The Beginning

Vagrant Story is one of my all-time favourite games. It had me completely engrossed for a few months when it first came out, and I've often gone back to it to play individual sections, or just watch the magnificent ending. It's a bit of a misunderstood title, and it can be quite unforgiving in the early stages. A lot of people give up on it and that's a shame. In light of that, and just for a bit of personal fun I've decided to blog a playthrough of it. I'll be transcribing it in text and pictures, and offering my own commentary and notes along the way where appropriate. Hopefully it will make for an interesting read for anyone who's dabbled in the game and given up, or anyone who's just curious about it.

Off we go with the fairly lengthy introduction sequence, which is split into several parts and is easy to skip. Indeed, I'd owned the game for several months before seeing all the cutscenes after the title screen, because I pressed start after the Durai quote. You have to leave it running at the title and watch everything until it returns to the title, then start the game and leave it until you're standing in the Wine Cellar.

Inquisitor 1: Six hours have passed since the occupation of the Duke's manor by one Sydney Losstarot, founder and leader of the Mullenkamp sect. He and his allies have taken the Duke's family and servants hostage. They hold the manor as we speak.
Ashley: To what purpose?

Inquisitor 1: The scum make two demands: The release of their imprisoned comrades and the abdication of cardinal Batistum.

Ashley: On what pretext shall we apprehend them?
Inquisitor 2: We need no pretext! Mullenkamp is a pack of rogues, hiding behind a priest's frock.
Inquisitor Heldricht: We believe them responsible for the attempt on our sovereign's life, this Yuletide past.
Ashley: And the VKP will not free their comrades?
Inquisitor 1: Certainly not! Do you know how many agents gave their lives-
Inquisitor 2: All because of this religious freedom! Too much freedom, too many gods. Let those cultist cur-dogs run loose, and they will bite you. Gods! While our parliament cowers...
Inquisitor 1: Strike that outburst from the record.
(Voice): Yes, M'lord.
Ashley: ...Are cults not the Templars' concern? Why must we be involved?
(Voice): Our inquisitors have found that Mullenkamp's coin comes from the captive Duke himself. Indeed, Valendia might still be at war with itself, were it not for the Duke's heroism. Yet he wields much of his power from the shadows. Even after his retirement, his grip on parliament is unrelenting.

Inquisitor 1: ...Furthermore, we must find out why the Cardinal sent his Blades to deal with this incident without our approval. Inquisitor Heldricht will explain.

Inquisitor Heldricht: You will go to the Graylands immediately. A map of the manor grounds is in your carriage. I've sent one of my agents ahead; she will fill you in when you arrive.
Ashley: ...She?
Inquisitor Heldricht: Agent Merlose.

Callo: I'm your partner, Callo Merlose. But, please, call me Cal. How was your journey?
Ashley: How many are there?
Callo: ...Our scouts report a dozen men. Of course, we have yet to spot Sydney, and there may be more inside the manor.
Ashley: Hostages?
Callo: Including the Duke's family and servants, thirty-four. Thankfully the duke himself was away at the time.
Ashley: The Duke was not taken captive?
Callo: Nay.
Ashley: How fare the Blades?
Callo: We will have to wait and see. With the hostages inside, direct action is perilous. We must negotiate with Sydney while we collect information to aid our final-

What is this!?

Ashley: ... the Cardinal's Blades have made their move.
Callo: We've given no such order! Their actions are in direct defiance of our authority!
Ashley: ...Perhaps their hand was forced?
Callo: Wait, where are you going?
Ashley: The Blades have provided the perfect distraction.
Callo: It's far too dangerous! We must wait for reinforcements!
Ashley: Reinforcements?