Update 10: Wait, What Fairies?



...Hm.
So, what's the royal verdict on the Cutter Meatballs?
They're good, I can't deny that. But there's a certain... Oh, curses, the word eludes me.
No, no, wait, I know what's missing! Oh, finally, someone who understands...
Pardon?
We need to go to the Lush Woodlands, right now!
Very well...?













Okay, I need to make these quickly...
Ah, I see where this is going.









Hmmmmmmm. Yes, I can say with absolute certainty that these are far better.
Someone understands!



This is...uncomfortably muggy...
I really wish I wasn't a Protector right now...
...Trinity? What is that strange orb?
Oh, it's-- It's a compressed Ice Star. It keeps me cool. I thought it'd be useful here.
Hah-hah-hah.
Nyurrrrrrrrm.
I guess these two agree...


B1F opens with a bunch of corridors.
it's almost like this stratum comes from eo1
on one hand, throwback to eo1. on the other, it gives a haha wrow again really vibe.


Bees. My gods.

Army Wasp

Level: 15
HP: 176STR: 26INT: 14VIT: 21WIS: 19AGI: 28LUC: 17
EXP Given: 90

Damage Vulnerabilities:
100% 150% 100%
100% 100% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 150% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 150%
  • Piercing Stinger: Deals heavy stab damage that pierces party rows. Very slightly slow, with extremely high accuracy.
  • Piercing Stinger: Deals 150% melee STR-based stab damage that pierces party rows. Has a 90% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 140%.
  • Army Wasps are likely to open with Piercing Stinger.
  • When Army Wasps are at 50% HP or lower, they're far more likely to use Piercing Stinger.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Piercing Stinger.
    • Else, Attack.
  • If the Army Wasp's HP is at 50% or lower:
    • 80% chance to use Piercing Stinger.
    • Else, Attack.
  • Else:
    • 40% chance to use Piercing Stinger.
    • Else, Attack.
Drops:
  • Sharp Stinger. 60% chance. Sells for 17 en.
    • Gari (+26 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Sharp Stinger (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 730 en.
    • Slicing Bandages (+29 ATK, +27 MAT, +12 WIS): Made from 1 Bird Limb (Giant Moa Drop 1) and 1 Sharp Stinger (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 790 en.
    • Warhammer (+30 ATK, +30 MAT, -2% Base Accuracy, Skill: VIT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Light Hardwood (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 1) and 2 Sharp Stingers (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 910 en.
Army Wasps are dangers to your back row. They're fast, and they deal decent damage to them.
A lot of flying enemies are weak to Stab, which makes them easy pickings for a Survivalist, a Highlander, or a rapier-toting Landsknecht. This generally doesn't apply to FOEs and bosses (though there are exceptions), but it means these classes are great for random encounters, since flying enemies are fairly common.
Now that we've conquered our first two Labyrinths the game is starting to throw curveballs at us. Your back row is no longer fairly safe: if two of these wasps smack the same person in the back row they're down for the count.
Ah right, say hello to Wakujuz, our guest commentator for this update!
hewwo
but yeah at this point training wheels come off and backline is no longer the babu zone

Over here, stupid bees!
Holly has Preemptive Taunt, btw.

I thought being stung by a normal bee...was bad enough...
In case you were thinking of exploiting their Curse weakness: That bee just dealt a total of 59 damage, meaning it would have taken around 27 damage. Nope.
hahaha like curse weaknesses mean anything
kirin conditional hell is all i'm hearing

Volt Star's good for dealing big damage to groups of enemies.

Hmm... Yes, I'll take it.


Something tells me they don't need to see...
Damn that high accuracy on Piercing Stinger.

G'night, Mr. and Mr. Wasp.


Aroooooo!
Nyurrrrrrm!
I-Inspiring words.
There's Patch Up in effect.


Oh by the way Lilian has Earth's Bounty maxed out, so we're getting more EXP. A lot more.


Primitive Jungle B1F D5 Chop Point
Unlocking a bunch of new equipment from the first gathering point in a stratum is a great feeling.


Kkkkkkkkaaaaaahhh. Kkkkahhhhhhh!
Frie...drich?
He appears to be chattering at the...large owl.
fun fact about me: i didn't know cats did this until i moved in with my current roommate, and i thought her cat was broken

i was 23
on one hand, throwback to eo1. on the other, it gives a haha wrow again really vibe.

Venom Ooze

Level: 14
HP: 118STR: 20INT: 23VIT: 21WIS: 21AGI: 11LUC: 26
EXP Given: 81

Damage Vulnerabilities:
50% 50% 50%
150% 150% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 50% 150% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 100%
  • Poison Breath: Attempts to inflict poison on one party member, with a high chance, and medium to heavy poison damage. Average speed.
  • Poison Breath: Attempts to inflict poison on one party member, with a 65% base chance, and a poison damage range of 34 to 60. Has a 100% speed modifier.
  • Venom Oozes are very likely to open with Poison Breath.
  • Venom Oozes will always attack when any party members are asleep.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Poison Breath.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If any party members are asleep, Attack.
  • If all party members are poisoned, Attack.
  • Otherwise:
    • 60% chance to use Poison Breath, targeting party members who are not poisoned.
    • 40% chance to Attack.
Drops:
  • Violet Ore. 65% chance. Sells for 16 en.
    • Ooze Helmet (+8 DEF, +5 MDF): Made from 1 Violet Ore (Venom Ooze Drop 1) and 1 Light Hardwood (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 1). Costs 400 en.
    • Guard Sole (Nullifies damage and muddy tiles): Made from 1 Violet Ore (Venom Ooze Drop 1). Costs 180 en.
Venom Oozes are annoying, but what enemy that inflicts poison isn't? At least they can only do it to one person at a time.
They're obnoxious to take down if you don't have a Zodiac, a Landsknecht, a Sovereign with the Arms, a Hero, or a War Magus.
This is where the game really starts to teach you that certain problems need certain solutions. Bring a way to wreck these before they wreak havoc (elemental damage), a way to stop them (head binds) or prodigious heaing. If you bonk on them the old-fashioned way you'll be in for a world of hurt.

Firebird

Level: 16
HP: 273STR: 24INT: 22VIT: 22WIS: 26AGI: 19LUC: 20
EXP Given: 130

Damage Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100%
10% 100% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
150% 100% 100% 150% 100% 100% 50%
100% 100%
100% 100% 100%
  • Corrode: Reduces all party members' physical defense by 30% for 4 turns. Slightly slow.
  • Fireball: Deals heavy fire damage to all party members. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Corrode: Reduces all party members' physical defense by 30% for 4 turns. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • Fireball: Deals 120% ranged INT-based fire damage to all party members. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Firebirds are very likely to open with Corrode, if it wasn't already used. They're also very likely to use Corrode again on turns that are multiples of 5, if they're in the back row.
  • Firebirds are extremely unlikely to use Fireball if it was already used on this turn by another Firebird.
  • At high HP, Firebirds are very unlikely to use Fireball consecutively.
  • If this is the first turn, 80% chance to:
    • If the Firebird is in the back row, and Corrode was not already used this turn, use Corrode.
    • Otherwise, Attack.
  • If the current turn is a multiple of 5, no party members have the Corrode debuff, Corrode was not already used this turn, and the Firebird is in the back row, 80% chance to use Corrode.
  • If the Firebird is in the back row, Attack.
  • If the Firebird is in the front row:
    • If Fireball was already used on this turn:
      • 10% chance to use Fireball.
      • 90% chance to Attack.
    • If the Firebird is at 40% HP or lower, 80% chance to use Fireball.
    • If none of the above happened:
      • 80% chance to use Fireball if it wasn't used last turn.
      • Otherwise, Attack.
Drops:
  • Broken Wing. 85% chance. Sells for 30 en.
    • Madfa (+26 ATK, +20 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 2 Broken Wings (Firebird Drop 1). Costs 870 en.
    • Moonlight (+31 ATK, +14 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Tiger Fang (Barbed Tiger Drop 1) and 1 Broken Wing (Firebird Drop 1). Costs 950 en.
    • Haubergeon (+13 DEF, +13 MDF): Made from 1 Broken Wing (Firebird Drop 1) and 3 Entangling Ivys (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 2). Costs 620 en.
Firebirds make enemies that rely on physical damage more dangerous, and also pelt you with some fire damage. Thankfully, there aren't many formations on this floor that pair them with, say, Army Wasps.
The first time you encounter these you probably don't have Fire Wall or Elemental Shield so uh, take them down quickly.

Rrrr-rr.
Yay for Heath.

My armor suddenly feels squishy, kinda.


Hmmmm. No, I don't think I'll be cooking those.


Enjoy being a smear!
BIG DAMAGE

Lilian's probably going to stick with the gun that has Harsh Buzz on it for a while. Her having access to head binds is helpful, especially given her high LUC.

Note to self: stabbing fire owls makes spears really hot. Ow, ow, ow.






Hello, secret passage.

...Has a child been through here?
Huh?
This enchantment is rudimentary and simple; it is used to teach magic infusion to beginners. Perhaps someone fresh off a lesson lost it...
The Monocle of Clarity has a skill that immediately adds one enemy's information to the Monstrous Codex. Pass.
analysis goose but it's an equippable item, pretty much

Exciting first part of the floor.

It's a couple of soldiers. They appear to be in the middle of a conversation and don't notice you...


Have you heard the rumors? Apparently everyone he groups up with dies.
It's not nice to talk about someone behind their back, you know.
...The two of them continue talking but fall silent as they notice you approaching.
Oh, h-hello there. Well, we'd better get moving...
Both soldiers shoot you an awkward look as they leave... Who were they talking about? You ponder the question as you continue forward.
...Jerks.


Upon closer observation, you find two routes to the scaffold: a makeshift rope of vines, and a roughly constructed, plank staircase. The rope doesn't look very sturdy, and the stairs appear to be somewhat unstable. They'll likely hold out long enough to be used once. Any more than that, and you'd be tempting fate. You can try sending someone up to the scaffold, or ignore it and continue exploring.
Nyurm.
Rrrruff.
You can choose who tries to get to the scaffold.
Heath looks up and thinks about how best to approach the scaffold.


...Nyurm.
Arf.
Heath decides to use the rope. It strains at their weight as they pull themselves up. On the way up, they find a point where the rope is weak and frayed, but thankfully, they reach the scaffold without incident.
Good job, Heath!
Nyurm.
And Friedrich, too.
You find a small box likely belonging to whoever previously used the scaffold. Inside is an item used to avoid monsters.


Ward Chime (Reduces encounter rate): Made from 1 Luminous Moss (??? Take Item 2). Costs 250 en.
We can't naturally make Ward Chimes for a while, and they come in handy every now and then. Not during normal exploration, though.
Nin-nin! Ninja dog, scaling ropes with the greatest of ease.
Heath puts it in their backpack then looks for a way to get back down.
Take whatever you didn't pick the first time around.
Heath decides to take the stairs down. They gently lower a foot onto the unsteady steps. The stairs deafeningly creak, and Heath grows nervous in fear that they might collapse. But Heath stays calm and carefully continues. Several steps break and fall during the trip, but they somehow manage to reach the bottom. You give Heath a moment to catch their breath and continue with your exploration.
You're braver than me...



What happens if you pick the same thing, anyway? I think I managed to avoid it, but I don't imagine it can be anything too mean.
damage, probably? maybe the crash of the party member falling attracts monsters? idk


Finding nothing of interest, you turn around...
Ow!
Suddenly, Lilian cries out in pain. A red, swollen patch on Lilian's skin leads you to believe they were bitten by some sort of insect.


Hrrrrrr...


If you have a Medic, the event changes.
Inside is a device composed of a large two-layered tube as long as someone's palm. Heath holds the tip of the device to the swelling and extends the tube outward. You're not quite sure what happens next, but powerful suction is applied to the bite, and blood is drawn from the wound. It seems the device alleviates afflictions by drawing out the infected blood along with the toxins. After measuring the time, Heath removes the tube, discards the extracted fluids, and applies some ointment. Within a few minutes, the swelling goes down and the pain fades away. It seems the poison was fully extracted. After a speedy and successful treatment, you return to exploring the forest.
Good boy, Heath.
Mmmrrr.






You look around for the source of the noise, but it's nowhere to be found. Was it a monster or perhaps a small animal? Best proceed with caution.


You continue forward, as if beckoned by the aroma, and come to a stop at the base of a large tree. It's leaking a great deal of sap. You wonder if it's safe to taste or if you should just enjoy the smell.
The sap seems perfectly edible.
Let us partake, then.
Curious about the taste, you approach the tree. You scoop some sap up and give it a taste to find that it's just as stiflingly sweet as the smell suggests.


Oh, that's more than edible.
You get your fill of the sweet sap, but then you hear the sound of buzzing wings. You turn around to see a swarm of bee-like beasts zooming toward you at full speed! It looks like escape isn't an option. You draw your weapons and prepare to fight!
...Whoops.
If you choose to smell the sap instead, you get the choice of leaving before the battle, or getting a preemptive.

It's not that bad, anyway.

There doesn't seem to be any more monsters present, but there's no telling when more will appear. Seeing no point in sticking around, you decide to bid farewell to the area and its sweet scent.






Lilian is working to unlock Excavation.

Your first impression tells you he's a somewhat melancholy individual. Upon noticing you, he calls out in a small, unemphatic voice.


Woah, okay, hey, we don't want trouble, sorry.
He gives you a dreary look then heads deeper into the forest.
Oh, right. The road up ahead is covered with thorns... Watch your step.
T-Thanks?
Could that man be the Reaper those soldiers were talking about earlier? You think on the possibility as you resume your adventure.


Nice of the thorns to be very easily discernable.
Damage tilessssssssss. They deal 10 damage to every party member when you step on them.

+10 ATK and +10 MAT, 20% base chance to inflict paralysis on hit targets. Shrug.
it upsets me that this is a drive blade. like yeah you want to give people a chance to inflict things for conditionals but this is literally only equippable if you have an imperial. it shouldve been a sword. imperials can equip swords anyway and with 10atk you clearly don't want the holder doing damage anyway
maybe someone wants to build a really garbo imperial, you don't know
they have a dartboard for deciding which weapons get which ailments in atlus hq



Sleeper Ooze

Level: 14
HP: 132STR: 21INT: 17VIT: 18WIS: 18AGI: 12LUC: 23
EXP Given: 87

Damage Vulnerabilities:
50% 50% 50%
150% 150% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 150% 100% 50% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 100%
  • Sleep Breath: Attempts to inflict sleep on one row of party members, with a moderate chance. Slightly fast.
  • Sleep Breath: Attempts to inflict sleep on one row of party members, with a 35% base chance. Has a 110% speed modifier.
  • Sleeper Oozes are very likely to open with Sleep Breath.
  • Sleeper Oozes have a small chance to target party members who aren't asleep with normal Attacks.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Sleep Breath.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If all party members are asleep, Attack.
  • Otherwise:
    • 60% chance to use Sleep Breath, targeting party members who are not asleep.
    • 40% chance to Attack.
      • If the Sleeper Ooze is in the front row, and any party members are not asleep, 30% chance to target party members who are asleep.
Drops:
  • Sticky Goo. 70% chance. Sells for 15 en.
    • Creeper Fist (+21 ATK, +19 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Entangling Ivy (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 2) and 2 Sticky Goos (Sleeper Ooze Drop 1). Costs 520 en.
    • Ooze Earring (Immunity to sleep): Made from 4 Sticky Goos (Sleeper Ooze Drop 1). Costs 500 en.
    • Sleep Gas (Attempts to inflict sleep on all enemies; 50% base chance, 80% speed modifier): Made from 1 Sticky Goo (Sleeper Ooze Drop 1). Costs 250 en.
Sleeper Oozes are like Venom Oozes, but even more annoying, because sleep is debilitating. They're also plenty capable of killing more fragile frontliners.
[gooey slapping sounds]
It's kind of funny because Sleep is higher than Poison in the ailment hierarchy, so I've had a few characters saved by having the Poison overwritten before it killed them.
i'm trying to live peacefully in the forest but im dummy thicc and the slap of my goo keeps alerting the adventurers

I don't know why they're lined up like this, but it makes it easier for me...


Harsh Buzz is good here, too.

That's why.

Electrified goo sure makes a weird noise.






Yay.

What an exciting room.
it is almost as though this stratum does, in fact, hail from etrian odyssey 1








Aren't you tired?
Nope.
Not really? I see. Well, then, let's see the goods.
Whoa, this is really sticky! And stretchy, too! Hahaha! Hey, if we froze it and threw it at the wall, d'you think it'd stick?
Please don't do that.
You sure are serious. You only live once, you know! Enjoy life while you can!
I mean, look at me!
...
...
...Okay, okay, I get it.
I'm just a bored old man havin' a bit of fun! No need to give me that scary look.
Right then, time for your reward! Thanks again!


Guard Sole (Nullifies damage and muddy tiles): Made from 1 Violet Ore (Venom Ooze Drop 1). Costs 180 en.
These are pretty useful for the 3rd Labyrinth, especially compared to the skill versions of it, since you don't have to invest skill points.





This guy also showed up.
Oh hello, are you adventurers? Would you please take a moment to hear me out? The stock for my shop was running low, so I asked a medic to gather some more herbs for me... But she hasn't returned, and I'm getting worried. I've heard that she discovered a maze that she'd never seen before... If it's possible, could you head out and check if she's okay?
Ssssssssssure!
You will? Thank you so much! The spot should be to the southwest of the Primitive Jungle. I still have the shop to mind, so I'd better get back to it.



...On second thought, let's...wait. I get bad vibes from that place.



W-Wait, why are we back here?
I remembered there was some wood that could make good lumber around here...


Checking any spot where wood barriers were destroyed will bring up this.
You can immediately tell that the wood here is high enough quality for you to have found a Chop point. However, you have no need for such information at this time... You return your focus to exploring the dungeon.



That was quick.
Checking any of those spots unlocks this quest.

Stockpile Scandal:
Looking at that request? It was put in by a group of carpenters.
They say the continuous rains during our journey to Yggdrasil caused our stockpiled wood to spoil and rot. Without that wood, they can't repair our houses, let alone build any new ones. That's why they want you to gather more wood. The carpenters did some surveying and found some good trees on B3F of the Lush Woodlands. They want you to gather some there.
Oh, and get at least 3. Any less, and they won't have enough to replenish their stockpile. If you bring them 6, you'll get an even bigger reward. Feel free to get greedy and take on the extra challenge.
There's plenty of wood, so...
I did all the gathering off-screen, because it was literally just going to spots where wood barriers were and hitting A.
oh yeah my translator said Nothing about the wood being the ones on the field so i spent weeks wondering why my full dendrology party wasn't progressing this quest







Hey, good work! Glad you made it back in one piece. Let's see, you brought back... 6 pieces of wood! The maximum amount the carpenters wanted! You sure like to rake it in, huh! Well, I'm sure they'll be very happy with this! Great job! I'll take it from here, then. Thanks again!
Thank you for managing to not be off-putting this time, Kvasir.


Getting 6 pieces of wood gets us three Hamaos, instead of one.





Before we go back into the Labyrinth, let's sell off our materials.
Gari (+26 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Sharp Stinger (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 730 en.

Madfa (+26 ATK, +20 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 2 Broken Wings (Firebird Drop 1). Costs 870 en.

Haubergeon (+13 DEF, +13 MDF): Made from 1 Broken Wing (Firebird Drop 1) and 3 Entangling Ivys (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 2). Costs 620 en.

Green Boots (+5 DEF, +10 MDF): Made from 1 Entangling Ivy (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 2). Costs 250 en.

Guard Sole (Nullifies damage and muddy tiles): Made from 1 Violet Ore (Venom Ooze Drop 1). Costs 180 en.

Sleep Gas (Attempts to inflict sleep on all enemies; 50% base chance, 80% speed modifier): Made from 1 Sticky Goo (Sleeper Ooze Drop 1). Costs 250 en.
Hey, another gas! Farmers will love Sleep Gas until Master level.


This happened too!








Buildin' something new, I bet! Man, doesn't that sound great. This tavern was built a few decades ago. It's definitely starting to get worn down in certain places. Plus, I live up on the second floor. Sometimes, after work, I feel too lazy to even go up to my quarters!
So I had this brilliant idea: I'll remodel so the tavern is upstairs, and my quarters are downstairs!
Rrrr... Nrr.
Nyur.
...What's that? If I did that, I'd be too lazy to even open the tavern at all?
Dahaha! You've got me there! Right then, here's your reward.








More things! We'll get back to the Labyrinth right after this, I swear.
Warhammer (+30 ATK, +30 MAT, -2% Base Accuracy, Skill: VIT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Light Hardwood (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 1) and 2 Sharp Stingers (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 910 en.

Ooze Helmet (+8 DEF, +5 MDF): Made from 1 Violet Ore (Venom Ooze Drop 1) and 1 Light Hardwood (Primitive Jungle Chop Item 1). Costs 400 en.

Heath gets a Warhammer.
dog with a MACE
fear the unstoppable team of Borp and Bop


Hello, Giant Moa. It'll just move back and forth on a linear path, until it notices us, at which point it will chase us until we get out of its chase area.

...I say we engage the moa.
Ruff?!
Nyurm?!
I...suppose we could do that, with some strategy.
Y-Yeah! You're all strong enough!
And you, Trin.
...I-I guess.
I got a better fight against a Giant Moa later in the update, so I'll actually show off that one when we get to it, but rest assured.


I killed it.


Slicing Bandages (+29 ATK, +27 MAT, +12 WIS): Made from 1 Bird Limb (Giant Moa Drop 1) and 1 Sharp Stinger (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 790 en.

Moa Boots (+7 DEF, +7 MDF, +4 AGI): Made from 1 Bird Limb (Giant Moa Drop 1). Costs 380 en.
That +12 WIS on the Slicing Bandages helps with Pugilist's severe lack of WIS.
A lot of weapons in the beginning of this stratum give +WIS, for some reason.


Moving on...
Primitive Jungle B1F C3 Chop Point


Here's a midway shortcut.

Here's another Giant Moa. This one patrols the middle of a big area.

Just wait until you're at the top of the room, and it's near the bottom, and you're safe.

Just a bit.
The soldier wipes sweat from his brow then takes a look around before continuing.
If I may ask... You wouldn't have happened to have seen any other soldiers around here, would you? There would have been a girl with them...
We saw other soldiers gossiping about Leo, but they weren't with a girl.
...I see.
The soldier hangs his head at your answer then looks up to the sky and asks himself where they could be. He then tells you to be careful on your journey before he and his companion continue on their way.


Now there's two of them.

You have small rooms you can retreat into, though.

A...secret passage? Here?


Heavenly Gift (Doubles EXP from current battle): Made from 1 Sea Grapes (??? Take Item 3). Costs 3000 en.
Okay.

There's another hidey-hole at the other top corner of the room.

A multitude of round leaves with white flower buds in the center float on the surface of the water before you. Little birds and frogs sit atop the leaves, yet they show no sign of sinking. You test the buoyancy of one of the leaves; it's very sturdy. In fact, you may even be able to ride on one yourself.
Oh, I could go for a bit of fun.
If you're going to do this, then, the bigger the leaf, the better. You decide on a leaf roughly the size of a small boat, just a short distance away from the shore. You use the other leaves as stepping stones to reach your target leaf then take a seat. A gentle breeze blows across the water, allowing you to forget the forest's oppressive humidity.


Ah, that was relaxing.
Feeling refreshed after a long, relaxing voyage, you safely arrive back to shore and continue with your exploration.






And we're safe.

You then hear a monstrous cry slice through the silence of the woods. Judging from the sound, you assume it must be some sort of large bird. You're not sure what you've done to aggravate it, but it doesn't appear as though it intends to attack you at this time. You decide to avoid provoking the bird any further and leave the area behind for now.
Wwwwwwwwwwweird. Betcha this is gonna matter in a quest later.

Looking up, you find that the curvature of the branches forms a complex, yet beautiful design. Having sat down to admire the sight, Lilian then feels something fall on their knee and looks down.
Hm? Aaaaagh!
Much to their surprise, they see a massive, wriggling spider!
The event changes if you have a Survivalist in your party. Unfortunately, I don't.
Lilian tries to move the spider, but as they bring their hand close, it rears up on its hind legs in a threatening stance. If you'd like to get away from the spider as soon as possible, you could try ignoring its warning and just brush it away. Or, to avoid disturbing it, it might be best to wait for it to leave on its own. It's up to you to decide the best course of action.
If I just hold still, it'll go away...
Believing it would be dangerous to provoke it, Lilian decides to wait for the spider to leave on its own. The spider crawls around on Lilian's leg for a while, but eventually wanders off. Relieved that you avoided any trouble, you quickly return to your journey.
Phew.






Here's the end of floor shortcut.

That looks...fun.
You look closely to see a vine hanging from a thick tree branch in front of you.
Lemme try!
Holly grabs the vine then kicks off into the air! You watch as they swing back and forth like a pendulum!


Whee-hee-hee, that was so fun!
Holly plays on the vine to their heart's content then gives the other party members a turn.
I-I don't think it'd be a good idea to swing on the vine more, it m-might snap.
Playing on the vine provided a nice change of pace. You finish up and resume exploring the forest.
i'm preeeetty sure you can use this vine four times and then it'll break on the fifth, doing some HP damage to that party member





And that's the floor.
This floor is so unremarkable that I'm struggling to come up with ways to joke about how unremarkable it is.
Doubly so because there are a lot of little corridors with no events in them, so it felt particularly tedious.

Time to book it back to town.


No-one says anything new yet, sadly.
Even the NPCs have nothing of consequence to say.


There are new bar patrons, though!

Gauzeby the Explorer:
Augh, dammit! My muscles are still spasming all over my body... Listen, if you ever take on a Barbed Tiger, watch out for its electric attack. T's got a splash effect, so even if it doesn't hit you dead-on, you could still end up taking damage if you're close enough! One false move and you're flash-fried like me! Seriously, it's a wonder that I'm sitting here now!
Robin the Flee-Flooted:
You ever hear of the Cannon Palm?
Unfortunately.
it's a cannon. you'll hear it a mile away
It attacks by shooting coconuts as tough as steel. Talk about dangerous! Of course, I'm light enough on my feet that even their firing speed's no match for me!
Um, what's it weak to? I need to know what to use...
Huh? What's its weakness? Fire, obviously... It's a plant. And naturally, it's resistant to electricity. Keep that in mind before you square off against one, got it?
"a plant that shoots coconuts harder than cannonballs" yes i would use common sense to figure out its weakness
this is pokemon now
Assistant Fatton:
The labyrinths are such mysterious places. For example, some plants are even mobile, due to a composition of flexible fibers! Thanks to Doctor Sibil's research, we've found a way to obtain those fibers in hardened form. For example, consider the Cannon Palm, with its rootlike, yet surprisingly agile feet. If you use a leg-binding skill on one and then defeat it, you can obtain an extraordinarily tough material known as an Immobile Root. The root remains in a petrified state, even after the monster's been killed. Isn't that fascinating?



Oh, I guess Mueller has a new thing.
How do you feel? Like you've got a better handle on things now that you've cleared a labyrinth?
The monsters in the Lush Woodlands were still on the weak side. As you press further into the unknown, they'll undoubtedly be stronger. Don't push yourselves too hard, and always know when it's time to back off and return to the city.



And Persephone too.
I hope the team we've provided will be of use...
Loud shrug.


We got these for reporting 25 different monster types.
Oh my god yes


New quests!

Cold Refresh-mints (ooh god that pun):
puns are good and i'm not budging on this
Oh, that request! That one's from a letter carrier in the Maginia postal service.
Delivering letters is such a helpful job. I don't think I could handle going door to door to deliver mail. You get it, right? It's a job for hard workers, the kind who like to wash off a day's worth of sweat with a soak in a nice, warm bath. Afterwards, they have a nice cold drink to wrap up their workday... Isn't that the life!
Um, the...request?
Whoops, we got a bit sidetracked there. In any case, he wants you to bring him some Mint from the forests. So I'd like you to take 3 Mint leaves from the Primitive Jungle! I'm countin' on you!
(Not So) Lucky Coin:
Hey! Picking up a request, are you? I knew YOU would accept it! Everyone else passed on it when they heard what they had to do. But I know you guys can't back out now!
This one comes from a fellow adventurer. Apparently they've been conducting an investigation of the Primitive Jungle. While he was exploring B1F, he came across a terrifying birdlike monster and rushed off in a panic!
But in his panic, he left something behind. Something very important to him, he says. Well, the most important thing we own is our lives, right? So I figured that's what he lost, but it seems that wasn't the case. It's just an ordinary coin, but he swears it gives him good luck when times are tough. Apparently, he lost it once in Etria, too, and he's starting to think that jungles just have it out for him.
...Kvasir? Being correct? I'm having trouble processing this.
This quest was in EO1 as well. This dude really needs to keep a better hold on his coin.
Maybe he should've flipped his lucky coin and asked it if he'd lose it again!
Anyway, that's the request. Finding one single coin in the vast jungle might pose a challenge, but we're counting on you! And you might run into the monster that scared our poor client away. Still, you better bring back that coin, even if it kills you!



Do you remember the request you accepted at the tavern? An adventurer dropped his lucky coin after encountering a birdlike monster. The shrill cry you heard just now may have come from the monster you're looking for. You should go to the north if you want to fulfill that request.
Move forward.







Fire Eater

Level: 20
HP: 842STR: 29INT: 32VIT: 29WIS: 28AGI: 23LUC: 26
EXP Given: 467

Damage Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100%
10% 100% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
150% 100% 100% 150% 100% 100% 50%
25% 100%
50% 100% 100%
  • Corrode: Reduces all party members' physical defense by 30% for 4 turns. Slightly slow.
  • Fire Breath: Deals medium-heavy fire damage to all party members. Attempts to bind the arms of hit targets, with a medium chance. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Corrode: Reduces all party members' physical defense by 30% for 4 turns. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • Fire Breath: Deals 100% ranged INT-based fire damage to all party members. Attempts to bind the arms of hit targets, with a 40% base chance. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Fire Eaters always open with Corrode.
  • Fire Eaters stop using Corrode at low HP, and become far more likely to use Fire Breath.
  • If this is the first turn, use Corrode.
  • If the Fire Eater is at 50% HP or lower:
    • 75% chance to use Fire Breath.
    • 25% chance to Attack.
  • If none of the above happened:
    • If no party members have the Corrode debuff:
      • 25% chance to use Corrode.
      • 15% chance to use Fire Breath.
      • 60% chance to Attack.
    • Otherwise:
      • 40% chance to use Fire Breath.
      • 60% chance to Attack.
It's a beefed-up Firebird. Yay?
Wow, an unexciting event enemy. It's almost like this stratum comes from-


I killed it.
oh


It's a coin. You reach down and pick it up. There's no doubt that this is the coin you were commissioned to find. All that's left is to turn it in at the tavern.


"If found, please return to-" Oh. How ironic...









Oooh, so this is the lucky coin! ...Want to play a prank on him and carve both sides into tails?
Hell no!
Dahaha, I'm just kiddin'! You wouldn't be able to get your reward if we did, anyway!
In any case, he does really treasure this coin, so I'm sure he'll be pleased to have it back! Here's your reward! I'll take the liberty of returning the coin to him. ...Let's see, just have to copy the design on the back here...
Kvasir's kind of a dick, shock surprise.
at least the guy now knows that yes, tails indicates he's going to lose his coin

Bravant (Increases one party member's attack by 40% for 6 turns): Made from 1 Sweet Leaf (??? Take Item 2). Costs 350 en.
Bravants are a pretty strong attack buff, but they're single-target only. Bleh.





Note that I loaded up on Stun Gasses for what I'm about to do.


We have unfinished business.
BLOOD



Giant Moa

Level: 19
HP: 2928STR: 34INT: 24VIT: 26WIS: 28AGI: 23LUC: 26
EXP Given: 1235

Damage Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100%
100% 100% 100%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
75% 50% 50% 50% 50% 75% 50%
10% 10%
50% 50% 50%
  • Rush: Deals very heavy bash damage to all party members. Very slow, and very accurate.
  • Rush: Deals 120% melee STR-based bash damage to all party members. Has a 60% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 120%.
  • Giant Moas are very likely to open with Rush.
  • Giant Moas cannot use Rush consecutively when they're at high HP.
  • Giant Moas are far more likely to use Rush at low HP.
  • Giant Moas are very likely to use Rush if any party members are asleep.
  • If any party members are asleep, and the Giant Moa is in the front row:
    • 80% chance to use Rush.
    • 20% chance to Attack, targeting party members who are asleep.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Rush.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If the Giant Moa is at 40% HP or lower:
    • 80% chance to use Rush.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If none of the above happened:
    • If Rush was not used last turn (turn 1 use excluded), 70% chance to use Rush.
    • Otherwise, Attack.
Drops:
  • Bird Limb. 100% chance. Sells for 200 en.
    • Slicing Bandages (+29 ATK, +27 MAT, +12 WIS): Made from 1 Bird Limb (Giant Moa Drop 1) and 1 Sharp Stinger (Army Wasp Drop 1). Costs 790 en.
    • Moa Boots (+7 DEF, +7 MDF, +4 AGI): Made from 1 Bird Limb (Giant Moa Drop 1). Costs 380 en.
  • Stunned Quill (Kill while paralyzed). 100% chance. Sells for 400 en.
    • Gae Dearg (+36 ATK, +27 MAT, Skill: Silver Thrust): Made from 1 Stunned Quill (Giant Moa Conditional Drop). Costs 1040 en.
Giant Moas are about as simple as any random encounter we've run into. They either deal medium damage with normal attacks, or deal heavy physical damage to everyone. I'd prefer to have some way of binding its legs, but I don't.
I hate to keep running this gag into the ground, but this is essentially an EO1 FOE, down to not being very interesting. Only without LvCorrection.tbb, so you can actually take it on without being a high level. You'll want to kill them though, the Moa Boots are great and the Gae Dearg's weapon skill is very useful later, and trivializes some later fights.

Yield a useful harvest, my seeds.
This is my best way of inflicting leg binds.

Borp.


Nyurm.
Good press, Friedrich!


Too bad, chumpy bird!
I used Painless on turn 1 so I wasn't left hurting badly on turn 2.

I'll trim some of those feathers.


Phooey.


A-Altair!


Normal attacks are very manageable.

Holly's damage... Well, it could be worse.

That's...something, at least.
Well, arm binds still cut STR, so that's nice.

Ow!
Yipe!
That could've been worse.
That would normally deal, like, 50 damage to Trinity.

How fortuitous.
You lucky little...

...Sure. Okay.

I've barely seen Rush this fight, which is nice.

Skipping ahead a few turns, and it's time to toss a bunch of Stun Gasses at the Moa until it gets paralyzed.

Oh, fie, give me a bit.
Dammit.

Please don't spam that more, Heath can only keep up with this damage one row at a time.

Please

Success!
There we go, we can end the fight now.

Phew...



And the conditional is mine, completely legit.


Gae Dearg (+36 ATK, +27 MAT, Skill: Silver Thrust): Made from 1 Stunned Quill (Giant Moa Conditional Drop). Costs 1040 en.
Silver Thrust: Costs 5 TP. Deals 400% melee STR-based stab damage to one enemy. Has a speed modifier of 100% and a base accuracy of 48%.

Yo this thing is really good? Bring some evasion disabling or, hell, even some goggles, and this makes for a really good space-filler skill on Highlanders.
Holy shit, what? Holy shit, what? This skill is ridiculous! Also you can use it to cheese a certain postgame FOE but holy shit, what?!
And with that, we're done for now. Next time: more jungle.
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Oh no. Oh shit.
What is it?
Natural 1.
Bahahahaha!
Your attempts at climbing across the cave's walls are brought to a terrible halt as you place one errant foot on a mound of dirt, rather than a proper foothold. Gravity takes hold as you slam into the hard floor.
Oh shit. Where did I land?
Right beside the ogre.
Alright. It's okay. This is fine. I'm just gonna... Sneak away.
In full platemail?
Shush! Wait, okay, the ogre is still asleep, right?
Well, you turn your gaze to check--
Fuck.
You turn your gaze to check and your eyes meet the ogre's. It is, obviously, surprised.
Mm. Eh-hem... "Hey there, big fella. What say--"
Your sentence is cut short as the ogre straightens up whilst bellowing something in a language you do not quite recognize. According to intonation and context, you would guess it may be equivalent to "what the fuck?"
Oh no, Varren's worst nightmare: An enemy he can't bluster to!
Are your characters going to help, or what?
Nope.
You're not even a player, Kyoko!

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