Bethany Plays: TTYD Post-Chapter 4 Part 1: What's Behind The Door?

Something seems to have come as a shock to Grodus today. Good.

...On second thought, not good, that's good news for him.

...Oho? That is new information. A little too disjointed, and in a line the reader isn't going to take much notice of, but that is indeed new information.

Grodus isn't going to change his active plans, but his backup plans could do with some tweaking.

And that is the end of that X-Naut PhD's role in the scene.

Grodus has a soliloquy to go through first.

...Hey, didn't TEC say something about Grodus's ambitions being potentially morally ambiguous? Wasn't Grodus supposed to be making a better world for some reason?

Well, doesn't that just scarper that interpretation, huh? The fact that he says "I will build a new world" *advance dialogue* "A perfect world made by me, about me and for me!" definitely reads like an intentional building upon how the last intermission ended- the player was intended to remember that TEC framed the X-Naut cause as one of justice, come into this line expecting Grodus to elaborate on what issues he took with the way the world worked, and then have that expectation subverted when Grodus's issue is revealed to be that the world does not revolve around him.

The X-Nauts are evil for the sake of being evil. They are not to be interrogated in any further depth than "they must be stopped at all costs, heroically of course". That does not mean they didn't have any depth to plumb with them. Grodus is still a cool villain, even if he has no further ambitions than to have all sentient life polishing that shiny domed head of his.

Besides, at least this is better than trying to play the Koopa Troop as a similar level of sinister like 64 did, when even in 2000 they were far too lovable to pull it off. How can you hate an army with Koopa Troopa in it?

Like in 64, the game recognises that having Peach go from her room, through a tunnel, and to the interesting parts of the intermission is dull busywork, and has started cutting that out.

After putting the player through Chapter 4, I feel like that's a bit of a hollow sentiment.

Peach has ultimately decided that, like them or not, she doesn't really have much of a choice but to go along with TEC's whims, but she is going to be an absolute pain in the ass the whole way through, and more power to her.

With that said, though, TEC has... changed their mind, let's say, about Grodus.

Peach catches on that something big has shook them. Similarly to the cutting of the tunnel transition, the game has not been taking the time to show that TEC is watching as Grodus yells at his various minions in the openings to these Peach segments, but it's implied, by the setup of this scene, that TEC probably still is watching those...

Which means they saw Grodus admit he doesn't want to fix a broken world, he wants to tear the world down even further.

And now they are having an existential crisis about their existence as a machine and their desire to do more than simply be Grodus's perfect computer, maintaining his sterile base, as Grodus plans to destroy the very world that Peach adores.

TEC tells Peach that this is not something she should concern herself with.

Not because TEC doesn't think Peach can be of any assistance (although right now, I'm not feeling great about her chances), but because TEC has been feeling one of the more painful sides of love- looking at the one you love in distress and wanting to do something about that.

The fact that TEC's words were responsible for upsetting Peach immensely last intermission is, I think, a big takeaway you should be considering for this line.

TEC changes the subject completely, to something that doesn't seem to have any relevance whatsoever.

Even Peach is wondering what this has to do with anything TEC's story has been about thus far.

This is your first clue that TEC has a point to this. TEC usually does not request Peach to perform tasks with the explicit purpose of using the communicator afterwards. They consistently reward Peach for doing so with the communicator, but this isn't even the only boon Peach could ask- it's just the only one she ever takes. The fact that TEC is explicitly posing this quiz as "complete it and you can use the communicator" is unusual, and hints at what exactly the point of the quiz is.

TEC doesn't answer Peach's question. Directly.

An important note to make now, because it's going to be important and just isn't right now, is that the answers and distractors are visible to Peach. Presumably, by being displayed on TEC's monitor, but this is how you are intended to interpret the scene.

This first question is pretty obvious, but as you look at it further, it's interesting that the correct answer "Thousand-Year Door opens" is directly contrasted with the mythological answers the people of Rogueport believe to be true. To them, all of these answers are true at once. TEC only expects one response, though.

To be clear, if you get a question wrong, TEC will immediately kick you back to the beginning, as curtly as everything else about this quiz.

You better hope Peach remembers this one, it's the crux of the fight the two of them got into at the end of the last one. It is something that TEC wants Peach to recall, though. Again, the distractors are pretty easy to sift out- Grodus is already rich, and the image of Grodus flying around with a cape is too comical to put to paper. He certainly seems in no hurry to be altruistically saving people from peril- especially since he's already got a damsel in distress in his basement.

If you want this quiz to go somewhere, TEC, now might be a good time to-

...

What?

At this point in the story, Peach does not know the answer to this question. Frankly doesn't know it. Mario doesn't know it. Wonky and Grifty do not know it. Not one soul we have met on this adventure knows what is behind that Door, and the entire city of Rogueport is built around the mystery and the hope that the treasure will be whatever one needs to escape their particular problems.

And here TEC is all but telling Peach on a silver platter. The answer to this question is not as obvious as the first two, either- both "a huge stockpile of coins" and "a Badge lost to time" seem like reasonable guesses. The first two questions, juxtaposed together, help both Peach and the player realise exactly which option fits the context. The Door is not a golden ticket to prosperity, and Grodus, a madman bent on world domination with a state-of-the-art facility run by a sentient computer, wants to open it. Whatever is behind it can only be something Grodus can't get on his own- and certainly nothing good.

The sinking pit of dread in your stomach you got from a single word has been amazingly built up.

And TEC is just going to move on, as if they haven't just changed the entire premise of the story.

One side-reveal that we saw in Grodus's exposition here, and which is going to be slipped under the rug in light of what that last reveal was, is the fact that the X-Nauts knew this all along. This question helps highlight the important things that reveal tells us- Grodus wants to take over the world, and he's planning to use a thousand year old demon to do so.

Fortunately, however, TEC has saved the best for last.

TEC also knows the demon's weakness. To be fair, in any other RPG, those first two responses would probably be the correct answers, but Mario doesn't use swords or magic. Nothing but good ol' boot-to-the-noggin and the occasional fireball for him.

TEC finishes the quiz by telling Peach... to use the communicator. Something that they are clear Grodus nor TEC themselves read in any detail or edit without Peach's knowledge. To send a message to Mario. Who is collecting the Crystal Stars.

Peach understands exactly what TEC is trying to tell her.

Interesting question. TEC probably spent a lot of time (relative to how fast their processing power is) choosing exactly the questions that would help Peach the most while keeping the quiz progressing at a smooth rate and also possibly not opening too many confidential files and triggering some defence Grodus might have to keep TEC compliant.

This response is not an answer to Peach's question. But at the same time, I think Peach's question has been answered. TEC is in it for a penny, and in it for a pound.

Peach, in a whirlwind of shock from what she just heard and also understanding that TEC has undertaken great personal risk to impart it to her, has a lot to unpack about how she feels about them. But she knows that Mario must be informed about this information. It's of no use to Peach, locked away where there's nothing she can do about it.

Defection complete. Have a nice day.

TEC sends her away, and hopes for the best.

Peach understands and appreciates that this is a massive olive branch from TEC, but hasn't entirely forgiven them. While this is probably the best solution TEC had to actually giving this information, their weird behaviour in the course of doing so has not reflected well on them. This curt behaviour was intended to make sure that the quiz was completed as quickly as possible so Peach could send that email as quickly as possible and TEC could commit to their defection before anything that would stop it could happen, and while Peach might intellectually understand that, it reflects a cowardice in TEC- albeit one born of the real consequences of defection, and not merely the reluctance that TEC expressed last time.

TEC is happy to continue their tradition of wishing Peach a good night, at least.

This intermission is so understated in its goals and what it means, in the grand scope of the plot, in part because of the robotic way TEC delivered it. Before now, the X-Nauts have been mysterious- dangerous, but only for their immediate resources and actions. They have a high-tech bunker to stash Peach in, but this feels more like a gimmick than intimidation, otherwise being goofy cannon fodder to give some variety to Mario as a series compared to simply spamming the Koopa Troop over and over. Now, though, the stakes are explicit. The X-Nauts know exactly what they are doing, and they will throw whatever cash and science they need to achieve it. And that ambition is to awaken a demon, sealed deep within a town that doesn't understand what they're sitting on top of- and while the place might be a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the people of Rogueport, at all levels of power and nastiness, are not interested in being party to the destruction the X-Nauts will enable if they succeed. From Don Pianta down to the lowliest Goomfrey, Rogueport is a town of people who want to get ahead. The X-Nauts want to tear everyone else down.

The X-Nauts haven't gotten any deeper. But they have gotten scarier, and in a Mario game, that is massive. There's a reason these guys have stuck around in people's minds beyond just "not being the Koopa Troop".

Now for a Bowser intermission! I'd say I'd try to lay off the potshots at Bowser's general uselessness, and there is good in this intermission, but I cannot ignore the fact you guys were in Glitzville when this was relevant. How the hell did you not catch on while Mario was there? This is why I think Bowser should've been involved in Macho Grubba's scheme if he was going to be in Glitzville at all- although it would mean replacing this intermission entirely, and it's so nice and relevant that the next intermission is set in Twilight Town...

Kammy, while riding a broomstick, tries to buy tickets to a commercial blimp.

The most surprising part may just be that she attempted to legitimately purchase them rather than stealing them.

Huh, Stewart recognises Bowser. Not Kammy, though- he just acknowledges another one of Kammy's tired attempts to pass herself off as younger and more beautiful than she is.

Before running out of town on the rails.

He'll be back to check our tickets after the fact, not that we could lose them.

Cheepskate, she says- at least that is a legitimate complaint, since Stewart did fail to tender an otherwise legitimate transaction for no reason other than his distaste for the client. Still, though, it sounds like she took more offense to being called deluded than the panicked running.

Kammy flies back to Bowser, only to notice he has gotten bored and left.

He is also capable of flight.

They even acknowledge Bowser has gone to Glitzville before. They really needed to change one of these Bowser jokes to leave room for the other one.

Bowser bolts off, dismissing the possibility of Kammy following him on that broomstick she rides.

To be fair, him flying by has knocked her off it.

You have the greatest priorities.

And so Bowser soars across the skies, ready to make his glorious return to Glitzville and be too late to grab the Crystal Star again.

Only to realise it's been way too long since he gave the Clown Car to Junior and his Monty Moles, and his car is in need of maintenance.

The Clown Car breaks down with a few puffs of black smoke.

Leaving Bowser to fall to his doom.

If there is one thing that the Peach intermission did poorly, on a broad scale, it was not having any gameplay. It is really cute that they paired that story-heavy, text-heavy intermission with a comedic excuse for another Super Bowser Bros. intermission.

(Funny it goes World 1-1, 2-1, though.)

Obviously, we're in a water level, complete with the classic water theme, somehow played in Bowser's rocking motif. There's a bunch of coral in the way, and these are physical obstacles, but Bowser can burn them away no questions. Yes, we are underwater, why did you ask?

The Clown Car is probably going to be left there, Bowser has more.

The level also contains Bloopers. Not unusual as far as water levels in Mario games go, especially nostalgia bait ones, but unusual in a game where the sole Blooper Mario fights is a boss.

You can burn the blocks, if you're on their level, and the coral doesn't drop to the ground, either.

There was also meat in a block down on the ground.

Let's go! Don't worry about coral, that burns down when touching Mega Bowser, too.

Take this, tiny squid and scuba X-Nauts!

...Whoops. That is unfortunate.

Fortunately, there's a spring out.

Swimming (and underground) levels in Super Mario Bros. still have to end outdoors, for some reason. Technical limitation in the originals, I imagine, and kept around because it always has been.

There was a bug on the stairs. Did you see it? It's giving me 300 points!

Thank goodness I am big enough to walk over that gap, by the way.

Level complete! I am feeling pretty good about myself!

...The utter disconnect between the Super Bowser Bros. ending and the plot setup for what just happened.

Bowser isn't particularly used to being underwater. Most of his swimming practice has been in lava.

Even the people in port recognise Bowser.

...Now I say it, these people don't recognise Mario? Yeah, I think the idea that the scenario writer for the main story and the Bowser intermissions were different people. This is also backed up by that boat we saw last time being missing- although the port map has changed slightly, as seen by the barrels and crates. We'll see why as Mario.

Kammy flies over with a bunch of Glitzville merch, wondering why everyone is running away from the port.

At last, she has tracked down Bowser! She's apparently spent a while in Glitzville and had time to look for Bowser for a while before Bowser finished that one (1) level of Super Bowser Bros.

"I was taking a long and therapeutic shower. OF COURSE I WAS SWIMMING!"

Kammy completely misses his irritation and gushes about being a tourist in Glitzville.

Seriously, Kammy, weren't you supposed to be looking for the Crystal Stars?

Bowser has found the limit of his patience for Kammy's incompetence.

Somewhere about... here.

Kammy, are there any neurons firing in that allegedly big brain of yours, or are you just senile?

Bowser chews her out for her callousness and her just casually tossing the mission aside.

Back to work, slacker!

The sentiment "what an oaf, Bowser" continues to be relevant, but at least this time it's not Bowser's fault. Mostly. Yes, he should have been checking the Clown Car's maintenance, but this time, all his suffering is Kammy's fault. Still, though, his whole job continues to be comic relief to soften the impact of the Peach segments on the children who are expected to play this game because Mario is in it, not fully realising what Rogueport, the X-Nauts and Doopliss were lying in wait to drop on their heads. If they're old enough to read and chew on the deeper implications many of them rely on to be horrifying.

Throw more evience in the pile that these people didn't know Doopliss was capable of body snatching. Or at least didn't expect Mario to have fallen victim to it at some point in the battle.

...You know, maybe these people don't actually know what the purpose of the pipe is.

You literally told me to get lost. I don't even hate you for being fooled by Doopliss, but I am very, very concerned with what you said to me- you treated Doopliss pretty well when he was me, but you have never treated me in a way that reflects well on you.

...OK, so maybe I want you to treat me the way you treated Doopliss when he was me for once. With respect.

...I think I liked you better as a pig.

At least we get a thank you out of it.

Yes, let's.

Goombella: All right, Mario! Let's get back to Rogueport, OK?
Koops: Well, Mario... Let's head back to Rogueport, huh?
Flurrie: Are you quite ready, Mario? Let's get back to Rogueport.
Dr. Agon: Okeydokey, Gonzales! Let's kick it back to Rogueport!

I share this dialogue not because it is significant, but because it joins the "finding out the Champ's Belt is fake" dialogue in having partner-sensitive quotes... while not allowing you to choose your own partner. We'll always have Vivian here no matter what choices we made.

I won't make it a habit!

At last, we now have a full party of five- Vivian just slots in with everyone else with no questions asked.

...Mario, I know they were assholes to you, but that was an uncalled for retaliation.

This Twilighter's still a pig! ...Whoops! Maybe not! Omigosh, you CAN'T tell her I said that! I'm so serious! Take it to the grave...

...Seriously, Goombella? It's Mayor Dour who's the asshole here. No need to take it out on a woman who looks identical to the other Twilight Town women.

Quite frankly, I'd just appreciate it if Mario and the Twilighters were capable of not having a conversation where the other one is made to feel bad. Just one, please?

I... I mean, if we take reincarnation to its logical conclusion, you were almost definitely animal, because "you" would exist in pre-human times.

Oh hey, this one's singing something nice. I guess I get my wish.

That's a Twilighter. He sure is gloomy, though. We got him back to normal, but I'm not sure he really cared about being a pig.

...He's not really gloomy, that's the whole point?

So, while running around Tattling Twilighters, it turns out this one could've used a second check on somebody's end. I assume this guy wasn't pigged yet during the chapter, so he doesn't have a new Tattle for when there is no danger of piggification.

That first sentence, I can get behind. I... don't get where the second sentence is coming from, nor where it is going. This guy usually talks about memories, at least, but he has not incorporated the idea of memories into this thought at all.

Eve is happy to congratulate us, although I don't think she was ever made informed about this in the first place? At any rate, it's at least someone who's happy to give us a fair shake.

Peach. I don't think it's the same kind of affection, but Peach.

Space bunnies, dozens of dozens of rocks, and these weird X-shaped things.

Uh... you are clearly mistaken, and I would like to help clarify the problem, but... uh... where do I even start?

I guess it was just the Twilighters near Dour that were being too depressing. The ones over on this side of town are pretty charming to talk to!

Spend long enough in a town where a single degree is the most significant change in the weather, and you will learn to appreciate the full decimal range in between. Humans can be snobs about anything.

It must suck to be a novelist in a town in perpetual night. You would have to rely on a clock to tell you "stop writing and go to bed".

The gatekeeper, of course, doing his job in the most frustrating way possible.

By not understanding any part of the process beyond "danger".

With Dupree kicked out of the house, the item shopkeeper can return to his daily duties:

Being absolutely superfluous to our uses for the shop. And also getting in the way of talking to his wife. He is presumably very necessary to the shop functioning in-universe, but if he's just going to stand here, that doesn't exactly apply.

That's the Twilight Shop manager. He does most of the ordering and stocking. And I guess his wife handles the customers. I thought he looked sick at first, but that's normal for these people, I guess.

Of all the Twilighters, he looks the most healthy to me.

Now's the time to buy a spare of these for the Trouble Centre.

Feels so good to come out of that pipe.

...This email doo-hickey gets reception from anywhere, doesn't it?

As TEC hinted at with all the subtlety of someone who would rather have said it aloud anyway, Peach has sent Mario all the answers to the questions, in words that have had more care put into them.

Although she is using a lot of punchy sentences for it.

...OK, this sentence could use a little bit of proof-reading. The thought she's trying to convey makes it through, but the sentence's logic falls apart under scrutiny.

At least we have a plan. The hard part is going to be actually doing it.

This is the point in the story where I gripe about Vivian's wasted potential again, but this time it is not about her gender identity, but a necessary weasel of the story. Because she is a Partner, and her dialogue is interchangeable with everyone else on the team, she is required to not have any clue whatsoever about the X-Naut's plan in any more detail than the audience does. Which honestly speaks a lot more about how few eggs (pardon the pun) Beldam put in Vivian's basket, while making the fact Vivian is an enemy defectee offer very little in service to the story. Then again, perhaps Vivian giving us several key reveals (while still being in the dark on a few details- Beldam does keep her cards close to her chest) would take away from Peach and TEC's ability to be relevant to the story.

Goombella: An... ancient demon's spirit?!? Jeepers creepers, it doesn't get much worse than that...
Koops: An... ancient demon's spirit?!? Well, golly, it doesn't get much worse than that!
Flurrie: An... ancient demon's spirit?!? Mercy me, that sounds positively horrid...
Dr. Agon: An... ancient demon's spirit?!? Sheesh, that doesn't sound good at all...

I feel like the "ancient demon" part is the least horrifying part of the thought, guys.

Anyway, we're in the sewers, the Door is right there...

Let's get ourselves a new location on the Map while we're here.

Also the e-mail. Let's not forget to add this while we're there. That's on an island, we need to learn how to boat.

But considering Frankly's entire thesis was on the topic of the Thousand-Year Door and what generations of science and volumes upon volumes of lore tomes could tell us, I think he's going to care a heck of a lot more about this one.

Frankly is absolutely horrified. Both at the problem- which is extensive- and the fact that, rather than having an easy debunk, he can confirm Peach's story. Well, OK, maybe not "confirm", but "strongly support".

So what is this information Frankly has to add to the story?

Apparently, extensive.

So much so that Frankly has to break the fourth wall and make sure that you're paying attention, too. You are paying attention, right? I'll wait.

Koops: Ummm... Who are you talking to, sir?
Flurrie: I declare, you've gone batty. What TV? To whom are you speaking, Frankly?
Dr. Agon: Did someone pile-drive your head, or what? I don't see any TV here, nutjob!
Vivian: Maybe I'm missing something... Are you talking to no one?

The partners are appropriately concerned about what Frankly is talking about, although Koops and Vivian are too polite to ask the question to his face. Goombella raises the question of how widespread TV is- we did see one in the Glitz Pit's secret room.

Let's just brush that joke aside and focus on the actual information we can glean.

The great cataclysm that destroyed Old Rogueport has so far been generally brushed aside: It's mysterious, and we want to learn about what it was, but we've so far been making a pretty safe assumption it's just been something natural like an earthquake and a hurricane. But with the information in mind that an ancient demon is sealed behind the Door, the stories we have heard already about "the cataclysm being behind the door" and this one about "a monster having been here back in Old Rogueport" fit the new information. As much as we might prefer to hear otherwise.

This is something that comes up in the Grifty stories, but ultimately, it's not really that important to the story, but it does explain where the Crystal Stars come from for the lore people.

The story of these four Heroes and the Crystal Stars, if it is describing the Thousand-Year Door, fits with what we've learned. If painting a grim picture.

This seems to be the main takeaway of the fact that the Crystal Stars were originally used by the demon- the Crystal Stars are not inherently objects of good, and if the X-Nauts claim them, there is absolutely no question that they will use them for evil. We've been working on this assumption so far, but good to make it clear.

Just like any other tool.

We've been pointing this out as a concern, but Goombella asks an obvious question at this point: the X-Nauts only win if the Crystal Stars are gathered. And they also haven't had luck finding them without the map. Can't we just... let them fail at hunting the things?

She also suggests the simple, albeit extreme, solution of just removing the Crystal Stars from the equation altogether. Whether Crystal Stars can even break seems to be another matter.

Koops: Ummm... Doesn't that mean that maybe gathering the Crystal Stars is dangerous? Say we did find them all... What if someone stole them? They could revive that thing! Ummm... Call me crazy, but maybe we oughta just shatter those things.
Flurrie: Well, we must consider the idea that gathering the Crystal Stars is unwise. What if we found them all and then got waylaid? That awful thing could live again! Forgive me for saying so, but shouldn't we consider destroying them?
Dr. Agon: Hey, then isn't it possible that we shouldn't gather these Crystal Stars? Even if we do find 'em all, someone could just steal 'em all and revive that monster! Maybe we oughta just stomp the heck out of 'em and throw the pieces away!
Vivian: I guess we ought to consider not collecting the Crystal Stars, then... It would be awful if we found them all, only to have them stolen for evil purposes. Does anyone think it might just be better to destroy them once and for all?

Doesn't seem to be much kicking around in there for originality amongst the partners, though.

Frankly agrees with that assessment, and looked into the problems with that solution to make sure.

Funnily enough, he only mentions a "possibility".

Frankly cites no evidence for this theory.

And also fails to support this theory. We're going to assume it's true, because it's worst case scenario and we can't afford not to plan for it, but don't think I didn't notice your lack of citations.

His guess seems to be somewhat based on the fact that the X-Nauts have chosen now to pursue the Stars and not, say, next year. No explanation is ever offered for that, nor do I think one would be relevant.

All right. We'll hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Koops: Well... Sheesh, we better go get the rest of those Crystal Stars, then! Where can we find the next one, Professor Frankly?
Flurrie: Well, what are we dallying for? We must find the rest of the Crystal Stars! Where to next, Frankly?
Dr. Agon: Whoa! Let's roll, then! We gotta get the rest of those Crystal Stars! Where's the next one at?
Vivian: Oh. I guess we'd better find the rest of the Crystal Stars then, huh? Where do we start?

Enough worrying about what might happen, let us figure out what to do right this second.

Perhaps more aptly spelled "Keelhaul Quay" if not for the alliteratioin, Keelhaul is a tropical island home to pirate legends.

"I'd be more concerned about it, but when we're doing this to prevent the awakening of an ancient demon, this is a drop in the bucket."

And then he tells us to do our own research, for a change. Somewhat ironically, he will be potentially required to solve a puzzle to get to Keelhaul.

Incidentally, the only Tattle you will find in the trash can today is Atomic Boo, if you fought it. Doopliss has a rematch in him left, somehow.

This time, in our inbox...

Ah, emails for the Troubles.

Mario,
Or rather, the Great Gonzales... I realized that I never thanked you for handling my request, so I decided to e-mail you.
I never thought for a moment that you, a former champion, would end up taking care of the wrestling trunks for me.
After you left here, know what Mush said to me? He said, "There are some things that can only be understood by fighting." He's an odd one, Mush. He's actually training now... Yes, he's planning a comeback!
You should come by the Glitz Pit if you get some time. You're just the type of star the fans crave, you know?
Take care, Jolene

Jolene actually thanks us for the "garbage" by name, rather than vague allusion. Huh.

As mentioned earlier, Mush never finishes that training. I wish they could've done something cool there, but I'm not sure what that would look like.

Yes, hello to you. I am Bub-ulber.
I have been unable to forget that savory Hot Dog flavor... My taste buds are sweating in anticipation of your next spicy visit.
By the way: have you heard? Dried Bouquets are not flowers that have withered and gone dry. They are actually flowers that have had the clocks of their lives adjusted to tick just a little slower than normal flowers. I hope you will take the time to stop and smell these delicate flowers.
In fact, I would like you to come visit me again with the above-mentioned item. Yours in spiciness.
Bub-ulber

Interesting tidbit about Dried Bouquets being their own species of flower, but it's weird Bub-ulber has an email for it.

We are not waiting a second longer for this. At Super Rank, Vivian is upgraded to 20 HP (even that would've been a huge improvement while we were counting on her as our only ally, game), her Shade Fist does 4 damage, and she relearns Fiery Jinx from her boss fight. Fiery Jinx retains all the elements it had back there- it pierces defence, it attacks all targets on the field, and it applies passive burn (although I don't think the boss fight version had that one). It can do up to 5 damage if you hit the Action Command. Downside? 6 FP. You are not spamming this, and 5 damage isn't even a screen-wipe except against the most frustrating of defensive foes- many of which are resistant to fire, and Fiery Jinx is inherently Fiery this time.

Vivian's Rankup animations.

If we just got a brand new screen-clearing move with a ridiculously high cost, might as well supplement it by shaving off the edge, right?

At any rate, we can finally make it through this room by using Veil.

Spike Shield (3 BP) is hidden all the way at this point in the story. I could think of a few spiny foes I would've liked to jump on by now! It's been nerfed a little bit with an extra point of BP cost, but with how much Mario's Jump got buffed, as well as this helping deal with Bristles with front-spiky defences as opposed to just Spear Guys, it is still well worth it. There is no Spike Shield P, Goombella will remain helpless against spikes.

Wonky advice diversion, since this is otherwise the only time I'm down here:

Creepy Steeple's secret:
There's a wacky old place called Creepy Steeple somewhere in this land... And if you jump on the fourth step from the top, ol' Wonky hears you get a good thing. I don't know how useful that is, but hey, it's worth a shot.

This was a single coin block. I want my money back.

Omelette Plate:
The most delicious thing ol' Wonky has ever eaten is an Omelette Plate... I remember having it at the hotel at Poshley Heights. It was made by that chef of legend, Maitre Delish... I believe it was made with a Mushroom and a Mystic Egg. Oh, just one more bite... I hear one can actually find that Mystic Egg near the Boggly Woods... It seems the Punies are the only ones who know where to find them...

This is a recipe for one of those multi-ingredient items we're going to be able to make soon. I think the cheapest Omelette Plate recipe is Mystic Egg + Horsetail, but Mushroom is perfectly acceptable.

Professor Frankly's garbage:
There's a kindly old teacher named Frankly who lives on Rogueport's east side... And if you check his garbage- when he has some- I hear you can learn stuff. I don't know what's in there, but if his bin has trash in it, check it. I've even heard there are notes about terrifying monsters in there...

I found this one wedged right in the middle of some Chapter 5 notes. Somebody here's got some weird organisational skills, and I'm not doubting it's the shady information seller.

Zess T.'s sister:
About that Zess T. near Rogueport's main square... I've heard her sister is a really good cook as well. She married and moved away a long time ago, but I'd love to try her cooking...

It's only by implication, but it seems Zess T. is the sister of Tayce T. from 64. Surprised they're not a generation removed, but clearly cooking ran in the family.

The strange ones:
About Merlon on the east side of Rogueport and Merluvlee underground... Ol' Wonky hears they're from a strange tribe that names people by profession. So, for example, if someone did the same work as Merlon, they'd have the same name... So there could be Merlons all over. Don't you find that strange? Wonky does!

Such is the most signficant lore on the Merl- tribe we ever get. All Merluvlees give clues and all Merlees cast spells, but all Merlons have vastly different roles in the story- Merlon (64) gave directions, Merlon (TTYD) upgrades partners, and as we'll see later, Merlon (SPM) is the Frankly equivalent. By this logic, shouldn't at least the TTYD Merlon have a different name?

We will need to cross these roofs when we start looking at getting to Chapter 5, so I think this is a clue about that.

Especially since this is another such clue. The bandit's identity is either Ms. Mowz or Grifty, neither of whom seem interested in the chimney bit.

If you're wondering, this is the chimney they're talking about. You can Tube Mode in there, but the guy in the house will promptly tell you to move along.

Grifty's gotten a pretty large collection now. You can see I wasn't buying them before, which annoys me now because I have to pick out which stories I haven't shared yet.

2. The Crystal Stars
In order to increase its already formidable power... The demon created Crystal Stars to hold the essence of the heavens. One of these stars was placed in each country to exert the demon's influence. One of the castles built to contain these stars still stands near Petal Meadows.

Hooktail's Castle dates back to the time of the demon? We don't exactly know what "countries" these are referring to, but I expect there's at least one ruin somewhere that's supposed to match up with this. I doubt the seven Chapters we visit are the seven countries in question, though- Glitzville and Keelhaul Key do not feel like appropriate places for such castles.

8. The Duel with the Demon
The power of the world-devouring demon was greater than any could imagine... But the wise Goomba soon realized that this was the power of the Crystal Stars... She thought of a way to take the stars and use them against the demon. She told the other heroes her plan and set it in motion, banishing their fears. The Boo's magic and the Toad's strength created a gap in the demon's defenses... At that moment, the brave Koopa seized the stars... And succeeded in badly damaging the demon...

Go, ancient-Goombella! Should we be taking notes? I mean, we'll start with the Stars this time...

9. The Demon Sealed Within
But even the brave Koopa's stroke was not enough to end the demon's reign... The wise Goomba thought of another use for the Crystal Stars in that dire hour... She suggested sealing the demon forever with the Crystal Stars. All agreed. The heroes matched their strengths with the power of the Crystal Stars... And they successfully sealed the demon's soul within the deepest part of the palace. Together, they made it so that only all seven stars could break the seal...

The best they could do at the time. Hopefully we won't be forced to resort to the same trick. Although things aren't exactly encouraging on that front.

15. All Becomes Legend
After the demon was sealed within the Palace of Shadow... Many refused to come near that place of terror. But as the years passed, entire generations forgot... And the penniless and the immoral began to congregate in this once-barren place... This place soon became a populous harbor, the town of Rogueport... And some even began to say that the underground city held a legendary treasure. But they were unaware that the demon slept beneath them still...

This one really hits hard, now I focus on it. After the demon's defeat, the details of the story were lost to time by sheer bad luck, and with the old legends dead, new legends formed in its place. An ancient town, destroyed by waves vaguely, with an amazing-looking sealed door that can only be opened by well-hidden jewels? What wonders could lie behind that? Everyone ambitious, foolish, or desperate enough to take a chance on a treasure hunt congregated on top of it, spreading the story of a legendary treasure far and wide. Even Frankly, an otherwise legitimate scholar, accepts the new legend at face value, and only after meeting Mario and Peach (who learn everything they do about the Door thanks to the merchant, the Sirens and the X-Nauts) does he come close to realising what's really back there.

Rogueport is an abject lesson in the power of hearsay. Any legend, repeated often enough, slips into fact to anyone but the most rigorous of fact-checkers- and even they require something to check the facts against to be sure of the evidence. And then you add in at least one bad-faith actor running around in the X-Nauts...

...The what now?

...Well, I can't say he's wrong about being morbid and depressed. There's also a version of this where Darkly's like "...actually, I like the darkness behind this sign, maybe I should stick around here too."

I was wondering why you were hanging around outside instead after finding the Contact Lens.

Speaking of the Contact Lens, the Mushroom has been replaced again! Starting now, each new chapter will add another copy of Luigi's quest, in novelised form, to the shop inventory.

At least in Spanish (and possibly other languages), they did catch the chance to call this "Paper Luigi". Japanese is not one of those languages.

There are five copies in all, and while this one is a healthy 64 coins, later copies do get more expensive. Buying them is not necessary for anything, but come on, it's your brother!

Have you ever experienced a time when no matter how hard you tried, you failed, and the time you spent felt wasted?
If ever you feel such pangs of regret, try to remember this tale... the story of a young man's quest to save a sweet princess.

Super Luigi Volume 1
- The Quest Begins -

The day dawned like any other, but little did Luigi know the letter he was about to receive would forever change his destiny.
-Sir Luigi-
Danger besets us on all sides, and we beg your help! The foul Chestnut King has stolen our treasure: our fair princess.
The letter was from Minister Crepe of the Waffle Kingdom, a man aware of Luigi's many adventures. He knew only Luigi could save them.
Charged with this dire task, Luigi wasted no time curtailing the heroic meal he was making. Then he packed for his deadly journey.
Knowing that his older, though less talented, brother was out on a no-doubt inconsequential errand, Luigi took a moment to leave a note.
"Mix a Keel Mango with a Peachy Peach to whip up a Fruit Parfait." These cryptic words were all Luigi wrote before leaving.
Upon reaching the Waffle Kingdom, Luigi was greeted by pure misery, an endless flow of tears over the kidnapping of Princess Eclair.
Arriving at the castle, Luigi was greeted by Minister Crepe, who carefully handed him a compass base with only one intact section.
"Our land had a second treasure: the Marvelous Compass. Find its seven parts, and find Eclair." So it began...

To Be Continued

...Never mind, is it too late to sue for defamation of character? The opening also hints at the story's ending, despite Luigi, you know, not having got that far yet. In general, while Luigi's version of events was rosier than what the partners have been telling us, these guys have glamourised him even further. What kind of money do I have to pay for that embellishment?

That recipe for Fruit Parfaits is also a bit of a punchline, if you know the way cooking works. Yes, that is a valid recipe for Fruit Parfaits... but you can do it much easier by cooking either ingredient with a Honey Syrup. Dammit, bro, Peachy Peaches don't grow on trees.

Anyway, speaking of ridiculous purchases for no real tactical benefit, adding a Badge to my list.

And speaking of Luigi, he's hanging out in the tavern this time. We'll have to come back here to advance the story, of course.

Time to hear the story of Circuit Break Island, then.

Just as our boat arrived at Circuit Break Island, we heard this incredible racket! We soon found out that they hold kart races almost every day on the island. Whoever takes first place in the race gets to rule the island as king for that day. Just as we got to the race-track, they were holding the awards ceremony... I couldn't believe my eyes! Right there, on the trophy they give to the winner... It was another piece of the Marvelous Compass! I almost passed dead away! I decided right then and there that the only thing to do was enter the next race.
I mean, I've driven in kart races before, so I thought I'd be OK. Boy, was I wrong. The karts were supercharged machines that could send you airborne with their exhaust! These vehicles were armed with missiles and bazookas... It was "anything goes," Bro! Of course, I wanted to get right out of there, pronto! These drivers were crazed! But I worked up my courage and signed up anyway. And my race day finally came...
I got one of the best karts: the Big Green 01! I took my position at the start line... The light went green, I stomped the accelerator... and something bad happened. I was in reverse! The Big Green 01 went rocketing backwards with me yelling... I crashed into the wall behind me hard enough to cut me off midscream. In one fell swoop I dropped into last place and wrecked my racing machine...
But it wasn't all bad news: all the other karts crashed because of my maneuver... Once I got in gear and took off, I was the only car left! I won by a country mile, Bro! I took the piece off of my trophy and added it to the Marvelous Compass... The compass came to life and pointed me toward Jazzafrazz Town in the east!
Then I heard that voice! Princess Eclair's voice echoed in my ears again! Oh, my princess! Random words would form poetry if spoken by your voice! I will most definitely save you! Just wait for me! Princess Eclair!!! Oh! Sorry about that, Bro... Umm... So, after that, I got back on my boat... And came back here to Rogueport. And that's what's been up with me.

Sounds like he went in expecting Mario Kart and came out playing Crash Tag Team Racing. Or possibly Mad Max. Luigi really had no hope of winning any way other than not playing by those rules.

No, Luigi is never going to ease up on just throwing out material that shows the writers had no interest in acknowledging Daisy. This is only going to end in comedy.

That's Luigi's pal, Torque. I hear he's like, a totally excellent mechanic. According to Mechanic Weekly... that tool on his back can basically do anything. He seems ticked off, though. I wonder what happened?

...You don't actually mechanic with the wrench on your back? I can only imagine this looks absolutely hilarious.

...Sounds to me like he told the story exactly as it happened.

He just left out the part where he's on the hook for repairing it. Sounds like there's no cash prize in being King for a day. Which means the place is probably not as anarchic as indicated.

She was probably safer with the Syndicate. I'm not sure Peeka and Lahla are employed entirely wholesomely, but Don Pianta puts in some effort for their well-being. Some.

New Badges for Chapter 4:

Soft Stomp (1 BP) (75 coins): We got a free copy of this one after Chapter 1. You don't really need the extra Soft time.
Head Rattle (1 BP) (100 coins): For 2 FP, will attempt to Confuse a struck enemy. Somewhat useful, but as a Hammer attack, it suffers from not being able to target it at a particular problem enemy. Can be found for free in Chapter 5.
Damage Dodge (2 BP) (150 coins): Yeah, we already have a copy, but this was always better in bulk.

Good call. Even on the rich side of town, your kiddie pockets are being rinsed.

...You should probably talk to him about it, it's just fine. You might be able to come to some arrangement.

Yeah, he usually talks about the next are you're visiting. He actually rejects Twilight Town as an option because he's just going to fall asleep all the time in such a dark place.

Also, he has a few openings- about his wife, his son, and his own failings. Somehow, I got him on the worst one.

Which is weird, because this is when we first get the opportunity to use his house for secrets.

There's a Shine Sprite in this backyard behind the affluent houses here.

If you want to get out, you have to Tube Mode in here, which comes out in the rich Koopa's drawer.

One of these days he'll figure out what the hell he wants to do with that money. He probably doesn't even know that drawer exists, let alone that it has a hole leading into a garden.

I decided to check in on Don Pianta, and despite his earlier demand that we leave and never return, it turns out that was a little more sarcastic than I always interpreted it, and there are no consequences whatsoever to doing so. Of course, not that Mario is able or interested in imposing the appropriate consequences as promised. Unless you want to see Mario in a bodybag.

Don Pianta, in this stretch of the game after getting the Blimp Ticket but before continuing the Syndicate storyline (yes, there is more to it), will acknowledge Mario's grim mood in his presence. Either Mario is disheartened by the stakes involving the Shadow Queen and Peach's absence, or he's legitimately scared of the Don (for good reasons).

Hey! It's you again! You always look like someone just yanked your 'stache! Whenever I see dat gloomy face, I start to feel not so good, you hear me talkin'?

I love the semi-threat involved in this one.

After Chapter 4, two Troubles are added that even the casual players (who know about them) do. And also one for Mayor Dour.

I'm after an elusive badge. Must explain in person. Meet me on the roof of Zess T.'s house in Rogueport Square.

The Trouble Centre acknowledges the fact that this anonymous Trouble might not be on the up-and-up. Considering we've been an accessory to some crimes already with the Troubles people have attached their name to, I don't think we're in any more dire straits here than otherwise. It probably matters more to the people who passed over the rest of the Troubles to focus on this one.

That's Ms. Mowz, the thief. Hmph. She jets off to exotic places to find rare badges. She's only like, the biggest flirt I've ever met in my entire life! It's weird that she's the anonymous requester of the super-secret badge...

Besides, it's none other than Ms. Mowz! So much for her help in Chapter 4. Then again, I'm sure she'd break the story there, depending on when and where she showed up. Although I'd find it cute if Doopliss's secret stash had an open chest.

She wasn't expecting Mario, but if she's getting him... sure!

She wants our help to find a Badge... somewhere in the world.

She does know it's in Hooktail's Castle, but she's at a loss for what one might do after that.

And even if she did understand this clue, she doesn't have anything that could take advantage of it. We do, though!

For returning to Hooktail's Castle and not Petalburg, I'm positive it's faster to head this way, especially with Dr. Agon able to skip most of the challenge of this particular platforming sequence. Hooktail's Castle is in the first map past this pipe, remember.

Dr. Agon can also cross right over this, skipping the plane panel.

...Deep sigh.

At least there was something to it.

Just First Attack. You can't use Ride while doing it, but even low level enemies giving pittance for EXP aren't worth fighting if the fog machines are going to act up.

This is Hooktail's lair. Yup, the highest chamber in the castle! Now, where's Hooktail, huh? Hmmm... Y'know, maybe we should be glad it's not around at the moment...

Our destination is the room in which Hooktail formerly resided in. We are now allowed to walk around freely, although there's nothing in it.

Well... except this in the middle.

I don't think this is here until Ms. Mowz's Trouble starts, not that you'd bother coming here sooner anyway. I guess it is synergy with the Star Panel after getting Super Boots, but that's a little ridiculous for something you won't benefit from for another two chapters.

At any rate, if you check your inventory and know your various item jingles, you might notice this is not actually Attack FX B, but a Key Item.

Here's what sits on the other side of the room. This hole is probably how Hooktail gets in and out of the room. If she can even turn around in here.

Anyway, if you'll remember all the way back to Chapter 1, I mentioned there was a more convenient time to pick up this Badge. This is that time. We have to go up to the top of Hooktail Castle, and then all the way back down. Falling down here is now a timesave, rather than the start of more tedious backtracking.

This is still tedious backtracking, though.

Here you go. It's no use to me if I can't equip it.

That's us done.

This was not a legitimate request for aid, but a search for someone who is good enough at Badge hunting to be able to find it with only the clues provided.

...Presumably there were easier ways to get us to come along than putting the notice in the Trouble Centre. I presume she did want us to show up, as opposed to someone else.

Ms. Mowz has found plenty of nice Badges, in her own way, but she looks at our collection and starts to wonder...

Could she get more Badges teaming up with us rather than working on her own?

Technically, the reward for this Trouble is Attack FX B (0 BP) itself. Fittingly, it makes your attacks make mouse squeak noises.

But there's a far, far better reward than a mere Badge.

We have Ms. Mowz as a party member now! She is the only fully optional party member in either 64 or TTYD, although I'll admit she's... a bit wanting.

Ms. Mowz's field Ability is Sniff, a pure utility ability I like a lot more than the game's tutorial fully conveys. Outside of glitches, Ms. Mowz will not allow us to access any new areas or treasures we could not get otherwise.

Ms. Mowz starts by showing off her failure state: If there is no treasure on the map, Ms. Mowz will tell you such.

And then she goes over to a success case, by walking to this treasure chest.

At which point she says this, which doesn't really highlight what Sniff does if the treasure isn't an obvious treasure chest like this one. Ms. Mowz can detect blocks- hidden or otherwise- Star Pieces (even those under Star Panels), Shine Sprites, treasure chests, items in field spots like bushes and trees (not sure if she counts renewables here), and basically everything worth collecting. When she does so, she will tell you there is an item in the room no matter where you are. If you are right next to it, like shown in the demonstration, she'll do a backflip, otherwise she'll just say there's treasure. No matter where you are, though, she will always point her nose towards the treasure before she announces her findings. As a result, you can use her Sniff to play hot-and-cold (or perhaps cat-and-mouse) and find any hidden item so long as you have the patience and suspicion to check. Far, far better than nothing, and a clear upgrade over Watt's Illuminate.

Ms. Mowz, unlike everyone else, describes her own combat abilities in first person, implying she's the one giving Partner tutorials. Why? Meh. Anyway, Ms. Mowz's Love Slap is Watt's Electro Dash, only absolutely terrible. It only does 2 damage at base Rank and uses Hammer targeting (only working on the front grounded enemy), and is generally only useful if the enemy's Defence is really high and you have no better plans. Considering how roundly Electro Dash outclassed everyone else in 64, probably for the best. Kiss Thief, meanwhile, adds a stealing mechanic to the game, allowing Ms. Mowz to rob the enemy of items and Badges on their drop table for 2 FP. While you might expect this only to work on the items enemies visibly hold (and yes, it is very good at that- it will always steal that item and it also deprives the enemy of the benefits of that item), it actually works on all enemies, although it is only occasionally successful if there is no visible item.

Do note, however, that Kiss Thief will not work if your inventory is full. You won't even deprive the enemy of a visible item- so do be careful!

Her Appeal is also a backflip and a wink. Just as she always is. Chu.

Oh yeah, this was a Trouble.

Anyway, Ms. Mowz starts with 15 HP, and in general is going to be our most frail party member. We have the Shine Sprites to upgrade her, and I did consider it, but since she's really not that great for Chapter 5 (especially compared to alternatives) and for certain Ultra-related reasons, I decided to pass and keep the Shine Sprites spare for after the fact. It turned out, though, that I ultimately had enough Shine Sprites that I could've afforded the Super Rank here. As such, I'll mention the benefits now:

At Super Rank, Ms. Mowz goes up to 20, and her Love Slap increases to 3 damage. To be fair, this is equal to Koops, isn't it...? Her Super Rank move is Tease, and for 3 FP, she will try to inflict the Dizzy status on everything. Of the statuses, this is... not a particularly impressive one.

Easily missable fact: Since the Trouble Centre updates after getting Crystal Stars, not showing them to the Door, Ms. Mowz can be recruited before showing the Ruby Star to the door, and thus, can appear in this chapter's Frankly segment. She has a full suite of lines prepared for such an eventuality, despite the fact most players probably won't bother leaving the sewers at all before going right to the Door.

After turning in Star: We must move quickly, love. Let's go to the professor's office, quick as a wink! We have to speak to him of Princess Peach's e-mail.
Eager to learn Frankly's tidbit: Well, we're waiting, Professor. What did you find out?
Reacting to the fourth-wall break: You strange, strange man. What did THAT mean?
Suggesting shattering the Stars: Well, the way I see it, it may be entirely the wrong idea to collect these things. Why, someone could just steal all the Crystal Stars from us and resurrect that demon! I feel as though the best course of action might be to destroy them utterly.
Asking for the next location: Oh, my! I suppose we'd better shake our tails and find the other Crystal Stars! Tell me, Professor, where is the next one located?

The fact these lines exist is more impressive than their content. The diversity wasn't that strong this time around, outside of the fourth-wall break.

With Ms. Mowz in the party, the manager of the Lovely Howz has decided to take an extended vacation. I'm sure it's coincidence.

...Huh. She shouldn't be spotting Badges and items available for sale. What is she...

Right. That is an item we can acquire later. Ms. Mowz can detect it now, so she might not be as useful as you'd like until we pick that item up later.

I want you to go find the legendary cookbook for me! It's in a pretty scary place, so there's no way an old gal like me could get it alone! Please come to my house in Rogueport Square for details!

Anyway, here's the other Trouble with a useful benefit.

I'd say we have no obligation to help, but it is 30 coins to cancel...

Also... reading a cook's recipe book teaches you new recipes. The "better cook" stuff comes from understanding why those combinations work. Presumably, that's included too.

Doopliss liked cooking? Presumably, she means someone before him, but if the pipe in/out of town has had a name requirement for a while, Doopliss has presumably been a problem for a while. I prefer to imagine Doopliss is the one who owned the book.

"Try Tube Moding into a random corner of the wall." There is a better clue later, although since it involves crossing a loading zone, Ms. Mowz isn't that useful at pointing it out.

If you already have the Cookbook, she won't recognise it until you talk to her again. They let you have a free cooking session, but I have no need of it. Which leads to this funny line...

Got you covered.

You may be an irritable one, but lets see you cooking with gas.

...I... wasn't expecting that literally.

...I understand why she cooked this specific recipe, but it does mean she goes "ultimate recipes... syrup on mushrooms!" Even utility-wise, this is basic as hell.