Note: This is possibly the most fun part of the challenge yet. It where you really need to put your thinking cap on when it comes to dealing with the fights. I did this section at least twice completely before the actual attempt so that I knew what to expect (and then I got hit by Cleansing on my actual run, fuck you Setzer since that hurts more than Joker's Death). I also owe another update on the last 4 WoB characters so I'll do that right after this update.
I think I'm going to hope for "something" instead of "statues". Especially if it's what I think it is...
Maybe it got teased a bit too much at school?
Here's the story. I can only take 3 people for the first part of the Floating Continent, rather than 4. Let's go through all of my options.
Terra - Terra is now retired for good. She cost steps to recruit in the WoR (not many but she's not worth them at all) so she's out.
Sabin - Sabin's also done. I didn't field him during the trip to the Esper Gate and for good reason too (needed to train Edgar, Locke and Setzer).
Strago/Relm/Cyan/Gau - All are out. Gau needs Rages while the other three have little to no Esper spells learned. Not even considering using them.
Edgar/Setzer - These two are a complete lock. Both need the Esper time desperately in order to get through the WoR since I will recruit the pair. In addition, Edgar still hasn't learned Teleport so that priority numero uno. Setzer just needs Rasp by the time I reach Ultima Weapon (there's a shitload of Ethers to steal in this next segment so Osmose isn't the spell I'm looking for even though I'd never turn it down).
Celes - Huh. She's stupidly behind with regards to Esper time (I think her best spell is Thundara for the moment) but I'm not worried since she'll end up learning Blizzaga naturally. Just need to stick Osmose and Haste on her when I can, though. I'd love to field her but her spot will get edged out by...
Locke - Yep. I'm not going to see him again after I finish the Floating Continent but the guy is still clutch. The IAF holds Ethers in the common steal slot (I'm going to get 15+), Ultima Weapon has a rare Ribbon which is a required steal (just as important as the Blood Sword) and other nice steals are available (Hermes Sandals, Angel Ring, Alarm Earring...). So... yeah.
As you can see, the party is therefore Setzer/Locke/Edgar. Celes will join up for the escape but until then, it's just the three guys.
As soon as the scenario starts up, head to the back of the ship. Ultros will appear there after something like 6 battles so you might as well wait for him. Also, Edgar and Setzer cannot be equipped for the first battle. Sucks to be them. Big time. It's a loss of 2 AP but I'm not really crying.
This first battle is hard. Setzer and Edgar are completely unequipped of everything and rely on Tools and Slots for damage. Locke can steal Ethers from every enemy and Spitfires even have Elixirs up for grabs. Flash the right side ASP along with Prismatic Flash (hit all enemies) and use Cura and Mysidian Rabbit for healing (Mysidian Rabbit is surprisingly really good since it quickly heals around 70 HP to all for free. This can keep you alive for an extra turn if needed. If Setzer pulls Dive Bomb or better, start rejoicing.
After the first battle, equip your guys. Edgar needs to finish Teleport ASAP (currently at 72%) and then move onto Shiva for Rasp and Osmose (both at 32%). He really wants to learn Rasp before the Ultima Weapon battle comes up but considering that he'll be sitting at 98% for Teleport upon landing on the Floating Continent, it's not asking for too much. Maybe if I get lucky he'll get it since it has a x4 learning rate (19 AP needed in total). Setzer, on the other hand, needs Rasp (and he'll get it in time) and then Cura or Haste/Shell. Haste/Shell is a must for the Fiend battle and while he'll have it in time, I'm worried about him not having enough AP to learn Vanish for that same battle. And Vanish is a x3 spell, one that he hasn't started working on at all.
As for equipment, deck the guys out in the stuff that we just recently pilfered with Locke. That's 2 Golden Shields, a Golden Armour and a Gaia Gear. That's the endgame equipment, people. Relics can be whatever.
Yeah, that was long. But hell, it's important. I'm at the 3rd last segment of this challenge (Floating Continent, WoR and Kefka's Tower all remain) and I need to make sure that I'm ready for the Warring Triad.
The other IAF battles work the same as the first one except that durability is much less of an issue. If the team needs healing, toss out Mysidian Rabbit as temp healing until Locke can connect with Cura. Take out the right Sky Armor first in order to avoid getting hit from behind by !Propeller (it still hurts badly).
Really? You sure?
This battle is nothing more than a formality. Ultros has nothing special up his sleeves and neither does Typhon who he summons. It's just a tad long since nobody is going to be doing more damage than 1000 at a time other than Blizzara. Once Typhon Snorts you off of the Blackjack, get ready for some fun.
People usually refer to this as the hardest fight in the WoB and I never really understand why. And even with a nerfed team, I still don't get it. There are loads of WoB bosses that I think are much tougher than this dude (Guard Leader for one and Ultros 2 can be nasty if you don't kill him fast enough). So where's all the hype from?
Anyway, get ready to start this battle on the defensive. Have Edgar cast Haste on Locke so that your healer is ready to go at a moment's notice. Missile usually single hits for decent damage (150~200 range) while Atomic Rays is the only attack that I can think of that actually hurts and requires a heal immediately. After that, I'd start the stealing for Locke. Missile Bay holds Edgar's Debilitator which is nice but not necessary. In my opinion, the X-Ether from Laser Gun and Elixir from Air Force are better but it never hurts to grab extra stuff.
Once Missile Bay and Laser Gun go down (Mega Flare does hilarious damage and it's always fun watching Bahamut destroy the crap outta shit even though it's a rare pull), Air Force will summon a Bit and charge up for Wave Cannon. The Bit goes down quickly and I advise to take it out fast with stuff like Prismatic Flash and Flash Tool. After that, try to beat out Wave Cannon. Worse comes to worse, have your Dragoon Boots holder jump over it and heal afterwards as necessary. It probably won't be since Air Force should be close to dying and if Setzer can connect with Dive Bomb (I won't count on Mega Flare but I will for Dive Bomb) a couple of times, it should be an easy but fun battle.
Land on the Floating Continent and save at the save point that's placed in your path.
6585 Steps.