Bal's Etrian Odyssey IV Adventures

[Balcerzak]

So, I did a minor FOE rush at the start of day 14, taking out a Supreme Wing, a Giant Moth, a Somnovore, and a Greedy Lizard, IIRC. I then realized this was a dumb idea because it was like 11 AM and I had a ton of hours left in the day, and no TP. So I went around collecting food and stuff. At 7 PM I then went and did more exploring around in the main maze of stratum 3, killed the heat generator on B1F, was stumped for a bit trying to figure out where to go, then remembered the bottom entrance, and found my way to Sentinel City. Enjoyed the plot, and the acquiring of subclasses. I was pretty pissed when fighting Fanggod, and his suddenly healed himself for 50%. KOing eclipse and then mysteriously dying immediately afterwards several rounds later was a pretty pissy thing for him to do too. It was like 9PM at this time so I went flying around with the new storm icon, Drake finally showed up so I could collect his crystals, and I saved the blue and red airship from monster attacks. I should keep a tally of what all equips I've gotten from them: Golden Horn, Golden Windcock; Golden Fish Flag; Harvest Charm; Foodapult Mk II. On top of the default Foodapult, Dowsing Rods, and Storm God Icon, my ride has the opportunity to be pretty damn pimp.

Anyway, not bothering uploading just the one new picture of an empty Toxic Caves map, or still partial B1 B2 maps of the Golden whatever, so I guess this is a text-only update for ya'll this time. I can't decide what to subclass Integrity as. If the man himself has a suggestion, I may just honor it at this point, but I don't think he's reading these, in the interests of probably avoiding spoilers. Maybe I'll chat him up on IRC or something. Otherwise, I may just slap Landsknecht under there or something, and Rest him later if I want Bushi. I honestly don't even know. I don't /think/ my choices of subclass are that silly, except maybe Sniper/Dancer, but we'll see, I guess. I can explain my initial reasonings, and the partial synergies, but it's quite possible that I did something suboptimal.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 16.

eclipse, Lv 31 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Double Strike 3 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 4] {Verdun, Viking Sword, Fluted Armor, Lantern Shield}

Chalis, Lv 31 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 4, Sand Throw 2, Sleep Throw 1, Nerve Throw 2 | Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Macuahuitl, Viking Sword, Red Doublet, Bascinet}

Integrity, Lv 31 Fortress/???: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Iron Wall 10, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1] {Heavy Mace, Bascinet, Fluted Armor, Feather Shield}

Balcerzak, Lv 31 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 4, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 2, Refresh 3, Recovery 3 | TP Boost 4, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Fragrant Wand, Forest Crown, Half Armor, Solid Moccasins}

Snike, Lv 31 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Expertise 1, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8 | Sword Dance 3, Fan Dance 3] {Long Bow, Chain Helm, Leaf Tunic, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist Lv28: default

Current Quests: Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Deliver perpetual ice;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice;

Current Missions: Obtain the legendary heart!;

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!;

Current En: 10590

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 31

Enemy Discovery: 31.67%

Item Discovery: 40.52%

Ventured Days: 15

Enemies Hunted: 580

Walked: 6844

Total En: 101655

Vessels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Hobbyist; Tharsis Gofer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Beginning Hunter; Novice Scavenger

@eclipse: Damn, so that basically means I'd need either Chaos Circle, or some sort of confuse-causing consumable, huh. Maybe I'll rest Wufan and bring her to bat for this, she got me the Mandrake's necks after all. Goddamn did I mention how stoked I am you get to keep the NPCs in this game? Just imagine, oh man. (trails off into a pile of drool and gibberish)

[Integrity]

I can't decide what to subclass Integrity as. If the man himself has a suggestion, I may just honor it at this point, but I don't think he's reading these, in the interests of probably avoiding spoilers. Maybe I'll chat him up on IRC or something.

right here chief

EDIT: I kinda wanna be /Runemaster for shits, but anything's fine.

Edited March 4, 2013 by Integrity

[Balcerzak]

Okay, so we dip back into the sidequest material, and clear out the two remaining caves in the Sacred Mountains. Well, at least until I find a source of fire hot enough to light the altar in the underground lake so I can thaw that place out. The gimmick in the Toxic Caves was pretty damn neat, if I do say so myself. An FOE that sprays damage tiles? Fresh and exciting. That spray affects what you get from the chop point, even better. Oh, I did try to take out the baboons, I really did. I was feeling pretty good about myself when I cleaned up the third one, and then I got my clock cleaned by the baboon king. So, uh, yeah, probably holding off on that until I'm like level 40 or something, because that was embarrassing. I did go back and take out the Muckdile and the Stalker in the Scarlet Pillars area, as well as a Giant Moa. I think that means I'm up-to-date on FOEs, if one counts up-to-date as having left no outstanding FOEs from the previous stratum (a fine definition, in my book).

[spoiler=Caves]

Then it was back into the maze. I got stumped here at the heat generator for B2F, because it was set-up cleverly so that you could only really approach it from one side, because otherwise the combined heat from the generator (radius 2 squares) and the heat from an ordinary scale (1 square) would overlap and force you backwards. I think I also ran out of Ice Picks, because I foolishly wasted them in the hall that clearly called for Guard Sole spam. But hey, luckily enough, at midnight I could harvest more (though I think I waited until 7am for health concerns). Also, on Emperor 17, I actually did not go back for an afternoon nap. I was feeling comfortable enough with my TP situation, and it would have been a huge loss of progress to leave and reenter the dungeon. Since I ended up being mostly successful (lasted until midnight, then teleported out and gathered food + Drake/droppings), I call that a win in my book.

Also, Runemaster huh. Welp, I'll be making the most of it, I guess. Or trying at least. Congratulations, picking the class I least expected. It doesn't seem entirely terrible, though, as long as it's just a little dip. Don't expect to be casting any high-level runes.

[spoiler=Maze]

As always, I haven't been entirely, uh how shall we say, diligent about my FOE markers. Whoops.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 18.

eclipse, Lv 33 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 1, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Double Strike 3 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 5] {Verdun, Viking Sword, Fluted Armor, Lantern Shield}

Chalis, Lv 33 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 4, Sand Throw 2, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 1 | Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Ancient Kunai, Viking Sword, Hard Leather, Bascinet}

Integrity, Lv 33 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Iron Wall 10, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 1, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Heavy Mace, Bascinet, Fluted Armor, Oibo Shield}

Balcerzak, Lv 33 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 5, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3 | TP Boost 4, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Jewel Staff, Forest Crown, Leaf Tunic, Solid Moccasins}

Snike, Lv 33 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Expertise 1, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3] {Fin Bow, Chain Helm, Red Doublet, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist Lv28: default

Current Quests: Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Volt research;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Deliver perpetual ice;

Current Missions: Obtain the legendary heart!;

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!;

Current En: 18245

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 33

Enemy Discovery: 36.02%

Item Discovery: 45.77%

Ventured Days: 17

Enemies Hunted: 654

Walked: 7918

Total En: 135430

Vessels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Hobbyist; Tharsis Gofer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Beginning Hunter; Novice Scavenger

[eclipse]

Chestnut is my resident Fortress/Runemaster. You'll have to trust me when I say that it's a surprisingly good combination. Also, lolSnikedancing (it's an amusing class combination, though).

[Balcerzak]

I am kind of annoyed by the Boiling Lizard, he is causing me troubles, so I'm basically just grinding levels, and a little bit of gear, now that I know where the venomshrooms live and can get their drops (they show up rarely in the Underground Lake, so far I've seen them nowhere else). But yeah, been doing some quests, hunting some FOEs, collecting some food and item gathers. Boring, I know.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 20.

eclipse, Lv 37 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 1, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Double Strike 3 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 5] {Stiletto, Walloon Sword, Shell Armor, Lantern Shield}

Chalis, Lv 37 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 4, Sand Throw 2, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 1 | Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Icy Almace, Ancient Kunai, Hard Leather, Caresche}

Integrity, Lv 37 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Iron Wall 10, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 1, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Komodo Hammer, Bascinet, Alla Romana, Oibo Shield} (Also has a Volcanic for fire damage when going through the two ice floors)

Balcerzak, Lv 37 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 5, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3 | TP Boost 4, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Jewel Staff, Forest Crown, Red Doublet, Solid Moccasins}

Snike, Lv 37 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Expertise 1, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3] {Fin Bow, Bascinet, Hard Leather, Pelta} (I also forged a Hunter Bow with 3 Head Bind slots, but that doesn't seem to help too much more on Head Snipe, sadly. I'll probably still have it on just for trying in the boss fight, but...)

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist Lv28: default

Current Quests: Rise of the baboons;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research;

Current Missions: Obtain the legendary heart!;

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!;

Current En: 18245

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 37

Enemy Discovery: 39.13%

Item Discovery: 47.81%

Ventured Days: 19

Enemies Hunted: 737

Walked: 8961

Total En: 181560

Vessels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Hobbyist; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Beginning Hunter; Novice Scavenger

[Balcerzak]

After remembering to grab the Hollow Believer's conditional, I head in to collect Ice Stakes and head to the Boiling Lizard yet again to gauge my progress. I always make sure to have a few Ice Stakes left over after clearing the way to destroy the pillar because he will occasionally shed scales during combat, and the stakes OHKO the scales, and the scales have Flame Chase or some bullshit, and they seemed to redirect ranged ice attacks and absorb them. All in all a pain in the ass. That said, in order to get to the central pillar you need to destroy to halve the boss's health, you have to destroy 7 out of the 8 other scales in the room. It's basically a cat and mouse game of "enter the room, destroy one, run to the exit with the boss attached to your ass, walk around until he returns to his central perch, repeat". As far as I could tell, the optimal thing for Kamigami to do was Charge, Ice Slash, which did ~600 damage every 2 turns, instead of Blood Surge, Charge, Ice Slash, which did 800 every three. The rest of your party tactics obviously depend on your party, but should include spamming ice attacks, strong physical attacks, attempting for head bind/paralyze, and party-wide heals/fortressredirect when needed. He does have a row-long poison tail move, so that's something to be aware of, also a row pierceing uppercut move or something (also tied to head, like his fire spell moves). Anyway, I just barely beat him at level 37, although he'd KO'd eclipse during that turn, so she falls behind a little on XP again.

[spoiler=Boiling Caves B3F]

After that you grab the Titan's Heart, bring it to Sentinel Village and then plot happens. You end up heading to Land 4 after a bit, and more plot happens. Then you need to find the Black Flame, to make your airships access the third and final Z-level. It's hidden in one of the 2 immediately accessable caves in the Cloudy Stronghold

[spoiler=first two caves]

Once I grabbed that I went exploring as far and wide as I could in new lands and old.

[spoiler=top z levels, old lands]

[spoiler=all z levels land 4]

After that I dicked around collecting some food, and then beating on the Baboon King. I also found the 3rd cave in the Cloudy Stronghold.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 22.

eclipse, Lv 39 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Penetrate 3 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 5] {Bastard Sword, Estoc, Shell Armor, Lantern Shield}

Chalis, Lv 39 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Sand Throw 2, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Icy Almace, Ancient Kunai, Hard Leather, Caresche}

Integrity, Lv 39 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Iron Wall 10, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Komodo Hammer, Bascinet, Alla Romana, Oibo Shield}

Balcerzak, Lv 39 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3 | Free Energy 1, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Jewel Staff, Forest Crown, Red Doublet, Kilt Tasses}

Snike, Lv 39 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Counter Samba 2] {Fin Bow, Bascinet, Hard Leather, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv 38: default

Current Quests: Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Skyship materials; Golden Deer hunt

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish;

Current Missions: Stop the Empire's ambition!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!;

Current En: 27695

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 39

Enemy Discovery: 45.96%

Item Discovery: 54.81%

Ventured Days: 21

Enemies Hunted: 773

Walked: 9785

Total En: 233900

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Hobbyist; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Beginning Hunter; Novice Scavenger

[eclipse]

how dare you kill me

Congratulations on getting past the Boiling Lizard~!

You're about to hit the portion that took me 30 in-game hours to complete. You should be able to pull it off in 3. Good luck~!

[Balcerzak]

Time for sidequestings. First I went and tried to retrieve the cufflinks. It was kind of tricky, but after I realized a certain something, it became much less painless. I first realized it when it became painfully clear that even using Ward Charms, a 100% encounter-free path along the trail of the cufflinks was incredibly luck based, if at all possible. So on one of my failed attempts, I simply tried running from the battle, and continuing on. The cufflinks were not deterred by the fact I had fought, as long as I successfully ran. After that, it was simply failing enough time to figure out FOE location and pattern, then the Boss moves and a strategy. After that it was early in the morning and I was exhausted of TP, so I went and cleaned out the Underground Lake request.

Evening was spent exploring about the Windy Archives some more, then I explored the Golden Deer Keep. Most of the encounters there would wipe the party, but I still managed to lure the FOE to the required location for the quest, somehow. Realizing that it could jump over certain walls necessitated a change in my cartography to reflect this. Then it was time for the main labyrinth. I made it through level 1, and into the tip of level 2 by the time my self-imposed update deadline hit.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 24.

eclipse, Lv 42 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 1, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 1 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 5] {Bastard Sword, Hautclaire, Shell Armor, Kite Shield}

Chalis, Lv 43 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Sand Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 4, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Schiavona, Aikuchi, Aketon, Caresche}

Integrity, Lv 43 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 1, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 1, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Skull Crusher, Bascinet, Composite Armor, Kite Shield}

Balcerzak, Lv 43 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 2, Auto-Revive 1, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 1, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Jewel Staff, Bascinet, Hard Leather, Kilt Tassels}

Snike, Lv 43 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 1] {Aquael, Heretic's Mask, Hard Leather, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv 38: default

Current Quests: Do fairies exist?; Investigational support

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Golden Deer hunt;

Current Missions: Stop the Empire's ambition!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!;

Current En: 20675

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 43

Enemy Discovery: 49.06%

Item Discovery: 59.47%

Ventured Days: 23

Enemies Hunted: 898

Walked: 10964

Total En: 307520

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Hobbyist; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Beginning Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[eclipse]

My solution to the cufflinks was to barge in, beat up all the FOEs, THEN do the quest.

[Balcerzak]

It took a fair bit of luck to get all the Investigation Support quest monsters fought in one 12 hour stretch, but on the other hand, it's not like I had been able to successfully complete it when they weren't, due to excessive TP fatigue, etc. It also gave me plenty of restarts to map out the unique pair of sentry and watchdog type FOEs the maze features. I still haven't killed any yet, it's more fun to lure them away, snag the treasure/dart behind the required door/etc. I really enjoyed the Fairy quest too, nice and simple, and involves my one of favorite npcs. I went back to the Golden Deer Keep, now that I could kill monsters, but aside from some gather points and killing the FOE, I got stopped by that locked door, so no new photo there. Oh speaking of FOE, that gave me the Joyeuse, I believe, which reminds me of the Hautclaire, which has 3 forged BRS on it. wtf is that an acronym for? I don't seem to have found that forging hammer yet, or it's a unique property to this... rapier. Hauteclaire is a rapier? Okay. I guess. Anyway, I went back to B3, had some plot fight, and explore around until I hit my time limit. Though, come to think of it, I think I probably also tried killing some Raptors, but never made a leg bind stick in time for the claw drop. That's a fucking rough requirement for Nectar2, just saying. High-level conditional FOE drop vs gather point item. Thanks game for trolling.

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 26.

eclipse, Lv 46 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 5, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 1 | Blade Flurry 3, Speed Boost 5] {Joyeuse, Hautclaire, Plate Mail, Kite Shield}

Chalis, Lv 46 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Schiavona, Aikuchi, Wing Plate, Crown Hat}

Integrity, Lv 46 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 4, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 1, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Langyabang, Caresche, Plate Mail, Kite Shield}

Balcerzak, Lv 46 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 1, Heal Mastery 2, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 1, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Mirage Rod, Bascinet, Aketon, Kilt Tassels}

Snike, Lv 46 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 2] {Aquael, Heretic's Mask, Iron Plate, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv 38: default

Current Quests:

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research;

Current Missions: Stop the Empire's ambition!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!;

Current En: 19680

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 46

Enemy Discovery: 54.65%

Item Discovery: 64.72%

Ventured Days: 25

Enemies Hunted: 1002

Walked: 12116

Total En: 389210

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

My solution to the cufflinks was to barge in, beat up all the FOEs, THEN do the quest.

That seems to be your solution to most things, from how I hear you tell it. :P

Edited March 11, 2013 by Balcerzak

[eclipse]

It wasn't my solution to capturing the deer

BRS is a special designation for Burst Gauge increase. Usually useless, until you're in a fight where you want to spam the super-high-level things for the good of your party.

[Balcerzak]

I accidentally ran into one of the cat FOEs, but luckily I defeated it before the other cat or the watcher FOEs could join. (I had misjudged my lure/distraction by one square or something silly. One of the cats was stuck behind the watchers, and thus moving 1 square per turn like planned, but the other somehow got out from around and moved his full 2 squares per turn). That pretty much drained me though, so I needed to do other things while I waited to rest for TP. I collected another round of Albino Taurus, Ice Pomegranite, Emperor Peakcock, etc. Then, for a time or two, I thought I might have to grind a level or so to beat the boss, but it turns out I just needed to observe his patterns, remember the right weapon triangle for fire/ice/volt, and figure out how exactly to use Logre to bring out the best of his potential. After the fight a little bit of quest completion and then slowly exploring the new stuff that's opened up for me. Oh, at some point I went and defeated the Berserker King, and got his conditional (1RKO), I also collected conditionals from every generic enemy I was missing, and remembered to actually fight a Spotted Toad, to help pad out my bestiary. I also accidentally killed a Death Stalker in one turn by using an instant death move, which will hopefully allow me to get this quest completed now.

[spoiler=as always I kind of forgot to drop accurate FOE markers]

It is now 7 AM on Emperor 28.

eclipse, Lv 49 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 2 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 1, Speed Boost 5] {Joyeuse, Zirah Bouk, Brigandine, Kite Shield}

Chalis, Lv 49 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Macabuin, Aikuchi, Wing Plate, Nightcap}

Integrity, Lv 49 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 7, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 1, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Langyabang, Crown Hat, Plate Mail, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 49 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 1, Heal Mastery 5, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 1, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Mirage Rod, Bascinet, Aketon, Kilt Tassels}

Snike, Lv 49 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Aquael, Heretic's Mask, Iron Plate, Pelta}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Water Mark reaction

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 41555

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 49

Enemy Discovery: 61.49%

Item Discovery: 70.26%

Ventured Days: 27

Enemies Hunted: 1094

Walked: 12966

Total En: 483355

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

Edited March 11, 2013 by Balcerzak

[Balcerzak]

Not a whole lot of text to comment on here. The labyrinths are all interconnected, and we have to wind back through all of them, to find the 4 King's Throne switches, or whatever they're called, in order to open the blocked gate in the Forgotten City. I haven't been particularly conscientious about going and unlocking things with my Tree Key, maybe I should do that...

[spoiler=wending my way back]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 2.

eclipse, Lv 51 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 5 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 1, Speed Boost 5] {Macabuin, Zirah Bouk, Adama Armor, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 51 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 2, Foul Mastery 1, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Dvergr Sword, Baselard, Indigo Chain, Nightcap}

Integrity, Lv 52 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 3, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Langyabang, Crown Hat, Brigandine, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 51 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 1, Heal Mastery 7, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 1, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Mirage Rod, Bascinet, Wing Plate, Kilt Tassels}

Snike, Lv 51 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 2, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Aquael, Heretic's Mask, Iron Plate, Morbarabakets}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests:

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark;

Current Missions: Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!;

Current En: 24251

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 52

Enemy Discovery: 68.94%

Item Discovery: 75.21%

Ventured Days: 29

Enemies Hunted: 1200

Walked: 14111

Total En: 561511

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[Balcerzak]

Finished working my way back along the B3F of all the previous strata. I didn't completely map things yet, 'cause I'm still running on a deadline, (despite failing to finish everything up in Emperor, or even by the 30 day mark at this point). Is it pointless LTC added onto of an already masochistic experience? Why yes, yes it is. Still, I'm having fun, so that's what counts, right? Every now and again if I have some spare hours I'll pop out and try to either collect some FOE I haven't done, or try for a conditional or two. I think I've decided that if there is NG+, I will run my other set of 5 men through that, just to see how well a completely different set of classes can handle things. (Yeah, I know Arcanist/Bushi/Imperial wouldn't techinally have been unlocked from the get-go, but screw-it). Oops, danger, contemplating post-game shenanigans while still in the meat and potatoes of the main game. Bad gamer, no biscuit. Anyway, the Rafflesia FOE are pretty annoying, I can beat them down to red easily, but then party-wide panic, followed by party-wide blizzards, leads to party wide TPK.

[spoiler=4 kings thrones opened]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 4.

eclipse, Lv 54 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 7 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 1, Speed Boost 5] {Hrunting, Zirah Bouk, Adama Armor, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 54 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 5, Foul Mastery 1, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Dvergr Sword, Baselard, Hide Armor, Morion}

Integrity, Lv 54 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 5, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Langyabang, Crown Hat, Brigandine, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 54 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 1, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 4, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Nightcap, Wing Plate, Kilt Tassels}

Snike, Lv 54 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 5, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Sigurd's Bow, Heretic's Mask, Indigo Chain, Morbarabakets}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Revival of the Leviathon; Key for the Capitol; A legendary force;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Where is the last Mark?

Current Missions: Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!;

Current En: 15871

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 54

Enemy Discovery: 72.67%

Item Discovery: 79.30%

Ventured Days: 31

Enemies Hunted: 1321

Walked: 15393

Total En: 674351

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[Balcerzak]

So I go through and clear out the last of the Forgotten Capital. I get pretty lucky fighting the boss at the end, perhaps, but status Nightseeker thrives when she attacks status enemies, and I hit a good two or three of them throughout the course of the fight. I honestly probably should respec and redistribute stats, because I don't think assassinate being that high is useful anymore, and I mainly just used it against Petaloids anyway. (Bad memories, traumatized for life from earlier entries, they need to die asap all the time.) Shadow Bite would be a better investment, and I'm sure my other dudes would appreciate a little retraining as well, but not sure if it's enough of a gain to offset the dip in overall power. I need to remember to give Snike 1 point in Quick Step, or just give him back the Commander's Boots for that skill. It's useful for emergency "Integrity needs heals ASAP so he can Party Guard this round for me" situations. I really wish that Ailment/Bind resist reset skill didn't cost 70TP to use, that could prove pretty useful pretty soon...

Anyway, I went to go fight the boss on the overworld, and I thought I was doing well, until her hands respawned... Right time for sidequests. I accidentally got the Sand Leviathan's conditional, because I killed it while it was poisoned. Well, after reloading because when I killed it the first time it didn't drop anything period, and I wasn't about to stand for that. I can't figure out the riddle behind this Legendary force quest just yet, and it's bugging the hell out of me. I've been going and collecting some of the locked treasure chests and various FOEs as well during my downtime, as you can see by my increasing percentages in the guild card. I had to forge Stone onto something I could give Chalis, because that Evil Eye Mace just wasn't working for me on Integrity to get the Death Stalker to die. Ailment Mastery for the win. Now I just need some Icy Seeds etc. Also farming for Amrita II materials seems to be the order of the day. Since there's still stuff I can accomplish, I don't feel too terribly about having to take a couple days to grind a little more. We'll see if I need to revise that opinion soonish.

[spoiler=Well this could be going better]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 6.

eclipse, Lv 56 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 2, Speed Boost 5] {Hrunting, Struggle, Adama Armor, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 56 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 7, Foul Mastery 1, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Dvergr Sword, Kukri (4 stone forge), Hide Armor, Morion}

Integrity, Lv 57 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 8, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator, Crown Hat, Adama Armor, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 56 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 1, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 6, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, Hide Armor, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 56 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 5, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Sigurd's Bow, Hide Armor, Nightcap, Kilt Tassels}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: A legendary force;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital;

Current Missions: Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!;

Current En: 16619

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 57

Enemy Discovery: 76.39%

Item Discovery: 81.63%

Ventured Days: 33

Enemies Hunted: 1446

Walked: 16568

Total En: 817894

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[eclipse]

I was a touch higher than you when I won. I wish you the best of luck~!

[Balcerzak]

Realized I needed to not only follow the signs in the order the Count listed, but also to loop back to the beginning. This allowed me to summon Hraesvelgr and clear The Legendary Force quest. I also went around, killed a couple more of the Rafflesia for armor making drops, and hit some gather points, and basically wrapped up everything else I could think of. Dormouse 7 rolled around and I went to challenge the titan.

[spoiler=It was kind of epic]

First I hit her with Sleep Throw, then after Shadow Biting that, my Nerve Circle kicked in, and continued to pound away at her and her hands. Then I hit her with Poison Circle. It landed immediately, and then again on the final turn of the circle. Also, Snike pulls off a Head Bind (he already successfully Arm Bound Destruction Hand or whatever it was called, helping me to kill it a little more painlessly).

I wail on her, finish her off and prepare to celebrate. But what's this? A second form?

Anticipating some huge attacks, and heading for ailments I haven't yet inflicted, I land a Curse Throw.

However, this form doesn't seem to even attack, so it was kind of a waste. After ~3 turns, it broke out of the Bared Essence form and went back to quarter health Heavenbringer. It respawned its hands and I blinded it.

Fuck, this attack I remember being bad news, she's preparing to Pray. I unload all my Dual Slash Burst skills at her and prepare to Party Guard in case that wasn't enough to kill her. This would lead to dead Integrity, and I'm not sure if Defending would be enough to save the back row after that. But luckily I killed her, and sent her back to Bared Essence.

Pounded on her again, not quite for free this time, as her hands still act.

But I persevere, after only using one Amrita II on Integrity, and one Amrita III on Chalis.

Booting up after the credit roll, the inn wastes 22 of my hours by cycling back around until...

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 8.

eclipse, Lv 58 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Hrunting, Struggle, Adama Armor, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 58 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 2, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Hrunting, Dvergr Sword, General Leather, Morion}

Integrity, Lv 58 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 9, Rampart 4, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 3, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator, Crown Hat, Adama Armor, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 58 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 3, Auto-Revive 2, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 7, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, General Leather, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 58 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 8, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Sylvan Bow, General Leather, Nightcap, Kilt Tassels}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv28: added Panic Circle 3 with the subclass points, for conditional drop

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests:

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force;

Current Missions: Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!;

Current En: 7617

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 58

Enemy Discovery: 80.74%

Item Discovery: 83.38%

Ventured Days: 35

Enemies Hunted: 1499

Walked: 17102

Total En: 898877

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Food Collector; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[eclipse]

CONGRATULATIONS~!

[spoiler=My take on that]For the Bared Essence form, I laid into her with a Runic Gleam-powered Zeus' Wrath followed by a bunch of Galvanic Runes. Everyone else just smacked her around. I barely made it, too!

[Balcerzak]

I have no idea if these will actually work or not but... here are my Guild Members, and the 5 map treasures my game started with access to. (I was able to view the QR codes, but some of them were a little finicky and needed specific angle/lighting, if you have trouble I could try re-generating.)

[spoiler=qr thingies]

Storm

Sharp Lands

Plains

Lake Environs

Central Plain

Edited March 15, 2013 by Balcerzak

[Balcerzak]

The two days since the Titan fell were quite productive ones. It involved me fetch-questing around to unlock the door in Moth's Garden, collecting the final "legendary" foodstuffs, and doing the first set of elemental dragon quests. I also went to Gold Deer Keep now that the chain has been unlocked and made my way to the Hall of Darkness. It sounds spooky, you say? Well, it kind of is, but not really too bad. Oh, also on my list of things done was giving Wufay an Imperial script so she could Panic the Baboon King, and hopefully eventually Sleep the Cradle Guardian. I acquired as many conditional drops as I could, now I'm just waiting on the Stratum 6 goods to make my armors.

[spoiler=land map updates]

[spoiler=cave map updates]

[spoiler=new maze!]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 10.

eclipse, Lv 62 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Iron Wall 4, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Hrunting, Struggle, Adama Armor, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 62 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 6, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 2, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Hrunting, Dvergr Sword, General Leather, Lion Medal}

Integrity, Lv 62 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 3, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 10, Rampart 6, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 4, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator, Crown Hat, Adama Armor, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 62 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 4, Auto-Revive 4, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 7, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, General Leather, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 62 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 8, Eagle Eye 4, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 1, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Sylvan Bow, General Leather, Nightcap, Tharsis Wing}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv45: [Proficiency 1, Circle Boon 3, TP Return 1, Bracing Walk 1, Ailment Boost 10, Dismiss Blow 3, Expertise 1, Dismiss Heal 3, Nerve Circle 2, Sleep Circle 3, Poison Circle 2, Chaos Circle 8, Hood Circle 3, Chain Circle 3, Enlightenment 1, Snare Circle 2, Charm Eye 2, Atrophic Eye 2, Tame Ground 2] {Default}

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Bring down the fire; Battle against the storm; Battle the Blizzard King;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force; Legendary cuisine; The ominous gale; Fire tyrant's garden; Lady and the dragon; Miracle of the ice field;

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 294358

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 62

Enemy Discovery: 86.33%

Item Discovery: 88.92%

Ventured Days: 37

Enemies Hunted: 1600

Walked: 18001

Total En: 1188223

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Rare Breed Killer; Flying Epicure; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

Edited March 15, 2013 by Balcerzak

[Balcerzak]

Plugging right along, I keep trudging through the final Labyrinth. I had so many wipeouts on the 2nd basement, I stopped counting. Also, I have to say, some of the traps in here are amazing. The 5xMuskoid trap on B1F was great, Snike was the only one who escaped the initial round of petrifications, and I didn't have any Therica B on me at the time, so it was a careful juggled until they Petal Danced Balcerzak to death so I could bring him back with Nectar. I had honestly completely despaired, but somehow managed to pull through. And then they jars labelled for disposal on B2F were great. It stops you like 3 times saying "These jars say Do Not Touch. Are you sure you want to open them?" "Nothing good can come of this, really proceed?" etc. Anyway, things like that, are what you have to look forward to.

[spoiler=new maze!]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 12.

eclipse, Lv 65 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 3, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Iron Wall 7, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Hrunting, Struggle, Demon Mail, Hoplon}

Chalis, Lv 65 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 8, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 3, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Hrunting, Dvergr Sword, General Leather, Lion Medal}

Integrity, Lv 65 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 4, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 10, Rampart 6, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 6, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 1, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator, Crown Hat, Knight Armor, Hildebrand}

Balcerzak, Lv 65 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 4, Auto-Revive 4, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 7, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, Panacea Vest, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 65 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 8, Eagle Eye 4, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Mist Dance 4, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Yumiyawata, General Leather, Nightcap, Tharsis Wing}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv45: [Proficiency 1, Circle Boon 3, TP Return 1, Bracing Walk 1, Ailment Boost 10, Dismiss Blow 3, Expertise 1, Dismiss Heal 3, Nerve Circle 2, Sleep Circle 3, Poison Circle 2, Chaos Circle 8, Hood Circle 3, Chain Circle 3, Enlightenment 1, Snare Circle 2, Charm Eye 2, Atrophic Eye 2, Tame Ground 2] {Default}

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Bring down the fire; Battle against the storm; Battle the Blizzard King;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force; Legendary cuisine; The ominous gale; Fire tyrant's garden; Lady and the dragon; Miracle of the ice field;

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 23397

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 65

Enemy Discovery: 90.06%

Item Discovery: 93.29%

Ventured Days: 39

Enemies Hunted: 1717

Walked: 19170

Total En: 1382835

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Dogged Killer; Flying Epicure; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[Balcerzak]

Alright, so, the final maze has been fully(ish) mapped, the riddle about the final boss's weakness is (probably) solved, and I'm running dangerously low on things that need doing. So, I went and beat the Great Red Dragon. I actually finished him off at ~Level 66, (the guest character helped a fair margin, to be fair). Flush on the heels of my success I went and challenged He Who Appears With Thunder, only to fail miserably and repeatedly at ~Level 67. So, instead I diddled around in the maze a little more, engaging one of the Moth Lords (there was one just far enough away that I could take it out before others joined in). I keep trying to break in on the Gourd family party, but those three bastards are ridiculous. That said, I managed to swing the Nightmare Ram's conditional, and also went back and put the Cradle Guardian to bed. I'm pretty sure I can 100% this game before Dormouse is over. However, that would probably involve Formeldahyding the dragons (unless they respawn quicker than the 14 days I'm assuming it will take), and I'm not going to stoop that low. Pooka hunting might also be... troublesome. Also, I'm not including the Rare Breeds medal, or the Treasure Maps medal in that reckoning, obviously.

[spoiler=new maze]

I mentioned this in IRC too, but there's a downright terrible typo when you go to fight Dragon. Minor spoiler (regarding the identity of the guest character who will join you, but will be patently obvious if you've been paying any attention).

[spoiler=I need help to beaet him]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 14.

eclipse, Lv 68 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 5, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Iron Wall 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Caladbolg (full ATK forge), Last Estoc (full ATK forge), Demon Mail, Singauta}

Chalis, Lv 68 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 8, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 6, Shadow Bite 6, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Hrunting, Dvergr Sword, General Leather, Tharsis Wing}

Integrity, Lv 68 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 6, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 10, Rampart 6, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 6, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 2, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator (vit forged), Knight Armor, Bolt Charm, Singauta}

Balcerzak, Lv 68 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 7, Auto-Revive 7, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 9, Full Heal 2, Revive 7, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Ice Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Armet, Panacea Vest, Bolt Charm}

Snike, Lv 68 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 8, Eagle Eye 4, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Burst Saver 1, Mist Dance 4, Speed Boost 1, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Yumiyawata, General Leather, Armet, Bolt Charm}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv45: [Proficiency 1, Circle Boon 3, TP Return 1, Bracing Walk 1, Ailment Boost 10, Dismiss Blow 3, Expertise 1, Dismiss Heal 3, Nerve Circle 2, Sleep Circle 3, Poison Circle 2, Chaos Circle 8, Hood Circle 3, Chain Circle 3, Enlightenment 1, Snare Circle 2, Charm Eye 2, Atrophic Eye 2, Tame Ground 2] {Default}

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Battle against the storm; Battle the Blizzard King;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force; Legendary cuisine; The ominous gale; Fire tyrant's garden; Bring down the fire; Lady and the dragon; Miracle of the ice field;

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 56374

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 68

Enemy Discovery: 91.30%

Item Discovery: 95.04%

Ventured Days: 41

Enemies Hunted: 1806

Walked: 20304

Total En: 1667717

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Dogged Killer; Flying Epicure; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

[eclipse]

Dudue, the dragoan's so speciail that a simple "beat" won't cut it.

[Balcerzak]

Alright, laid to rest He Who Arrives With Thunder in the morning, then had like 0 TP on everyone except my Sniper and a little on my Medic, which made spending time a little stressful. Decided to go grab and sell the Legendary Foodstuffs, which had respawned. Also dipped in and hit up some of the Maze 6 gather points. I don't know that I really need the cash, but... What else was I going to do. Fought Ruler of Ice Storms in the evening, came out of it with similar TP situation, but decided, fuck it, I've insta-killed a lot of Muskoids, I'll use a few Hamao II and go Moth Lord hunting. So I did, collecting enough Eerie Scales to build an Amrita III if I so desired, and also finding and defeating a Rare Breed Moth Lord for massive XP gain. Maybe I'm ready to take on the Gourds now? They're yellow flashing instead of red... but fuck if that means anything, the Moth Lords are red. Hell, I was unable to be a frozen Muckdile when it was blue, at one point earlier, the FOE indicator is all kinds of fucked (do not rely on it, it only gauges your level). Oh, I also went in just to test the Fallen One, and it was amusing. Kind of like the Divine Dragon battle in EOIII, except worse. This time he starts off using a skill that full-binds everyone so despite the fact that the enemy is full-bound, you're pretty-much downright fucked yourself. Not sure if he gets weaker the more binds he has or not, with my arms bound and no frame of reference, I have shit for ideas. I'm... not really sure of a good strategy on this one, and there's no guest to leverage either... he might be pretty tough. Not to mention I still haven't so much as peeked at The Insect^TM.

Also...Did they QA test the post-game at all? (same caliber spoiler as the previous one.)

[spoiler=my my king]

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 15.

eclipse, Lv 72 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 6, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Iron Wall 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Power Break 3, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Caladbolg (full ATK forge), Last Estoc (full ATK forge), Demon Mail, Singauta}

Chalis, Lv 72 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 8, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 8, Shadow Bite 8, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 2, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Dragonbane, Hrunting, General Leather, Tharsis Wing}

Integrity, Lv 72 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 6, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 10, Rampart 6, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 6, Weak Shield 2, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 3, TP Boost 3, Runic Gleam 2] {Eliminator (vit forged), Knight Armor, * Charm (where Charm is appropriate to whatever I plan to be fighting), Singauta}

Balcerzak, Lv 72 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 8, Auto-Revive 8, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 10, Full Heal 2, Revive 8, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Ice Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, Panacea Vest, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 72 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 1, Power Boost 8, Eagle Eye 4, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Burst Saver 3, Mist Dance 4, Speed Boost 4, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Yumiyawata, General Leather, Armet, Lion Medal}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv45: [Proficiency 1, Circle Boon 3, TP Return 1, Bracing Walk 1, Ailment Boost 10, Dismiss Blow 3, Expertise 1, Dismiss Heal 3, Nerve Circle 2, Sleep Circle 3, Poison Circle 2, Chaos Circle 8, Hood Circle 3, Chain Circle 3, Enlightenment 1, Snare Circle 2, Charm Eye 2, Atrophic Eye 2, Tame Ground 2] {Default}

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Defeat the Fallen One;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force; Legendary cuisine; The ominous gale; Fire tyrant's garden; Bring down the fire; Lady and the dragon; Battle against the storm; Miracle of the ice field; Battle the Blizzard King;

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 407093

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 72

Enemy Discovery: 92.54%

Item Discovery: 95.91%

Ventured Days: 42

Enemies Hunted: 1844

Walked: 20872

Total En: 2133196

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Dogged Killer; Flying Epicure; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

Edited March 16, 2013 by Balcerzak

[Balcerzak]

Notes to self:

Fallen one attempts to use Supernova on every turn divisible by 5. Make sure his head is bound, or you abuse Geo Impact to stun (presumably, my use of Hygeia's bowl to undo a surprise party-wide bind canceled my test of this theory, and I was saved only by a clutch Head Snipe).

Unfortunately, his use of Darkness Curse is not as predictable. However, unlike my initial assumption it does not completely bind him. Turn one it will bind his head and his legs. He will proceed to use only Arm moves like Bloody Blade (party wide slash attack), or Dead Claw (random targets slash attack).

The second time he uses it it will bind his Head and his Arms, and he will use Leg attacks only, like Volt Gale (Volt damage + Curse effect one line), or Ice Pellets (Ice attack + Sleep, one line), or Infernal Flight (Fire + Panic, one line).

The third time he used it, it failed to bind his Head, but only hit the Legs.

If you bind his part that is in charge of attacks, even if he has his other of Leg/Arm free, he will not attempt to switch focus until he does another Darkness Curse (in my experiences).

At his current Agility, Integrity needs to drop the Mace for a Dagger in order to get a Party Shield off in time. Otherwise I would need to rely on Weak Shield, which may cause issues.

Currently the elemental Leg Moves are more deadly to Integrity, he can only survive a set of three if he Runic immunes, or Guard Mastery immunes it. Perhaps because the Slash Charm is saving him on the Arm moves? May need testing, or more points in Mind Break.

Also, Level 75 with my party is not looking like enough grind. I lasted until turn 20's Supernova, and had him at almost exactly 25% health. I did have some decent RNG assistance, landing a Poison Throw and a Curse throw for significant long term damage with the help of Black Mists. Just a few more skill points and stat points though, and I think I can have him. Should be easily before Level 80. Then I'll start investigating the insect.

-------------

It is now 7 AM on Dormouse 17.

eclipse, Lv 76 Landsknecht/Nightseeker: [Proficiency 1, Swordbreaker 6, Weapon Parry 6, Initiative 8, Power Boost 8, Iron Wall 8, Vanguard 6, Expertise 1, Power Break 6, Mind Break 1, Sonic Raid 3, Blazing Link 1, Freezing Link 1, Double Strike 3, Enlightenment 1, Penetrate 3, Swift Stab 8 | Blade Flurry 3, Follow Trace 4, Speed Boost 5] {Caladbolg (full ATK forge), Last Estoc (full ATK forge), Demon Mail, Singauta}

Chalis, Lv 75 Nightseeker/Arcanist: [Proficiency 1, Blade Flurry 6, Follow Trace 8, Foul Mastery 8, Speed Boost 10, Expertise 1, Ice Knife 3, Biding Slice 2, Assassinate 8, Shadow Bite 8, Swift Edge 2, Sand Throw 2, Venom Throw 5, Enlightenment 1, Sleep Throw 2, Nerve Throw 2, Curse Throw 2 | Ailment Boost 5, Poison Circle 2, Nerve Circle 4] {Dragonbane, Futsuno Mitama (1 Paralyze forge), General Leather, Tharsis Wing}

Integrity, Lv 76 Fortress/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Knight's Boon 6, Guard Mastery 8, Iron Wall 10, HP Boost 10, Rampart 6, Expertise 1, Bolt Strike 3, Holy Smite 2, Vengeance Bash 2, Ally Shield 3, Line Shield 3, Party Shield 6, Weak Shield 5, Enlightenment 1, Holy Blessing 1, Strike Guard 3, Element Guard 1 | Runic Shield 2, Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Runic Gleam 2] {Yagrush, Knight Armor, Slash Charm, Singauta}

Balcerzak, Lv 75 Medic/Runemaster: [Proficiency 1, Auto-Heal 8, Auto-Revive 8, Heal Mastery 8, Stretch 6, TP Boost 1, Expertise 1, Healing 3, Line Heal 3, Party Heal 10, Full Heal 2, Revive 8, Treat 3, Refresh 3, Recovery 3, Enlightenment 1 | Free Energy 3, TP Boost 4, Fire Rune 1, Ice Rune 1, Volt Rune 1, Lightning Rune 1] {Arcana Rod, Heretic's Mask, Panacea Vest, Heavenly Belt}

Snike, Lv 75 Sniper/Dancer: [Proficiency 1, Scavenger 6, Bullseye 4, Power Boost 8, Eagle Eye 4, Expertise 1, Lock On 3, Leg Snipe 8, Arm Snipe 8, Head Snipe 8, Enlightenment 1 | Sword Dance 5, Fan Dance 3, Burst Saver 3, Mist Dance 4, Speed Boost 4, Quick Step 1, Counter Samba 3, Chase Samba 1, Trick Samba 2, Rush Dance 4] {Yumiyawata, General Leather, Armet, Lion Medal}

Manix, Runecaster Lv1:

Luka, Dancer Lv1:

Icysnow, Arcanist Lv1:

Nightmare, Bushi Lv1:

EinSilver, Imperial Lv1:

Wufan, Arcanist/Runemaster Lv45: [Proficiency 1, Circle Boon 3, TP Return 1, Bracing Walk 1, Ailment Boost 10, Dismiss Blow 3, Expertise 1, Dismiss Heal 3, Nerve Circle 2, Sleep Circle 3, Poison Circle 2, Chaos Circle 8, Hood Circle 3, Chain Circle 3, Enlightenment 1, Snare Circle 2, Charm Eye 2, Atrophic Eye 2, Tame Ground 2] {Default}

Kibagami, Bushi/Medic Lv38: default

Logre, Imperial/Landsknecht Lv47: default

Current Quests: Defeat the Fallen One;

Completed Quests: Supply request; The Outland Count's task; Atelier request; Defeat a violent baboon!; Culantro, please; Find the headwaters; Atelier request II; Hole-y terror; Treasure on my mind; Lost: one ring; Shroom at the inn; A storied book; Small flowers needed!; Poison blossom?; Mist monster; Headwaters, continued; Moth eggs; Slay the illusionist!; Slime mold of the gods; Missing person; Atelier request III; Appled sciences; Please find Snow Garden; Curry courier; What's that rock?; Bring me an Ice Stone!; Find the demonic voice; Medicinal Poison?; Rise of the baboons; Fungus in the fire; Frigid Sickle Seeker; Deliver perpetual ice; Volt research; Learnin' on a fish; Wind resistance; Mission from the Count; Preserved by ice; Forbidden wisdom; Skyship materials; Do fairies exist?; Investigational support; Golden Deer hunt; Origin research; Innkeeper's dilemma; An Imperial mystery; Water Mark reaction; Find the Fire Mark; A new Mark; Revival of the Leviathan; Where is the last Mark?; Key for the Capital; A legendary force; Legendary cuisine; The ominous gale; Fire tyrant's garden; Bring down the fire; Lady and the dragon; Battle against the storm; Miracle of the ice field; Battle the Blizzard King;

Current Missions:

Completed Missions: Obtain an Iridescent Ore!; Liberate the Lush Woodlands!; Deliver the letter to the Medium!; Obtain the legendary heart!; Escort the Outland Count!; Stop the Empire's ambition!; Stop Yggdrasil's activation!

Current En: 557313

[spoiler=Guild Card Achievements]

Max Level 76

Enemy Discovery: 94.40%

Item Discovery: 97.37%

Ventured Days: 44

Enemies Hunted: 1970

Walked: 21995

Total En: 2441806

Vessels' Ally; Sentinels' Ally; Knight's Ally; Yggdrasil's Hope; Burst User; Cache Seeker; Tharsis Fixer; Dogged Killer; Flying Epicure; Veteran Hunter; Devoted Scavenger

Edited March 21, 2013 by Balcerzak