[Game Journal] (Playing Age of Mythology: Retold, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia) On the Origin of Genres

Age of Mythology: Retold
Fall of the Trident 25/32: Welcoming Committee

We made it to a battleground between three Norse armies, those of the chieftains Vibald, Eirik, and Arngrim, just west of Siljan Lake. We waved the Folstag Flag to them, and, as Skult promised, it got them to stop fighting each other. Unfortunately, Skult neglected to mention that Folstag was a giant who all of them despise, and they all united to kill us all for daring to wave Folstag's flag. We fought them off, then raided each of their bases to assassinate each chieftan, represented as a Hersir unit. We're playing as Loki again, technically, with Healing Spring, Bronze, and Flaming Weapons as our god powers. We can't build any new units or buildings in this scenario aside from Watch Towers and a Healing Spring, but if we kill a Hersir, we get all their units to add to our army. We took down Arngrim (Yellow) first, in the east, and got his Ulfsarks, Raiding Cavalry, and Ballistas. Then we moved west and took down Vibald (Pink), getting his Hirdmen and Jarls. Finally, we went after Eirik (Red), using our Bronze and Flaming Weapons god powers, and beat his army of Huskarls to easily kill him and win this short scenario.

Spoiler: We have united the Norse clans... against us.
 
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Update 1: Ecclesia to Lighthouse

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 1st, 1825.

My name is Shanoa, and I am a member of the Order of Ecclesia, an organization dedicated to finding countermeasures to fight Dracula, in the event of his return. We are practitioners of a type of magic called Glyphs, and I was chosen to be the bearer of a set of three Glyphs called Dominus, which, in theory, can slay the immortal vampire. Unfortunately, during the ritual, my master Barlowe was attacked by Albus, a fellow member of Ecclesia previously chosen to wield Dominus, and stole the three Dominus Glyphs. As the subject of the ritual, I have suffered severe complications from its interruption. All my memories prior to the ritual have been erased, and I no longer have the capacity to feel emotions. I suppose that I would have been quite distraught about my amnesia if my emotions had remained intact, but it was not to be.

Although my memories have been lost, I am still able to fight, and Barlowe has spent the last few weeks training me. I was given a Confodere glyph, which summons a rapier for a few seconds to strike my foes, and used it against some skeletons summoned by Barlowe. I questioned why I would use such a glyph, which drains my magic with every attack, instead of the use of a regular sword. Barlowe explained that once I obtain more weapon glyphs, it would be easy to switch between them and quite difficult to carry around as many weapons.

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 2nd, 1825.

Today, I traveled to the abandoned Monastery near Ecclesia in search of Albus. This building is haunted by several types of undead, with various types of zombies, skeletons, ghosts, and more. Master Barlowe did not have any spare equipment, so I had to fight in my regular, unarmored clothing, and without even any shoes. Fighting and jumping without shoes was difficult, but I thankfully found a pair of sandals in the Monastery, though I would prefer actual shoes when I get the chance. I also found a cotton hat that, while it will need to be replaced once I find a helmet, is somewhat fashionable and good-looking, so I put it on as well. I found three new glyphs in this monastery as well, Secare, a sword glyph, Culter, a knife glyph, and finally Magnes, which allows me to manipulate magnetism to reach certain magnetic anchors on the walls in certain rooms here. I also found the Book of Spirits, a relic which names all the monsters in this land, and I even found a lost cat that I brought back to Ecclesia after the mission.

There are two locations I cannot reach right now. One requires the destruction of falling blocks, but I lack the glyphs to destroy them. The second is a chest too high for me to jump to.

At the top of the monastery, I fought a giant earth beetle named Arthroverta. I slew it with the Secare glyph, using Magnes to dodge its attacks, but was severely wounded during the battle. I encountered Albus in the next room, but because of my injuries and the loss of much of my skill due to my amnesia, I was not able to apprehend him, and he escaped. Curiously, he did not make a serious attempt to kill me. Albus dropped a map that led to Wygol Village, which I will visit tomorrow morning.

Post-Arthroverta Stats
  • Equipped Glyphs: Secare, Secare, Magnes
  • Equipment: Cotton Hat, Casual Clothes, Sandals, (No Accessories)
  • Stats: Level 6, ??? HP, ??? MP, 60 Hearts, ATK 8, DEF 6, STR 9, CON 7, INT 9, MND 5, LCK 4
  • AP: 6 Slash, 313 Strike, 1006 Flame, 6 Ice, 6 Lightning, 6 Darkness, 6 Light
  • New Hand Glyphs: Secare, Culter, Confodere
  • New Back Glyph: Magnes


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 3rd, 1825.

I arrived at Wygol Village, which had a single inhabitant at present, a priest named Father Nikolai. He was trapped in a large amber crystal, powered by a Torpor glyph that I absorbed. Torpor is an ice spell that can stun opponents, but it is not very strong. When I freed him, I found out that Albus had kidnapped the other twelve inhabitants of Wygol, and traveled to Minera Prison Island. To get there, I will need to travel across the Ruvas Forest and Kalidas Channel. This will take me three days, but I can teleport back to Wygol to rest once I have found warp points within each location. Before I left, I dropped my cat off with Nikolai.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 4th, 1825.

Today, I traveled across the Ruvas Forest, a straight path through the woods to the coastline of Kalidus. This forest, like the monastery, was also filled with the undead, and also had several necromancers that are likely the source of these undead. There were also flying squids called Nominon that were dangerous to fight. I found three new glyphs here, but no new equipment. First, the Macir glyph from a statue, which is a mace glyph. Second, an Axe Knight, when slain, created an Ascia glyph, which is an axe glyph. Third, the Necromancers themselves used Fidelis Caries glyphs to summon zombies. I was able to capture these glyphs mid-cast to interrupt them, and I can now summon zombies of my own, albeit only one at a time.

I am still equipped in regular clothing, but I can survive several attacks from deadly weapons that should fell a normal woman. I believe that the glyphs are strengthening me, somehow, and protecting me from my enemies. After slaying more of the undead, and these accursed Nominon, the magic has improved my defensive and offensive capabilities. Presumably, slaying more monsters will accelerate the effect.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 5th, 1825.

After returning to the coast, I crossed the Kalidus Channel. This channel had lots of dangerous sealife, but thankfully, no undead. There were many crates floating on the platforms that I could use to cross, and along the way I rescued one of the twelve lost villagers, Jacob, who is a shopkeeper. I wonder if all the world is filled with monsters like these, or if it is merely the immediate vicinity of Wygol? Is my life ordinary, or do I live in a strange and aberrant environment compared to that of ordinary men and women?

In any case, after rescuing Jacob, I returned to Wygol, and purchased some new equipment from him. This included a genuine set of Cossack Boots, to replace my old sandals, and a leather cuirass to give me at least some armor. I also picked out a "babushka" hood, which is said to slightly improve my magical capabilities, but I expect to replace it with a proper helmet once one is available.

I then warped back to Kalidus, crossed it fully, though I can't dive below the surface, and arrived at Minera Prison Island. At the entrance, I fought a Giant Skeleton, and slew the colossal monstrosity with the Ascia glyphs. Like Arthroverta, the Magnes glyph was also very helpful in dodging the Giant Skeleton's attacks, though in this case it was necessary to leap over it rather than just levitate off the ground. I was, however, badly wounded, and had to retreat back to Wygol to rest for tonight.

Post-Giant Skeleton Stats
  • Equipped Glyphs: Ascia, Ascia, Magnes
  • Equipment: Babushka, Leather Cuirass, Cossack Boots, (No Accessories)
  • Stats: Level 7, ??? HP, ??? MP, 60 Hearts, ATK 9, DEF 15, STR 11, CON 8, INT 11, MND 10, LCK 4
  • AP: 95 Slash, 516 Strike, 1032 Flame, 32 Ice, 32 Lightning, 32 Darkness, 32 Light
  • New Hand Glyphs: Ascia, Macir, Torpor
  • New Back Glyph: Fidelis Caries


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 6th, 1825.

With the Giant Skeleton slain, I was able to explore most of the rest of Minera Prison Island. This island is also full of various undead monsters, several of which I slew to obtain the Hasta glyph, a spear glyph, and the Arcus glyph, a bow glyph. I also found the Falcis glyph from a statue, which is a sickle glyph. Then, I found Albus in the prison. He made cryptic comments about the source of Dominus, then gave me one of the three glyphs, Dominus Hatred. This glyph is difficult to cast, and doing so drains my own life force, so until the time comes to fight Dracula, I will not do so unless the situation is dire indeed.

I then rescued another villager, Abram, the town healer. I explored the island further and found a Priestess Ring, a magic ring that strengthens my defenses but slightly weakens my glyphs, and slew a Tin Man to retrieve a Strength Ring, a magic ring that increases the strength of my weapon attacks at the cost of my spellcasting. I also found the Glyph Sleeve, which allows me to quickly switch between three different sets of glyphs, which will be quite helpful at the rate I am accumulating them. There was also a second stray cat who I brought back to Wygol Village. For my final exploration of Minera, I found a room where I had to dodge sparks of electricity, and retrieved the Vol Fulgur glyph, a powerful electric spell. There is also a tower at the center of Minera Prison Island that I am not yet able to jump to, and I intend to return at a different date.

After returning to Wygol, Abram asked me for some Sage, which I provided him, allowing him to make potions and tonics for the shop. Abram also requested Chamomile and Rue, to produce antivenoms and un-curse potions, but I lack the latter for now.

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 7th, 1825.

Without any clear directions, I decided to explore the nearby lighthouse. This had but one monster dwelling within, but that monster was the ferocious Brachyura, a massive crab beast that chased me to the top of the lighthouse. I used Macir to repeatedly hit it while hiding along the western wall of the lighthouse, where its attacks had a hard time reaching me. When I got to the top, I dropped the elevator on the Brachyura, slaying it. I retrieved the Luminatio glyph from the top, a light spell that was used to power the lighthouse, but would be of greater use against the forces of darkness. I also found the Serpent Scale, allowing me to swim and breathe water, and also rescued the blacksmith Eugen from the basement. I brought him back to Wygol, where he asked for iron ore to create armor, which I do not yet have.

I took the opportunity to explore the floor of the section of Kalidus Channel I crossed over, opening some chests, and I also returned to the Monastery to clear out the blocks and obtain the Cubus glyph, which summons a cube of earth magic. I also found the Justice Ring there, which grows stronger as I kill more monsters. I have killed roughly seven hundred, but it seems the ring thinks this a paltry amount, and it is not very strong yet. Perhaps it will grow strong enough to be worth using in the future, however.

Post-Brachyura Stats
  • Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Macir, Luminatio, Magnes
  • Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Macir, Macir, Magnes
  • Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Macir, Vol Fulgur, Fidelis Caries
  • Equipment: Babushka, Leather Cuirass, Cossack Boots, Priestess Ring, Strength Ring
  • Stats: Level 11, 248 HP, 150 MP, 70 Hearts, ATK 16, DEF 18, STR 16, CON 15, INT 9, MND 16, LCK 5
  • AP: 233 Slash, 562 Strike, 1045 Flame, 45 Ice, 45 Lightning, 45 Darkness, 45 Light
  • New Hand Glyphs: Hasta, Arcus, Falcis, Vol Fulgur, Luminatio, Dominus Hatred
  • New Relics: Serpent Scale, Glyph Sleeve
 
Last edited:
Age of Mythology: Retold
Fall of the Trident 26/32: Union

Arkantos confronted Skult after the battle, but he only laughed, and transformed into a flock of crows that flew off. We were then approached by Regenleif, a valkyrie hero, who explained that we were flying the banner of King Folstag, a giant that had pillaged these Norsemen. We left the flag behind to unite the remaining Norse clans, with our heroes, a couple infantry, and three Shieldmaiden Valkyries that we can't replace, since we're starting out in the Classical Age, as Odin, but with Heimdall as our minor god.

Odin's god power is Great Hunt, which multiplies several wild animals so we can gather food. If there are no animals, it instead spawns a few elk. His unique tech is Hamask, which makes our Berserks move and attack faster as they lose HP, and we would normally get a pair of respawning, zero-attack Ravens to scout for us, though not in this battle for some reason. Odin's Gatherers get food from wild animals slightly faster, His human soldiers and heroes regenerate health slowly, and His Great Hall units generate favor faster. His minor gods are Freyja and Heimdall in the Classical Age, Njord and Skadi in the Heroic Age, and Baldr and Tyr in the Mythic Age. I started with Heimdall in this scenario, picked Njord again, then went Tyr.

Heimdall's specialty is buildings. His techs make all our buildings research and train faster, and cost less gold, and his walls and towers have more hit points, though they're still weaker than non-Norse upgraded defenses. His god power is Undermine, which instantly destroys walls and towers, and damages other buildings, and His myth unit is the Einheri. Einherjar are the dead heroes of Valhalla, who dual-wield axes and can blow horns to increase allied units' damage. They can be upgraded further into Giant-killer Einherjar.

Tyr is my least favorite minor god to pick, usually, but I didn't have much use for Ragnarok or Fire Giants this scenario, so it's a good place to pick Him. His god power, Fimbulwinter, summons uncontrollable wolves to attack Town Centers and any units near them, and His myth unit, also a wolf, is the Fenris Wolf Brood, a giant wolf which gets stronger in groups. Tyr's upgrades cause Berserks to regenerate health when dealing damage, and increases Huskarl attack, especially against buildings. And that's the last Minor God for now. We will not have an opportunity to worship Hel in Fall of the Trident, since we don't have a Mythic Age scenario as Loki or Freyr.

Back to the mission. We made it to the first village, where its leader, Blackhammer, gave us a small village to clear out the caves with his gold mines, which were occupied by Trolls coming out of an Underworld Passage. The Trolls would have been too many to fight at once, but they came out a few at a time, and our heroes were able to defeat them in detail. Once the Underworld Passage was destroyed, we advanced to Lothbrok's village, and he asked us to fortify their base with five Watch Towers. This was easily done, and we got another base.

The third village, under Erpr Forkbeard, asked us to rescue his daughter Hallgerd before they'd join us, but she was in the center of a Loki base south of us. They were in the Mythic Age, with Forseti, Bragi, and Hel as their minor gods, so we held back and built up an army. We trained mostly Jarls, Throwing Axemen, and Fenris Wolf Broods, plus a few Giant-Killer Einherjar for the buffs, and used Walking Woods to give us some free siege units.

While building our army, to avoid a two-front defense, we destroyed the secondary Loki base to the south of Lothbrok's village, which had some Longhouses and Great Halls, with their associated units, and had upgraded them more than we had, but we outnumbered them and razed it to the ground. Then, once our army was complete, we marched south and razed that base too. Once the Watch Tower in the south was destroyed, Hallgerd was freed, and the Forkbeard village joined us, winning the scenario.

Spoiler: Blackhammer's village was so large that we hardly had to build anything new.
 
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Update 2: Lower Kalidus Channel to East Tymeo Mountains

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 8th, 1825.

Today, I explored the depths of Kalidus Channel, fighting the sealife below. This included Sea Demons that used ice magic against me, which I stole to gain the Grando glyph, and Skull Spiders that had the Fidelis Aranea Glyph, which lets me summon a Skull Spider of my own. I also found the Scutum glyph, which creates a shield above and to the right of my head, and the Fortis Fio glyph, which improves my constitution. I also found a Resist Ring to improve my anti-magic defenses, which are somewhat lacking.

Near an abandoned ship, I found the village's seamstress, Monica, trapped within. She was, quite clearly, flirting with me after I rescued her. Due to the loss of both my memories and emotions, I do not know if I prefer the company of men or women, and in either case I still cannot return anyone's affections until my emotions are restored. Thus, I pretended not to notice, and will continue to feign obliviousness until my predicament is resolved.

In any case, I had some cotton thread for her, which she used to make a dress for me, and also found some iron ore for Eugen from the channel. Monica made me a cotton dress, and Eugen started selling some iron armor and leggings at the shop, and I equipped the latter. Both villagers requested new items, as well. Monica asked me for silk thread, and Eugen asked for silver ore. I will keep this in mind for later.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 9th, 1825.

I arrived at the Timeo Mountains, and fought monsters here that include massive ghost horses called Nightmares. Despite the name and appearance, they are not very threatening. I found the Fades Fio glyph here, which increases my resistance to magic when used. I can't cross to the east here because I cannot jump high enough, but I did rescue a fortune-teller, Laura. She kept trying to make me smile, something I cannot do without emotions, but in any case she asked for a lapis lazuli piece, which I gave her, and started selling Lucky Clover accessories in the shop. She then asked for a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald. The latter two, I already have, but I do not have a ruby.

I also found the rue that Abram requested here, and he started selling anti-venoms and uncurse potions. He then requested some Mandrake Root for the production of stronger healing items, which I will need to slay Mandragoras to obtain. I do not have any yet, and do not know where to find them.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 10th, 1825.

I explored the Misty Forest Road, which is a small path through the forest. I stole an Umbra glyph from a Black Fomor, a floating goat demon, which lets me use darkness magic, but more importantly, I obtained the Vol Macir glyph from a statue, which gives me a much stronger mace glyph to more or less completely replace Macir. I also obtained the Blow Ring, which increases the strength of my strike attacks, including Vol Macir.

There are also Werebats here, humanoid bats that summon regular bats to attack. I slew many of them as I found that slaying them was a quick method of boosting my own powers, and one dropped the Arma Chiroptera glyph that allows me to take on a sort of werebat form of my own. While slaying werebats, I found enough silk thread for Monica that she gave me a silk dress, and she requested cashmere thread for her final dress. I found some cashmere thread here, but not enough.

I also found silver ore here for Eugen to make silver armor and leggings, and while silver would normally be a weaker metal than iron, it is considerably more effective against the unholy monsters that serve Dracula. Eugen requested gold ore next, which I do not yet have enough of. Sadly, he cannot make any helmets, so I am stuck with my scarf for now.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 11th, 1825.

I made my way to the Skeleton Cave, which is quite aptly named, for many skeletal monsters dwell within. Every surface is covered in bones, and if I were capable of feeling fear, I would shudder to imagine what sort of horror would have killed so many people. Thankfully, the skeletons within are nowhere near that deadly, and as most of them are weak to my Vol Macir, I did not have many issues exploring. I found the Vol Confodere glyph to give me a stronger rapier, but it was not useful here and I rarely used the regular Confodere as it was.
At the bottom of Skeleton Cave was a monster called Maneater, a giant skull with several organic tentacles that reached out and attacked. With dual Vol Macirs, I easily slew it and made my way to a dead-end, where Albus was drawing blood from a musician named George. Albus ran off, and I obtained something the Book of Spirits called the... Ordinary Rock? I'm fairly sure this is a mistranslation, but it allows me to jump a second time after I have already jumped, as if I were jumping on a platform in mid-air.
We returned to the village to find out that Albus had drawn blood from everywhere there as well. Nikolai is terrified, and believes Albus to be Dracula himself, disguised as a mortal. Nikolai said that Albus might be in an abandoned mansion to the northeast. I talked to George as well, and he asked me to fix his violin, with some Horse Hair, but I have none.
Post-Maneater Stats

Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Vol Macir, Luminatio, Fortis Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Vol Macir, Ascia, Magnes
Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Vol Macir, Vol Fulgur, Arma Chiroptera
Equipment: Babushka, Silver Plate, Silver Leggings, Blow Ring, Resist Ring
Stats: Level 21, 368 HP, 240 MP, 90 Hearts, ATK 38, DEF 47, STR 20, CON 15, INT 19, MND 19, LCK 8
AP: 914 Slash, 892 Strike, 1073 Flame, 1085 Ice, 73 Lightning, 271 Light, 1073 Darkness
New Hand Glyphs: Cubus, Grando, Scutum, Umbra, Vol Macir, Vol Confodere
New Back Glyphs: Fortis Fio, Fidelis Aranea, Fades Fio, Arma Chiroptera
New Relic: Ordinary Rock


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 12th, 1825.

With my new double jumps, I explored several areas that I couldn't reach earlier. I obtained some more Rue from the Misty Forest Road, the Fool Ring, a ring that makes me luckier, but weaker in every way, from the Monastery, and freed the chef Aeon from the top of the Minera Prison tower. I brought him back to town, gave him some salt, and he made some food.

Aeon then requested some killer fish meat, and I killed dozens of Killer Fish in Kalidus Channel to find a piece of meat with sufficient quality. It was quite difficult as most means of killing Killer Fish ruined the texture of the meat in such a way as to make it inedible. That being done, he asked me for a type of meat known as "Tasty Meat", that I haven't found yet.

With that out of the way, I went to the Tymeo Mountains to find some Horse Hair for George to repair his violin, which I took from a dead Nightmare. I then went back to the Monastery to record a Banshee scream for him, and then he finally requested some black ink and an eagle feather. The ink, I got from killing Dark Octopi in Kalidus Channel, but the Eagle Feather will have to wait for another day.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 13th, 1825.

Now, I can explore the rest of the Tymeo Mountains. Here I found a Crimson Mask that's better than my old headwear, but still not great for protection. I would prefer a proper helmet. I also found the Pneuma glyph, which creates a burst of wind to knock enemies back, and stole the Ignis glyph from a Fire Demon. This is my first fire magic glyph, and it shoots a spread of three projectiles in front of me, and is very strong. I will keep using it for now.

I rescued the reporter Marcel, who, like Monica, also flirted with me upon his rescue. Like last time, I feigned obliviousness. He asked me to go take a photo of a Cave Troll back in the Tymeo Mountains, which was very difficult as Cave Trolls are very strong and fast, and hard to photograph safely. He also requested a Jersey Devil photo, should I ever find the Argila Swamp, but my next destination is the Somnus Reef instead.

Addendum: While writing this entry, I neglected to mention that I also obtained a Ruby here, and gave it to Laura. She requested a Diamond and an Onyx next.
 
Last edited:
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Update 3: Somnus Reef to Tristis Pass

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 14th, 1825.

I traveled to the Somnus Reef today, where I fought a water demon named the Rusalka. This monster was, surprisingly, weak to slashing attacks, so I quickly stabbed her to death with two Vol Confodere glyphs. I rescued two children from this cave, Serge and Anna, but their mother is still missing. Nikolai has offered to take care of them while they wait for her rescue. I also found two new glyphs, Vol Ascia, a stronger axe, and Vol Arcus, a diagonal bow. Finally, I found some Tasty Meat for Aeon the chef, and he has added new, but expensive, meals for the shop. Aeon has no further tasks required of me.

Post-Rusalka Stats

Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Vol Confodere, Vol Confodere, Fides Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Vol Macir, Ignis, Magnes
Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Vol Macir, Vol Fulgur, Fortis Fio
Equipment: Crimson Mask, Silver Plate, Silver Leggings, Blow Ring, Resist Ring
Stats: Level 25, 440 HP, 270 MP, 120 Hearts, ATK 42, DEF 49, STR 23, CON 17, INT 20, MND 19, LCK 9
AP: 1227 Slash, 973 Strike, 1180 Flame, 1094 Ice, 252 Lightning, 299 Light, 1082 Darkness
New Hand Glyphs: Ignis, Pneuma, Vol Arcus


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 15th, 1825.

I traveled to the Giant's Dwelling, the abandoned mansion in which Albus is currently hiding in, and rescued an elderly woman named Daniela. After bringing her back to town, she asked me to sketch the view from the lighthouse, which was easily done. In return, she gave me a Garbo Hat, a better headgear than my current Crimson Mask, and asked me to sketch the Tristis Pass waterfall. That will have to wait, as I had to return to the Giant's Dwelling for Albus. I found the Vol Falcis glyph to give me a stronger scythe attack, and the Vol Secare, a stronger sword, and fought a giant undead golem named Goliath. It was weak to slashing damage, so my new Vol Falcis made short work of it.

I talked with Albus, who gave me the second piece of Dominus, Dominus Anger, and claimed that Dominus was formed from Dracula's own power. Albus also made comments about a childhood friendship I supposedly had with him, and asked me to cry, which is impossible as I have no emotions. At the time, I lashed out, but upon further reflection I believe that he was testing whether or not my memories or emotions had recovered, and whether having absorbed the first Dominus piece had partially restored the damage he did by disrupting the ritual.

I returned to Ecclesia to verify this with Barlowe, and it was true. Ecclesia had, somehow, come into possession of the vessel of Dracula's soul, but lacked the Vampire Killer whip that could have destroyed it. Barlowe developed Dominus from Dracula's own power as an alternative means to permanently slay the vampire. With two pieces, I merely need to confront Albus once more to obtain the third. Unlike the first two, I doubt he will give it up without a fight.

Post-Goliath Stats

Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Vol Falcis, Vol Falcis, Fortis Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Vol Macir, Ignis, Magnes
Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Vol Macir, Vol Fulgur, Fides Fio
Equipment: Garbo Hat, Silver Plate, Silver Leggings, Blow Ring, Resist Ring
Stats: Level 26, 476 HP, 280 MP, 120 Hearts, ATK 40, DEF 51, STR 24, CON 18, INT 23, MND 12, LCK 13
AP: 1315 Slash, 1074 Strike, 1293 Flame, 1103 Ice, 261 Lightning, 308 Light, 2091 Darkness
New Hand Glyphs: Vol Ascia, Vol Falcis, Vol Secare


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 16th, 1825.

I traveled to Tristis Pass today. Here, I first obtained a Vol Scutum glyph, which creates a shield at a much more useful angle than the regular Scutum. I then arrived at the waterfall, which was, unfortunately, frozen. I leaped to the top and absorbed the Vol Grando glyph to unfreeze it, in the process learning a powerful ice magic spell. I then leapt down and found a hidden cave with the final missing villager, Irina was imprisoned. I freed her, then drew the waterfall for Daniela.

Moving forward, I slew several Altair eagles to obtain an eagle feather for George. Along the way, I obtained the Fulgur glyph, which is not of great use since I already have Vol Fulgur, from a Thunder Demon. I also obtained the Fidelis Noctua glyph from a slain owl, to summon an owl of my own, but I have not seen much use from any summoning glyph. A statue had the Vol Hasta glyph, a stronger lance, and another statue had the Irine Pecunia glyph, which increases the money I earn when used.

I returned to town, and traded the Waterfall Art to Daniela for a Treasure Hat, and she asked me to draw the church in Oblivion Ridge, where her grandfather died. The eagle feather and ink were given to George, who started selling more records, and he has no further requests.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 17th, 1825.

The village has been completely rescued. Since the loss of my memories, I have never seen so many people in one place before, though I am told that there are places that vastly dwarf Wygol's small population. I spent today doing errands for the villagers.

Anna asked me to fetch her cat from Tristis Pass, then find a mouse for him to eat, which I found in the hold of the sunken ship in Kalidus Channel. The cat then ate a toxic herb, and I had to give a chrysoberyl collar to him to keep him safe. I already had a chrysoberyl, so all I had to do was give it to Laura to make a collar, and the cat ended up fine. I got a pair of Heart Earrings and a Ribbon for this. The Heart Earrings make more hearts drop, and the Ribbon is a headgear that makes me luckier but offers no defensive protection.

Irina asked me to kill thirty Black Crows at the Tymeo Mountains. I slew them, and she then gave me some food and asked me to kill ten werewolves. I've fought werebats and werecats, but no werewolves, but I'll kill them if I find any.

Tom asked me to play hide and seek with him a couple times, and show him an owl I summoned with Fidelis Noctua, and after that, I used the Treasure Hat to find some Cashmere Thread for Monica along the Misty Forest Road. She then made me a party dress and sold me a wedding dress, the latter of which is surprisingly tough.

The wedding dress is easily stronger than iron platemail and better than my current equipment, with its minor reduction in physical defense more than made up for by its vastly better magical defense. If I had emotions, I would likely feel embarrassed at fighting monsters in such a silly outfit, but right now I have no such weaknesses.

It is, however, increasingly difficult to feign obliviousness to Monica's romantic advances. First she flirts with me from the very moment I rescued her, and now she made a wedding dress for me. I want my emotions and memories back as soon as possible, so that I can appropriately respond to this situation.
 
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Update 4: Oblivion Reach to Dracula's Castle Library

Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 18th, 1825.

I returned back to Kalidus Channel to find a pair of Gold Rings, then, using the Irine Pecunia glyph, I was able to obtain vast sums of gold through the destruction of torches. The fastest way, I found, was a torch in the Tymeo Mountains that I could destroy by jumping on it, then jumping out of sight to just below the bridge above it, whereupon it would, by some method, be restored for me to destroy a second later. I earned hundreds of thousands of gold this way, roughly a thousand per second from each time I destroyed the torch. I then bought as many healing items as I could carry from the shop back in Wygol.

I then traveled to Oblivion Ridge in pursuit of Albus, where I found and slew several werewolves, and obtained the Sapiens Fio glyph to improve my intellligence. Using it, and a pair of Vol Grando glyphs, I fought a giant sand shark named Gravedorcus, and continued onward. I found a diamond along the way, then met Albus in an abandoned church where he informed me that he gave me the previous two Dominus glyphs to learn how he could absorb them himself. He then did so to the third Dominus piece, but something went wrong, as if he wasn't able to properly control Dominus, and he teleported off.
I sketched the church for Daniela, and returned to Wygol Village. I gave the diamond and onyx to Laura, who made some accessories with them, and got a new hat from Daniela. Irina made me a tart tatin for slaying the werewolves, and let me know that she has one more favor to ask... later. She won't tell me what it is yet. Laura asked for an alexandrite to make a crown, and Daniela has no further requests. I then returned to Ecclesia and informed Barlowe, who told me Albus's new location and asked me to hunt him down.
Post-Gravedorcus Stats

Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Vol Falcis, Ignis, Fortis Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Vol Grando, Vol Grando, Sapiens Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Vol Macir, Vol Fulgur, Fides Fio
Equipment: Traveler's Hat, Wedding Dress, Cavalier Boots, Temperance Ring, Resist Ring
Stats: Level 30, 520 HP, 305 MP, 130 Hearts, ATK 66, DEF 52, STR 30, CON 23, INT 28, MND 44, LCK 12
AP: 1342 Strike, 1716 Slash, 2467 Flame, 2198 Ice, 1284 Thunder, 331 Light, 3114 Darkness
New Hand Glyphs: Dominus Anger, Vol Scutum, Vol Hasta, Vol Grando, Fulgur
New Back Glyphs: Fidelis Noctua, Inire Pecunia, Sapiens Fio


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 19th, 1825.

I traveled through the Argila Swamp to reach Albus, and photographed a Jersey Devil at the very entrance for Marcel. I also slew some Mandragoras to get a mandrake root for Abram, who used it to make some more healing items when I made it back to Wygol. Abram then asked me for some merman meat, which I already had, and made even stronger healing items. Marcel then asked me for a picture of a Yeti, which I got from Tymeo Mountains. Neither of these two have any further requests, leaving just Eugen's gold ore, Laura's alexandrite, and whatever Irina is planning to ask.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 20th, 1825.

Today is the day I killed Albus. I tracked him down to the Mystery Manor, where I obtained the Vol Luminatio glyph, stolen from a White Fomor. I then descended to a dark, spike-filled room, where I was badly wounded, and absorbed the Vol Umbra glyph that kept it in perpetual darkness. Then, I healed at the statue, and fought Albus who was consumed by the power of Dominus and possessed by the spirit of Dracula. With the dark magic of Vol Umbra, he was not a great threat, and after absorbing the Acerbatus glyph, I killed him. His Acerbatus glyph is a powerful shot of thunder and darkness magic that slows down any enemy it hits.

Absorbing the last piece of Dominus also transferred many of Albus's memories to myself, and it seems we were siblings, and close friends. I wish I had my emotions so that I could properly mourn him. I also learned that it was Dominus that was responsible for the loss of my memories and emotions, not Albus as Barlowe had told me. What's more, Barlowe not only lied to me, he also lied to Albus to keep him from knowing that I was to be the vessel of Dominus.

Albus's spirit was also, briefly, absorbed alongside Dominus, and he conversed with me for a few minutes, informing me that I must never use Dominus, as it would cost me my life. While I would normally consider my own life a small price to pay for slaying Dracula, Barlowe's lies have me questioning whether that would even work. Tomorrow, I go to Ecclesia to confront him.


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 21st, 1825.

I confronted Barlowe at Ecclesia, and he immediately attempted to kill me and take Dominus off my corpse when I refused to use it. I absorbed the Globus glyph, which summons magical balls that bounce around and bludgeon enemies, and then defeated him with the Vol Luminatio glyph. Barlowe then informed me that he wanted to unleash Dracula, and then killed himself to break the seal. Nearby, Dracula's dread castle, Castlevania, arose from the ground, and, presumably, he lies within. I have lost almost everything, my memories, my emotions, my brother, my organization, but I still have one thing left. My mission. I am the morning sun, come to vanquish this horrible night!

Post-Albus/Barlowe Stats

Equipped Glyphs (Set A): Vol Luminatio, Vol Luminatio, Sapiens Fio
Equipped Glyphs (Set B): Vol Falcis, Ignis, Magnes
Equipped Glyphs (Set C): Vol Umbra, Vol Umbra, Sapiens Fio
Equipment: Traveler's Hat, Wedding Dress, Cavalier Boots, Diamond Ring*, Diamond Ring*
Stats: Level 32, 536 HP, 325 MP, 140 Hearts, ATK 65, DEF 51, STR 30, CON 23, INT 28, MND 38, LCK 12
AP: 1350 Strike, 1903 Slash, 2498 Flame, 2206 Ice, 1293 Thunder, 349 Light, 3124 Darkness
New Hand Glyphs: Vol Luminatio, Vol Umbra, Acerbatus, Globus
New Back Glyphs: Dominus Agony

*Onyx Ring against Albus


Journal of Shanoa, entry dated February 22nd, 1825.

I traveled through Castlevania's entryway, obtaining the Arma Felix glyph from a Black Panther werecat. This transforms me into a werecat myself, and it is somewhat more useful than the werebat transformation I obtained along the Misty Forest Road. I wonder, will I get a werewolf transformation someday? I then traveled through Castlevania's library, full of so many books that it's impossible to count them all. I wish I could read them, there must be so much knowledge here that would be incredibly valuable to all humanity, but that must wait for the defeat of Dracula. I fought the Wallman, a supposedly strong monster that was slain in a single blow by absorbing its Paries glyph. This glyph lets me walk through certain glowing walls, and I obtained the Melio Confodere glyph from the other side of the same room. I also received a medal from a chest for slaying the Wallman without taking damage, but it is of little use. Very strange.

I left Castlevania and explored two areas in Tymeo Mountains with Paries, getting some items I have little interest in, and, more importantly, the Vol Arcus glyph from Misty Forest Road. I will return to Dracula's castle tomorrow. Castlevania is very large, and I expect to take several days to explore the entire location.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top