our way.




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Perhaps we should return to Crescent Isle and study that Book on Ship Polarity in order to modify the Delphinus.

Go home? But that's to the west of here... How are we supposed to get back?



This is not a game that is particularly heavy on backtracking. Besides, if you have ever played an RPG before you know how the maps work by now.

Hmm... Maybe we can try to go east from here.

Wait a second! We'll just be getting farther away from Crescent Isle!

Umm... Didn't Belleza say that she came here by going west from Ixa'taka? If that is true, then then if we go east from here, we should be able to reach Ixa'taka!

What?! So you mean that the east and west of the world are connected?!

Hmm... I seem to recall hearing legends about the world being round. According to the geological studies of Valua... The world is a sphere. That means that the east is connected to the west, and the north is connected to the south. Of course, no one has ever proven this... and those that believe this to be true are branded as heretics.

That's interesting... Well, it looks like we're going to see if Belleza was telling the truth or not. We came to Yafutoma from Crescent Isle by heading east. We'll continue on sailing to the east. And if we reach Crescent Isle... We will prove that the world is round!

Wow!!! You mean we're actually going to try to sail around the world?!!!

Alright, everyone! Prepare for departure! We're going East! Destination Crescent Isle!

Crescent Island it is! Set course due East!



This is the reason we couldn't just skip the Dark Rift and fly West from Ixa'Taka like Belleza did. This white stone reef runs down the side of the map separating the two lands, and until the Armada blasted this hole in it we had no way to get through. Don't ask me why the white stone reef is so much tougher than the regular brown ones though, the game seems to be a little confused about that.

And actually, we have a couple of things to take care off rather than making a beeline for Crescent Island. We have some promises to make good on.



Now that we have the Blue Moon Crystal and finished Yafutoma, Hans's stint as a factory technician is over and he's free to sail the skies once more.

I'm ready to join the crew of the Delphinus like we agreed!

All right, Hans. It'll be great have you aboard!

Thank you, sir! I won't let you down, Captain Vyse!



With a ship as huge and advanced as the Delphinus we're sorely in need of an engineer, and for now Hans is uncontested for the position. He doesn't have long to wait before a challenger approaches, though.

As for Don, he's still drinking himself to death in Esperanza, waiting for hope to show up. Let's give him a little, shall we?



Yup. And I saw everything that was beyond it, too.

You really know how to rub it in, don't you! You know how much I wanted to see what was on the other side!!

Don, it's still not too late. Why don't you come with us? We can sail together.

Heh... well, there isn't much I can other than sail, and I sure haven't done that in a while, either... but if it's a sailor you want, it's a sailor you'll get! Let's go, captain!



Actually, he's lying there. The Sailor position (Marco and Robinson) Is essentially unskilled labour who can just about be trusted to swab the decks, with appropriate supervision. Don is a Helmsman, trusted to control the entire ship, although in practice Vyse is a hands-on captain and does that himself whenever he's on board. He's competing for the position against Lawrence, the mercenary from Sailor's Island, so fingers on your voting buttons please! Lawrence increases the ship's Quick by 30, while Don increases Dodge% by 15, by the way.



And finally, we have Kalifa, the fortune teller from Maramba. If you recall, she was waiting for someone with a Suiran Blade last time we saw her.

It was a dream in which someone holding a “Suiran Blade” beckons me into the sky...

A Suiran Blade? I've got one right here...

What?! Then perhaps it was you who visited me in my dreams... it appears that the Red Moon has decided my fate. I cannot go against the will of the Moon. I am henceforth at your service. I am Kalifa, seer of the Red Moon. I am the most renownedfortune teller in all of Nasr. There is no future that I cannot see.



And there we have our second merchant. Like Osman, her competition, exactly what Kalifa does is a bit complicated. Her description says she “makes rare items drop more often”, but what she actually does basically the same thing as Osman – makes certain items drop from certain ship battles. I'll probably swap the two depending on what any particular battle has to offer, but as ever the position is up for the vote.



And since we're in town, a quick stop by the guild to show off Vyse's new title. We have a lot of discoveries to tell the world about, plus this.



Although Piastol is going to have to wait until the next update. For now, we're going home.





Yup, that's Crescent Isle all right. But it looks... different.

If we reached Crescent Isle by flying east from Yafutoma, that means...

We sailed around the world!!!



Actually, it isn't! Consider: Take the rectangular world map and connect the north and south edges. That gives you a cylinder. If you then connect the east and west edges of the map you get not a sphere, but a torus – a doughnut shape. The same goes for every world map in pretty much every game ever made – they're all doughnut worlds.

Hey Vyse! How does it feel to have sailed around the world with your very own ship?



This isn't actually a swashbuckler choice, but as far as I'm concerned there's only one Vyse-y answer.

I want to see more! I don't think I'll be happy until I see the whole world. I know there's more out there.

Haha... to think that we just made it home and Vyse is already talking about sailing some more... How typical of him. It looks like there are some new buildings that weren't there before.

Izmael probably built them while we were gone with the money we gave him!

Alright! I can't wait to check it out!



The island has undergone some major renovations since were were last here! It may not look like much from up here, but down below...





Yeah we have our own secret underground pirate base now. Yeah it's awesome.



Well, how do you like what we've done with the place?

I have to say that I'm really impressed with your work!

Ba ba bam! What did you expect from the greatest builder that ever lived? If you keep the gold coming in, I'll keep adding on!

I've been busy, too! I made new armor plating for the Delphinus' hull. It's super-sturdy! After I add it on to your ship, you'll be able to fly through those pesky stone reefs without a hitch!

See what I mean about the game being a bit confused about that? We could fly through normal stone reefs just fine, I did it several times on the way here.

Thank you both for everything you've done for us. I would like you both to join my crew on board the Delphinus.





Well, shiver me timbers! I've never seen this type of technology before in my life! With this type of engine, you'll be able to fly higher than the clouds, and lower than you've ever imagined. I'll get started on this baby in a jiffy!

Vyse, we should figure out what we're going to do next.

I knew someone would say that! That's why I built a meeting room into the wall of the cliff. You can do all of your planning from there.

You built us a meeting room? Wow... you're great, Izmael. Let's go check it out!





As if getting our very own pirate base wasn't enough, we also get two new crew members out of the deal! Brabham the Engineer increases the ship's defence stat just by existing, while his rival Hans does the same for magic defence. Izmael the Builder is something really special – he increases the power of the Moonstone Cannon, while the Yafutoman Builder Kirala fully repairs the ship for 7SP. The voting on both is now open!

Anyway, with recruitment (mostly) out of the way, we're free to explore! Izmael really has outdone himself with the renovation – as well as crew quarters and the like, we even have our own shops!



The ship parts store is run by our active Gunner, in this case Khazim, and it has some seriously impressive stuff, Ancient Cannons and Arcwhale Torpedoes will see us through right to the endgame. Khazim also has a handy little bit of information for us.

Two little girls just came in here and offered to help us. Their leader said that she went to greet the captain, did you see them?

Okay, what are little girls doing wandering around my secret pirate base?



Well hey, that's what! This is no ordinary little girl, this is Belle from Clara's ship! See, I told you to remember her.

Captain Clara has ordered me to come aboard the Delphinus and train with your crew so I can be a better gunner. Oh, and my friends Lilly and Nara are coming with me. I hope you don't mind! We're a team! We're gonna take care of your cannons! We're gonna knock those Valuans out of the sky!

Sure... and your name is...?



Ok, so I have to admit I really like Belle. She's somewhat (in)famous amongst fans of the game for reasons that will immediately become apparent once you see her in, er, motion. Lots of motion. Personally I have a soft spot for her just because she's like a clumsy, overexcited puppy.

I'm Belle. I don't have much experience with cannons, but I'll try my best!

Well, you seem enthusiastic enough. I'll give you a chance and we'll see how you do.

Yes, sir! I will do my best, sir!



Our sixth and final crew member of the update! Belle joining the crew as a gunner means that Khazim finally has to work for his spot in the crew. It may be strongly hinted that Belle was offloaded onto us because she's a little too absent-minded to be playing with gunpowder aboard the Primrose, but as a crew member she's perfectly effective, increasing the power of our subcannons just by existing. So please, place your votes now!



By the way, this final addition to the crew means we now have a full roster, apart from one as-yet-unknown position. To celebrate the occasion, I'll put up a complete crew listing before the next update complete with portraits and artwork. For now, let's see how the crew are settling in!





Aw, don't mind Lawrence. He's just a little cranky because he has to share a room with the dog.





As well as the old men, there's also a picture tucked away behind a building in the hidden port.







But, to be honest, it wasn't what either of us was expecting...

Sadly, the missing crew spot will not be filled by Gonzales, so we'll just have to keep making his grave increasingly more elaborate to make up for it.



But Enrique is so nice. Marco is cute, too. I think that it is wrong to judge people just because they come from somewhere else.

If you remember, Merida's whole reason for joining the crew was for revenge against Valua for what they did to her homeland and her father. She's come a long way.



but you've got a good variety of food and drinks here, and you've assembled quite a crew. You're doing a great job!



I wish I could serve Yafutoman food to everyone on the island... but, I guess that's impossible without renovating the kitchen... oh, don't worry about it. I just miss my kitchen back home.



I think I'll be able to cook here... but, the kitchen could use a little work. It needs some remodeling if I'm going to make some of my more popular dishes.

This is something quite important. Just because we have a few wooden cabins doesn't mean we're done building our base. Far from it, in fact. I'll explain a bit more about that later on.



...all I had to keep me going were my memories of Polly. It was during those years in the Dark Rift that I realised just how important Polly was to me. I never realised how much I had, until she was gone. I'm gonna stay by her side until we finish this. Then, we're heading back to Sailor's Island.

Slightly confusing, seeing as he didn't actually have any memories of her what with the whole amnesia thing. And no, he will not ever be changing his clothes or getting his hair cut.



I wish that I could just sit like this here forever...



By the way, our flag is flying proudly at the tip of the island, and we can change the flag to one of the other designs at any time. Since the mob has spoken in favour of Fina, I won't be doing this.



Brabham is an expert on all kinds of engines, from old models to new models, so I've learned a lot from him. My father would be proud!



After your little pep talk, I've been wanting to see as much of the world as I can. Thanks, Vyse! I can't wait to go sailing again!



Yeah. You keep believing that, little buddy.

Actually, Pinta does still have one role left, despite the removal of his entire quest. That, I will get to later on.



The big building in the centre is where the current party lives now. Vyse's room acts as a free inn, with none of the usual story entrapments associated with such things.



Enrique and Moegi, sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-








The tent that Kalifa lives in actually a sort of storage tent, hence all the random bits of junk strewn around. Her prophecies are a tad on the useless side, but they're at least fun to listen to.

Yes, yes! I see something! On... Pirate Isle...the little girl named Lindsi... Oh, no! She will be playing on the dock and... and...



...and she's going to get a splinter in her finger! The Red Moon has spoken. Remember it always and the way will be clear to you.

KALIFAAAAAAAA!

Anyway, enough terrifying me with prophecies, let's talk about the main thing on the island.



So, how about it? It will cost you some gold, but I guarantee you a job well done! I can't just sit by while Izmael has all the fun!



Each of the buildings, amongst other things, can be remodelled along either Yafutoman or more Western lines depending on if you get Kirala or Izmael to do it. Since Izmael is currently tied up with plot things we only have the option of Kirala, but as soon as Izmael is available again the voting will be open on how we want our island to look.



Some of the stores, like Osman's item store, can also be renovated to improve their stock.

I want a bigger shop! A shop that is more befitting of a merchant as grand as myself! I'll need 2000 gold to remodel this place!

Unlike the buildings, the stores only have one upgrade, so these I'll just be doing as soon as they become available.

Thank you Captain, you've got great taste! I'll use my looks to try and scare up a few new items.

“Scare” really is the right word in this context, I feel. That's all of the crew members on the ground, but now that the island is inhabited it's attracting both Moonfish and Chams, and those means a new evolution for Cupil.



The Cupil Weight is the most powerful of all Cupil's forms apart from his ultimate, final form. As one of his two possible penultimate forms, it also has an unusual trait that I'll explain in the next update.

And so, without (much) further ado, we come to the meeting room! The meeting room is embedded in the cliff, leaving an elevator as the only one to get to it.



It also provides a spectacular view of the island along with access to the final crew member, who will never be found at ground level when there's a narrow railing over a hundred foot drop to balance on.



Nothing to report today. Well, except that Izmael ate Brabham's lunch when he wasn't looking.

Strangely, Domingo is nowhere to be seen anywhere on the island. I don't know if he's just missing during this segment or if I overlooked him, but I can't find him anywhere.





Finally finally, here's the meeting room, complete with huge world map built into the table.

Vyse... Aika... Enrique... Thank you for everything you've done. So far, we've managed to get three of the Moon Crystals. I never would have made it this far on my own. Thank you so much.

Come on, Fina! You don't have to thank us!



Fina, I don't know if you realized it yet, but your mission has helped us all. And we've all grown to be such good friends.

Yes... Thank you... I mean you're welcome. Until recently, I lived a sheltered life. I was scared when the Elders asked me to search for the Crystals... And I was alone. Since then, I've made some great friends, and I get excited when we explore new lands... Even the ones with monsters.

Yeah... when you first heard what we did for a living, you seemed really surprised... almost intimidated.

You're sounding more like an Air Pirate every day. Before you know it, you'll be dressing like us... and Cupil will be wearing an eye patch. Hey, that reminds me. Do you know where we should go to get the next Moon Crystal?

Yes, I do. To the far south, lies a land that basks in the cold light of the Purple Moon. It is known as the Land of Ice. The Purple Moon Crystal should be hidden there.

Land of Ice?

The Purple Moon is the source of power for all Ice Magic. And because of that, the lands under the moon have become encased in ice.

I've heard stories about that place. Some of the others back home used to tell me about the rumors they'd hear.


I don't want to have to chisel you out of the ice, Vyse.

Where do you get these stories? First, I was going to catch on fire, then people were going to eat us with sticks, now I'm going to freeze. Getting the Crystal is not going to be easy, but I think your overactive imagination is getting the best of you.

What do you mean?! Alright... fine. When you become a Vysicle, don't come crying to me!

Hahaha... I'm sure everything will be alright. I doubt it's that cold, Aika.

Well, according to our Valuan archaeologists... Beneath the layers of ice, lies the ruins of an ancient city. The ruins have been undisturbed since the Old World. Unfortunately, no one has ever been able to break through the ice... All we have been able to do is observe the ruins from the sky.

So we don't really need to go there because it's impossible to get the Crystal.

Well, I was thinking... Brabham said that the hull had been reinforced, right? If the hull is strong enough to break through stone reefs, perhaps it is strong enough to break through the ice!

That might work! We could bust through the ice with the Delphinus!

If the Delphinus can get through the ice, then we can get the Crystal.

Yeah. Then it looks like our next destination is to the south... to the Land of Ice! Well, it looks like we've got a long journey ahead of us. I think we should take the rest of the day off and celebrate!



As a matter of fact, we'll be taking quite a while off before setting course for the Lands of Ice. There are bounties to collect, sidequests to complete and discoveries to make before then, so tune in next time for an update packed full of pottering around the world in the most powerful warship ever built. It'll be more interesting than it sounds, I promise. See you then!

Crew Voting

Brabham vs Hans for the position of Engineer.

Izmael vs. Kirala for the position of Builder.

Lawrence vs. Don for the position of Helmsman.

Kalifa vs. Osman for the position of Merchant.

Khazim vs. Belle for the position of Gunner.

Video List

Return to Crescent Island