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Update 1: Introduction
Welcome to the title screen of the game. It shows our protagonist wandering through a number of locales that we’ll visit in due time.
For now, we’ll be playing on normal. The game is actually pretty well tuned to give some challenge on both normal and hard, but normal has enough wiggle room that I’ll be able to show off things that might not be as viable on hard. After selecting the difficulty, an intro movie starts up.
And it finishes with the title of the first chapter before fading out.
We fade back in on the Wolffort Castle Town as our protagonist strides through the gates.
As he walks through town, a kid comes out to greet him, and he starts conversing with the townspeople.
Wolffort Townsperson: Congratulations, my lord. The future of Wolffort is looking brighter than ever.
Wolffort Townsperson 2: Today’s the day, is it not? We’re all ready for the big moment!
Thank you, everyone.
A voice calls out from behind us and an exclamation point pops up over Serenoa’s head.
Ah, Benedict. It would seem that word has reached the people already.
You can thank Erador for that. He couldn’t refrain from blabbing the news to anyone who would listen. I’ll have a talk with him after.
This is a momentous day. Not merely for our demesne, but for all of Glenbrook. I do not think it possible to keep it a secret.
This is well and true, my lord, but you must consider your betrothed’s lineage.
I am well aware of the situation, Benedict. I cannot say for sure wat repercussions this may have. What I do know is that the people rejoice for us, and harbor hope for the future. As the future lord of House Wolffort, I must rise to the occasion.
Fine resolve, my lord. As house steward, I will do all in my power to assist.
Thank you, Benedict. It is heartening to have the support of my father’s right-hand man.
Shall we head to the port then, my lord?
So soon? I had thought that we might have more time.
The river’s waters have risen with the heavy rainfall earlier this week. And given the wind, I think it likely that Aesfrost’s ship will arrive ahead of schedule.
You never cease to amaze. Very well then, let us be on our way.
After that, the scene fades out and we go to the world map. There’s a neat little touch in cutscenes out here, where groups of people are represented by wooden blocks that get moved around. It makes it feel a little bite more like you’re looking at an actual map or a table, instead of just a game-y representation of one.
On the map, there are two types of events to care about. Main ones are obviously story chapters, while green sides events can range from side character stories to showing different perspectives on the actual plot.
We also unlock the ability to look at a number of different options. There will be more later, and these are pretty self-explanatory. The only odd one might be “War Chronicle,” which is just where the story notes, background, and tutorials can be accessed.
As might be expected, a new main event has popped up at Wolffort Harbor.
The scene comes in on a docked ship, where a pink haired woman dismisses her escorting soldiers.
Aesfrosti Soldier: But Lady Frederica…there is no one here to receive you.
He will be along shortly, no doubt. If I have heard true, he is not the type to keep a lady waiting.
Aesfrosti Soldier: By your leave, then. We wish you everlasting happiness, my lady.
Thank you. I shall work hard-both for my new home, and for my motherland. Please let Brother-the archduke know that.
Aesfrosti Soldier: As you command, my lady. We leave the rest to you, Geela.
I shan’t let you down.
Geela, Frederica, and two Aesfrosti soldiers disembark and the ship departs.
Phew, Glenbrook at last. Finally we can take a moment of respite from our long journey. … That said, it would appear that we’ve arrived ahead of schedule.
I much prefer it to being late. This is a momentous day for Aesfrost – and for the entire realm. We cannot afford to make a bad first impression.
I agree. Which is why we cannot have you looking so tense. Why don’t we go for a bit of a stroll?
A fine idea. After all, this may be the last time in a while that I am free to do as I please… Most are not inclined to grant liberty to one of Rosellan heritage such as me.
Frederica grabs at a pendant on her neck.
You brought that pendant after all?
Of course. It is the only memento I have of my mother…
Suddenly, something comes flying out of nowhere and takes out one, and then both of the Aesfrosti guards.
The camera pans over to reveal two bandits with bright red hair and a great theme.
Who are then joined by yet further bandits.
Lettin’ a whole boatload o’ guards go back home was a stroke o’ genius! We heard tell ye’d be here and we wanted t’be the ones to welcome ye!
The winds of fortune are blowin’ today, aren’t they, Pa?
Brigands!?
The scene fades out on this predicament.
And goes back to the world map, where a red enemy chit has appeared by the harbor. However, we’ll leave that fight for next time.