If I know anywhere better than my hometown, it’s got to be Clock Town. I suspect many of us would say the same. While a great deal of us are trying to explore every inch of Tears of the Kingdom, it makes me nostalgic for smaller, more concise games. And Majora’s Mask is either very concise or very convoluted depending on how you play it.
A location that’s always caught my attention is the Clock Town Bank. Located in West Clock Town, this is a staple of your time in Termina, as it’s the only way to protect your Rupees from the ravages of time travel.
The Bank itself is a very unassuming location. It’s not even a building, just a niche carved into the wall that the Banker kneels in. The sign beside the Bank has a bright Green Rupee in the center, making it crystal clear for any passerby that this is, in fact, a banking establishment. Behind him are some vaults, draped with a curtain that suggests he might close sometime, but never does. He never moves from his spot, not even to go to the vaults and get your money. While this is probably just a simplification from the game designers, it leads us on to the greater mystery of the Clock Town Bank.
Of course, every tourist destination needs a bank. From the design perspective again, there is a need to retain money between cycles if you so choose. But how the Bank actually functions is baffling. Instead of ID, a number, or a physical token, the Banker stamps your hand, and voila — you have an account. Somehow, your Bank account isn’t drained by time looping. Even if you go back to ‘before’ you deposited the Rupees, it’ll be there. No matter your form, your dress, your age, the Clock Town Bank and its Banker will recognize you and allow you to withdraw without qualms.
Is there more to the Bank? Does it go deeper, just out of our sight, or is that really all there is to it? If it runs on magic, then a little kiosk is all you really need.
And what of our Banker? Is he dedicated like the Postman, or does he have a certain magic that comes with his occupation, like the Happy Mask Salesman? Is this why he doesn’t flee, or does he know what Link’s up to? He never leaves his spot on his rug. His rates never change. He’s stylized as a beggar, yet he gives interest and items throughout.
It’s a funny little setup, but it works. You couldn’t double the Post Office as a Bank, as it’s shut for hours of the day. But this little 24-hour booth does exactly what it needs to and more.
