OK, the monsters are still scattered around the place, but that'll clear up in time.
Some things, though...
They'll never clear up.
I'm sure this is exactly what she was hoping for.
You know, why don't the Vicious enemies disappear here? It's not like we have real need of what they provide us.
Anything less would be letting Mordegon win.
I dunno, Veronica was always pretty empathetic. It's Erik that likes to focus on the practicalities.
It really is kinda bad- too throaty.
Excuse me, we were remembering our best party member!
Although this is a good time to celebrate.
...Well, for a society of people borrowing heavily from the toga. There are a few people having a lot of fun once we get control, at least.
We can get started on that right away, actually.
"Beat the evil overlord" is an Accolade equal to any other, apparently. Not even a green "this is the end of the chain" one.
Right off the bat, Hendrik is being absolutely swarmed.
...I didn't notice the facepalm Erik is doing in the corner.
Ehhhh... Hendrik's essential, but that essential...?
...You mean this isn't doing that already?
...Yeah, I think you're out of luck on that one.
Erik asks an actually pertinent question- so what's the point of us getting the Sword of Shadows, then?
The Sword of Shadows is an unforgable Greatsword- I've never actually experimented with it, but I imagine, since it's a Sword of Light, it's Erdward-locked. It has 196 Might, making it stronger than the Liquid Metal Gooreatsword +3 and thus the most powerful weapon Erdward can have for a while. It can also Use it for some kind of Zam spell if you're bored. You need to have this equipped- although the game will be pretty obvious about that.
On a slightly related note, 196 is also the Might of the strongest Swords in the game at +3. I consider this intentional.
Don't worry, Benedictus is, somehow, capable of having fun.
Although maybe this is his limit.
It's understandable, but Fidelus is exceptionally possessive of his remaining daughter. Or maybe he's just using the strangest terminology.
Alma is a little more reserved on the topic- still clearly overjoyed to get Serena back, but also praising how much she's changed.
...She sure would.
At the very least, the baby has been returned to Yggdrasil, and at last he can be born again.
Yeah... it's a pretty impersonal success for a very personal loss.
I'm in your corner!
I ate a lot of stew as a kid, apparently. I'll have to ask Mum for the recipe.
Didn't think that one through, apparently. Aren't prayers supposed to be with heads bowed, anyway?
Oh dear, Serena's got an admirer.
Not that Serena gives him much mind. Considering she's a big romantic, I wonder how she's going to grapple with that guy, but somehow, I don't see it ending in his favour...
...
At some point, Veronica's leaf is going to be reborn. Somewhere. I have no idea how that's going to happen, although I imagine some poor parent is about to get a really sassy baby for no apparent reason.
...Honestly, so did I.
Pace yourself. Although at this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if you just never get your retirement.
Poor Jade hasn't thought that far ahead, on the other hand. Well done, Rab.
Hey, any new use for Antidotal Herbs is good enough for me. I use them to spare MP for Squelch, but that's very conservative and not worth buying new Antidotal Herbs.
Here's hoping the snap back to the status quo doesn't take us longer than a few weeks.
Sylvando is having a lot of fun dancing with the Arborians. When he first saw the place, he found all the prayer dull and boring, so of course he'd be happy to jump at the chance.
The people of Arboria, for their part, aren't entirely sure what the deal is with their newfound exuberance.
But they're certainly not opposed to it.
I'm not sure what exactly these two are doing other than watching, but they're enjoying the "show" nonetheless. I don't think Sylvando is capable of not standing on a stage.
Whenever you're ready.
Eventually, however, the time comes where you realise... there's something more to do.
And the party insists on coming along. Not that I'd have it any other way.
This is the only place you need to go to "continue the plot". However, there's a lot more to the world at peace than just this. We'll have quite the runaround- enough for two parts!
Hendrik: Hm. The women here are far from shrinking violets. I have been doing my best to avoid their advances, but it is proving rather exhausting. If there is somewhere else you would rather be, Erdward, I am more than ready to accompany you.
Rab: Arboria's got too many steep steps for my liking. Are ye sure ye won't give me a piggyback, laddie?
Sylvando: Those Arborians really know how to put on a party!
Jade: You know, seeing the Sword of Shadows still sends shivers down my spine. It still possesses terrifying power, I'm sure of it.
Erik: Hey, Erdward. Remember when Cetacea took us all home after we defeated Mordegon? Well, I just remembered that I looked down and spotted something south of Octagonia, something glowing... I reckon it'd be a good idea to check it out. You in?
Serena: It's ever so fun to be travelling with you again, Erdward. I'm looking forward to visiting Veronica's grave and telling her everything we've been up to.
A weird little detail of the postgame is that Erik won't shut up about that shiny spot until you go see it. He does have Party Chat prepared for the rest of the postgame, but with a few exceptions, he mostly just said that line for me.
Is there any question where our first stop was?
Jade and Hendrik checking in on Carnelian, too, while he's still here.
Gemma finding and using her talents to actually be helpful and not just wait around for us to come back pointlessly.
Jade took in the sights around her and realised that there's no real reason she shouldn't be with her people.
And this is the story of why the party's going to stick together long enough to see this errant plot nugget resolved.
And here's hoping this works out a lot better than it has been.
Hendrik: King Carnelian has been in high spirits ever since Princess Jade returned. It is just like the old days. The people of Heliodor have had much taken from them, but this goes some way to making amends. Now a brighter future beckons for the kingdom, and I will do all I can to serve my people, come what may.
Rab: Aye, the way the people of Cobblestone can live alongside the folks of Heliodor after they destroyed their village is impressive alright. Still, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, eh, laddie? They did raise you, after all. They must have plenty of spirit.
Sylvando: So this is where you grew up, is it? Well then, where is she...? Oh, come on! You know who I'm talking about! Your childhood sweetheart, the girl next door! She must be here, right?
Jade: My father and I have so much catching up to do. So much time has passed... Of course, there are some things that are best left in the past- I think it'd be better for both of us if we talk about the future!
Erik: It must be nice to have a hometown to come back to. Cobblestone's got something special about it, that's for sure.
Serena: Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but King Carnelian is still rather terrifying- and he isn't even possessed by the Lord of Shadows any more! He looks rather like Jade did when she turned into a monster. Well, like father like daughter, I suppose!
...Did Erdward mention Gemma to the party on-screen? I wonder what conversation would make her come up otherwise.
I assure you, Gemma is far more qualified. Although something's telling me she'll be just as reluctant to lend a hand.
Carnelian says this, although there's nothing that should really come to mind when it comes to "what does the Luminary need to do".
This girl still has Cole to look after her.
For now, that's just Cole playing the Luminary role, but I expect these two are going to find themselves exploring deeper feelings once they're old enough to recognise them. Hopefully Cole gets his head screwed on by then.
It's times like this I really wish Gemma could've been squeezed in as a party member somehow. If you consider the party composition as it relates to DQ3, Gemma is actually included: she's the Merchant you left behind to start their own Town. Except considerably less corrupt.
This line of dialogue is intended to just be an innocuous line of flirting, but this question does actually have a great impact on what it is we're about to do. I wouldn't blame an Erdward who just says "yes" here.
...
Now I feel bad.
When considering the romantic prospects of the rest of the party, the game vaguely entertains the idea of Hendrik/Jade most strongly- even if this line and the "flirting" back in Octagonia are the main extents of the idea. In theory, a fairly cliche pairing that would probably be nice if it wasn't rooted in potentially dangerous master/servant dynamics to navigate- although considering this is how our parents met, that goes just fine in DQ- but Hendrik is also much older than Jade. As in, remember the whole "Hendrik was introduced to the freshly born Jade" thing? I don't see this romance getting hugely far, although with Erdward no longer a Drasilian prince, it does start to look a more sensible arrangement if necessary.
I'd much prefer to be this kid.
I say this with all the sincerety I can- I'm surprised everyone in the party has enough of a home to go to that it's hard to send someone to check on that sparkly. Maybe Rab.
It almost makes one wonder how Amber was born and raised, if her dad was anything like Erdward.
...So hey, about that permanent place for Rab to stay...
Oh wow, these eternally training soldiers have a fan now.
...Are you looking after Obsidian, too? This girl has some secrets.
...We're going to have to come up with a story about that, aren't we? So how much of the truth works for the public version?
Especially considering this is what we're working with.
These two are probably going to wind up family, although where else they wind up is much more debatable. What skills does our thief friend have?
...You didn't commit to the Erdward Erdrick bit, did you? Please tell me you abandoned that idea.
Derk keeping at his job of becoming the next Torneko.
(He still functions as a shop, although he has the text to show for it.)
Puerto Valor has a cutscene associated with it, but unlike the Last Bastion Cobblestone, it doesn't start immediately. There's a lot of Party Chat about before and after seeing the cutscene.
Hendrik: I do hope Don Rodrigo is coping with his new companions and their dance routines. They are cheerful, to be sure, but being around them all day every day would wear out the patience of a lesser man.
Rab: It looks like the lads from Sylvando's parade have found the place for them. It doesn't look like they have any intention of leaving! But then maybe it's no surprise that Puerto Valor suits them- this is a place to perfect yer craft, whether it's wielding a sword or dancing a jaunty wee jig.
Sylvando: Ah, walking round my hometown with my fabulous friends is like a wonderful waking dream... A dream that just needs a little dash of Don Rodrigo! Come on, honey, let's pay him a visit. It'll put a spring back in his step, I just know it!
Jade: The way that Puerto Valor makes use of the Valor-Sauvage Channel is quite ingenious. Heliodor could learn a lot from this place.
Erik: I'm impressed, Erdward. You weren't afraid to dress up and strut your stuff. I've got to be honest, that kind of thing isn't for me. No, I guess my pride wouldn't allow me to dress like that...
Serena: Ah, this sea breeze is so delightful! Even when Mordegon had cast his shadow over the world, this place always had something special about it. Don't feel obliged to stay here for my sake, though, Erdward. Isn't there somewhere else you want to go?
...Jade, Heliodor doesn't have the Valor-Sauvage Channel or any similiar chokepoint.
They can sense natural compatriots.
Literally! No, wait, that was us.
Oh wow, they're actually getting more members in their ranks.
...So when does that become concerning? Mostly from the perspective of how Sylvando is going to manage them once he returns to their company- although I assume that question is as open now as it will be once there are hundreds of them.
...Impressive.
It's hard to take a man in a peacock suit with a snare drum seriously. It seems he's got his ways.
At least it's helping the kids train.
...Actually, on second thought, I'm not seeing that as a positive.
Entering Don Rodrigo's room sees him in a lengthy choreographed dance sequence with these four Soldiers of Smile.
He's been practicing the necessary body functions to dance. Even without his injuries, I'm sure Rodrigo wasn't fully prepared for how extensive that training needs to be.
That was soon?
...Actually, how long was "that"?
I imagine we were gone at least long enough that Rodrigo has recovered from his injuries, although he may still have been suffering from them when he made this request.
And he also married a woman like Sylv, too.
Rodrigo tries to keep his dignity.
It does not go his way.
...I mean, with the revelation Sylv's mum was a circus lass, is Rodrigo really discovering a passion for dance or rediscovering his old one?
Sylvando doesn't even entertain Rodrigo's attempts at denial. As in, he doesn't even seem to notice he's trying at all.
You can really get Rodrigo to do anything with the Pledge, can't you?
Rodrigo may still be a knight at heart, but he'll never back down from a challenge.
And it seems he's been giving the Soldiers of Smile a little discipline as well. At least when Sylv takes command back, he'll have some sense of structure to build on top of.
Hendrik: There is truly no end to Don Rodrigo's talents. He has mastered those dance moves with the dedication he once applied to the sword. It seems I still have much to learn from him...
Rab: Aye, there's no mistaking the family resemblance! When Don Rodrigo dances, ye can see where Sylvando gets his sense of rhythm!
Sylvando: I will not stop until everyone in the world has a smile on their face once again! I will do it! I will not let my papi down!
Jade: Perhaps dancing with Sylvando's friends would do my father some good, too. I should ask Sir Hendrik to practise a few moves and teach them to my father once we're back in Heliodor.
Erik: So Sylvando's real name is Norberto? You learn something every day...
Serena: ...Hee hee! Oh, I'm sorry! I just keep thinking of Don Rodrigo's dancing... Hee hee!
Sylv and his father really have repaired that burnt bridge.
Oh yeah, and Rodrigo's actually in the training grounds now.
He's still working on the routine, though.
You guys have also been working on your Puerto Valorian?
...So wait, if there is a "Puerto Valorian", how come I can just walk into town and talk to everybody?
Maybe. A village like Cobblestone isn't really in need of ways to keep fit, though.
I'll hard pass on that, though.
That, though, I'll encourage.
Never doubt your callabero.
Right, we should take a stop here, too...
Hendrik: Being here does not bring back good memories. It reminds me of the time I was Mordegon's unwitting servant and was pursuing you, Erdward. To think, I even treated Princess Jade as my foe. The shame will live with me forever.
Rab: Ye know, laddie, ye should really pay a visit to yer parents' graves since we've come all this way. They'll be pleased to see ye, I know it.
Sylvando: I can't stop thinking about the glowing light Erik was talking about. We need to check it out, honey. I mean, who knows what we're missing out on!
Jade: It's better not to bring up the past with Hendrik. I can tell it's painful for him to think about everything he did when my father was possessed by Mordegon. Sometimes it's just better not to talk about things like that.
Erik: You know, I can't even remember what my folks looked like... I wonder what they'd say if they met me and Mia now- I like to think they'd be proud of us.
Serena: Dundrasil must have been such a wonderful place before the Lord of Shadows destroyed it. There is so much sadness here, but I pray that one day light and life will return.
There's a few possible Party Chat lines for Sylv in Dundrasil to replace the gameplay hint one he's stuck with, but still. I'm not even sure why they bothered keeping the Party Chat on this topic, although Erik and Sylv are the only ones who draw the short straw.
Rab says "it's me again", and the environment sets up the punchline to that statement.
He's been here... a lot.
This is really where we're keeping our grandpa? Worst retirement home ever.
...Pardon? That's an ambitious goal, and I'm not entirely sure I'm down for doing it without extending Zwaardsrust the same courtesy. I wonder if there's a need for a big town like this up this way, though- I imagine Octagonia is working on filling the gaps.
Although at this point, I imagine there's nothing left to bury.
...Wait, never mind, Irwin was alive until recently.
...
Not that we really know Irwin and Eleanor well enough to judge, but I kinda feel like one of them is probably amused by this dedication, if not both. It's probably Eleanor, though.
Eleanor's light effects also have a moment for Erdward.
...Mum, I hope you won't judge me too harshly for where I make my home.
Says the man who admits he spends too much time here.
Hendrik: It seems your father was a truly admirable king, Erdward. It is a great shame that he cannot be here with us.
Rab: Och, I'd give anything to be able to see Irwin and Eleanor again. Sometimes I miss them so much it hurts, I tell ye. But there's no sense in dwelling on it. I've got things to do. Come on, laddie, let's get going.
Sylvando: If it's alright with you, honey, I'd love to perform here in Dundrasil one day. I'm thinking of an interpretive dance piece about King Irwin and his legendary son. How does that sound?
Jade: May King Irwin and Queen Eleanor rest in peace...
Serena: Your parents must have been wonderful people, Erdward. I wish I could have had the chance to meet them.
Some more miscellaneous Party Chat that's definitely Dundrasil-related, but I'm not sure where:
Hendrik: I know what it is to be robbed of one's family by Mordegon. Zwaardsrust was a beautiful kingdom. Now it lives on only in my heart. So many lives were lost. All I can do for them is to honour their memory.
Rab: Come on, laddie, let's go and tell yer folks that ye've defeated the Lord of Shadows.
Sylvando: Imagine if you'd grown up here as prince of the realm, honey. We'd probably never even have met! Destiny's a funny thing alright...
Jade: Erdward, I know you're going to be a huge inspiration to the people of Heliodor as they try to rebuild their kingdom. If ever the day comes when you wish to restore Dundrasil to its former glory, I'll give you all the support I can.
Erik: I know it's tough, but we've still got places we need to go. Once you've said all you have to say to your folks, we should hit the road.
Serena: I know how sad coming here makes Rab. It's painful to think about. Still, Irwin and Eleanor have returned to Yggdrasil, along with all the people who lost their lives here. I pray they have found peace.
The fourth and final cutscene is over here in the Viking Hideout.
Since Mia awoke, she's gone and made her home here. For... some reason. I'm not even thinking about where her bad memories fit in, the Sniflheimers let her come this way?
Mia's having a bit of a tantrum, though, so maybe this is an active rebellion? Still requires her to travel by ship.
So then, how does Mia react to the knowledge she became Gyldygga?
Badly. As tough as she is on Erik, the idea of trying to hurt him is anathema to her.
...
I wouldn't say the Vikings hated you-
I'm not sure who I'm more embarassed by- Erik for trying this, or Mia for swallowing the bait whole.
At least it got her up.
Mia, you don't have to worry about that. Erik put his life in my hands for the hope that somehow, it would lead to you forgiving him.
Erik tells her to get better, and provides the perfect bait.
It'll be like the days of Erik and Derk!
...
You won't find yourself in any jail dungeons this time, right?
Mia completely refusing to make it seem like she's interested, even though she's long since failed at that.
You're not fooling anybody.
Hendrik: Whether it be a brother, a friend or a teacher, there is nothing more important than having someone you truly trust, and who truly believes in you.
Rab: I'm pretty impressed by young Mia, I have to say. She knows how much pain and suffering her choices have caused, and she's not trying to shirk responsibility for them. But then she's lucky- not everyone has a brother who's willing to do all he can to lighten her burden.
Jade: Seeing Erik and Mia together makes me wish I had a brother of my own. We could have studied together, learnt to fight together... We would have had so much fun.
Erik: I want to show Mia the world. After all, she's never seen anything outside of this frozen wasteland... Maybe one day I'll take her to Cobblestone. I've got a feeling she'd love your mother's stew, Erdward.
Serena: Hee hee! This is a side of Erik I've never seen before! It seems he's a big softie after all!
Mia-related Party Chat from Rab that talks about Jade:
Rab: I hope Mia's doing well. There's something about her that reminds me of Jade when she was younger. She was a pretty tough customer too. I remember she hardly ever smiled- I'd make a silly wee joke, and she'd just glare at me... Anyway, that's enough of my reminiscing. Are ye sure we don't have anywhere else to be, laddie? Somewhere less chilly, perhaps?
...Run away where? Actually, maybe the Sniflheimers do mention it. I don't recall checking up on them.
At least Erik has good company. Er...
Also, the Gyldenhal is still here. Although imagine this compromises the spirit of the treasure hunt. Maybe Mia will use it to keep all her treasure in.
That concludes the four cutscenes, but everywhere else has dialogue, and besides, we've still got some kind of relic to find!
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