Update 4: Palmtree Panic Zone 1



...
What's with your stance? Are you alright?
Y-yes! I'm just--I'm just, uh... Sleepy.
ANALYSIS: THERE IS A 90% CHANCE THAT THIS IS ADAN'S FIRST REAL COMBAT SCENARIO, AND HE IS THEREFORE AFRAID.
I-- I'm a baker, dammit!
Then why did you join?
Because I wasn't going to stand around and not stab things?
Peer pressure, then.
Mnggh.
There's five, no, six people around you to watch your back. Focus on that and try to relax.
Okay, I finally got these multi-shot bullets in a non-explody state. I think.
...You're not helping.
Huh?
Our front row is decently durable, I've got Sophian for extra damage, and I've got Nadym for disables. Nothing can go wrong!
Plus now you've got me! Hey, I'm Mutie, or in the discord, I'm Qhota. I'm a Gemini, and I like long walks in the labyrinth and being the secret fifth party member.

Here's the initial skill builds for these five.

Lavi has War Heal, for out-of-battle healing mainly, 3 points in Guard Slash, 1 point in Vampire, and 1 prerequisite point in Random Disease. Nadym'll be able to provide decent setup for her.

Adan has Long Thrust for single-target damage, prerequisite (but still useful) points in Turning Tide, and 3 points in Legion Thrust for encounter-clearing.

Yukiko and Maru have 1 point in Miasma Armor for the automatic activation, 2 points in Eroding Miasma, 3 points in Paralyzing Reap, and 2 points in Toxic Reap. Just unlocking skills I want on them right now, really.

Sophian has two points in the Snipes for backup disabling, and 3 points in Rapid Fire for damage on evasion-disabled enemies.

Nadym has a little passive healing from Circle Boon, a little active healing from Dismiss Heal, a little dungeon healing from Bracing Walk, and some disables.
I beelined for Legion Thrust 5 on my Highlander, since it's stronger than Long Thrust 2 and I didn't want to put more than two points in it. What I failed to notice is that it's twice as expensive too. Thankfully, I always put her in parties that ended battles fast, but still, big mistake.

Also I did not and still have not put any points into my Harbinger's offensive skills. Their support is too good for me to ignore. But I don't imagine Yukiko can sit still for too long, so...


HQ's instructions said Base Camp should be...right over there.


Wonderful...
They appear to be somewhat of an ill omen. However, it seems your fears were unnecessary, for as you approach the base camp, the skies clear up completely.
I retract my sarcasm.


Ooh, nice camp they've got here.
What a lovely view of the sky.
Reminds me of home.
The humidity leaves something to be desired...
There, you find a row of log cabins and a small number of chickens and sheep roaming about. As you curiously inspect the camp, a soldier notices you.


All capable adventurers have already begun exploring the labyrinth we found. Interestingly enough, an adventurer from Tharsis said it looked familiar...
From what the soldier told you, it sounds as though the upcoming labyrinth is similar to one found in another part of the world.
Wait, let me guess.
The Lush Woodlands?
...You've been doing your research too, I see.
Yup. You wanna look over the labyrinth anthologies I got from some of the barflies when we're on break?
That would be appreciated.
After receiving the soldier's welcome, you thank him and decide to head to the Lush Woodlands to see it for yourselves.


Onward, teammates.



An occasional wind whistles through the flora--it feels pleasant on your skin. The labyrinth's beauty somehow radiates a certain calmness. However, you remind yourselves of the monsters and traps that have claimed countless lives here. After affirming your resolve in adventuring, you set off and begin your exploration!
And so, the adventure begins.
But Cason and the others already explored those ruins.
And so, the adventure continues.
Smooth backflip landing!
Thank you, Sophian.
...Smooth landing?
Yeah, that.


Monsters?!
You turn around to have an adventurer bump straight into you without stopping!


...Clumsy oaf.


That much is clear, indeed.
I don't recognize you--are you new here? Oh! We should introduce ourselves first, though. I'm Marco, and this is--
I'm Oliver! I bring the power and endurance to the party...
And I fight via strategy and analysis. We've formed a balanced team by utilizing strengths in different fields.
Normally, one plus one only equals two, but we're magnitudes stronger than any ol' pair of adventurers!
I can respect this sort of strong confidence.
We're still weaker than a full party of five, though.
Upon hearing Marco's exasperated remark, Oliver coughs deliberately and changes the subject by asking your names. You introduce yourselves as the Aeon Guild.
Nice to meet ya, Aeon Guild! So, what brings you here?
*sigh* Not this again... Oliver always asks the same question to all new adventurers. Are you here for the thrills, the fame, or the money?
We've all kinda got our own reasons...
For lack of a clear response, we respectfully decline to answer.
You answer that you'd rather not say why you're here. Oliver nods in comprehension.
I see--don't feel like you can just drop that on us, huh? Well, you don't have to tell us if you don't wanna.
What brings you to these dangerous locales, then?
You ask Oliver why he's adventuring.
Oh, that's easy--it's all about the Ental, baby!
Well, you're confident, I'll give you that.
Oliver laughs heartily. Marco's face looks like he's got something on his mind, but he just shakes his head and turns to you.
Quite a crass way to put it, but it's true: we're on this adventure for the money. It's also why we came to challenge the forest right away.
But, we've got some spare time to lend a helping hand to the rookie adventurers.
Right. We've already been through this forest a number of times--if you'd like, we can tag along and give you some tips. How about it?
Well...
Despite their calm dispositions, it seems the pair is concerned about you.
It's just... When I look at Adan, I feel like I've gotta help out.
Hey!
After hearing Oliver's confession and seeing Marco's kindhearted smile, you nod and ask them to accompany you in the forest. The partners return the nod and join your party for the time being.


These two don't do anything besides change the voices lines we sometimes hear. Yay.
On one hand, it's good for people new to the series that have no idea what the hell Lush Woodlands is all about, but on the other, are you two really going to watch my party die and get a game over

also, more language shenanigans: google translate jp tried to convince me that marco called oliver his husband
Google Translate isn't wrong.
google translate is a real ally
It's a heck of a coincidence, because Marco is also my husband.

Well, shit.
I don't think any of us can destroy those.
Mar?
I don't have any wood-eating miasma, sadly.
Dangit.
This might look familiar if you've played EO4.

If you haven't, I won't spoil what this wood means yet.


These grasshoppers are too big!

Grasseater

Level: 6
HP: 135STR: 25INT: 16VIT: 18WIS: 16AGI: 13LUC: 17
EXP Given: 32

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
150% 100% 150% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 150%
  • Jump Kick: Deals very heavy bash damage to one party member. Slightly slow and extremely accurate.
  • Jump Kick: Deals 140% melee STR-based bash damage to one party member. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 150%.
  • Grasseaters are likely to open with Jump Kick.
  • When Grasseaters are at 50% HP or lower, they're far more likely to use Jump Kick.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Jump Kick.
    • Else, Attack.
  • If the Grasseater's HP is at 50% or lower:
    • 80% chance to use Jump Kick.
    • Else, Attack.
  • Else:
    • 40% chance to use Jump Kick.
    • Else, Attack.
Drops:
  • Grasseater Jaw. 60% chance. Sells for 6 en.
    • Hopper Sling (+16 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 220 en.
    • Balisong (+16 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: TP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Thin Wing (Woodfly Drop 1) and 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 235 en.
    • Grasseater Shield (+7 DEF, +2 MDF): Made from 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 110 en.
  • Grasseater Leg. 50% chance. Sells for 8 en.
    • Framea (+18 ATK, +15 MAT, Skill: STR Up Level 1): Made from 1 Grasseater Leg (Grasseater Drop 2) and 1 Small Tooth (Tree Rat Drop 1). Costs 290 en.
    • Bone Armor (+11 DEF, +6 MDF): Made from 2 Ape Bones (Angry Baboon Drop 1) and 1 Grasseater Leg (Grasseater Drop 2). Costs 290 en.
Grasseaters dish out hurt. A lot of hurt. Thankfully, it's only single-target.

Hold still, Yuki...
Miasma Armor always activates automatically at the start of battles, as long as a character knows it.
remember how in eov you had to invest about 10 skill points to get that. it's free now

Yes! They exploded on the right thing this time!


You're paying attention when I do that, right?
K-Kinda?


Ah, good, I haven't gotten rusty.


Hey, Adan, you're up.
Wh--


You jerk! Don't put me in front when we're about to be hit!
How about you learn how to be hardier?


Hell yeah! Eat it, bug!


Set this variable to 2040, and...


...Failure.
Oh, right, here's a major change to how Arcanists work, for those of you coming from EO4: Circles do not immediately take effect at cast time any more. They only activate at end-of-turn now.

There's Circle Boon.

Minor note: Miasma Armor and Circles are states, not buffs.

Feed us.
There's Vampire. It takes effect when Lavi hits enemies that are afflicted with ailments, and heals her row for a percentage of her max HP, as well as a variable healing power.



How are you doin' that, anyway?
Hm? Me?
Yeah. The healin' thing just now.
Ah. It's simple, actually. As a creature is made vulnerable then hurt, it releases a force that could, in layman's terms, be described as "life energy." Using War Lore, I can simply catch it, and redirect it towards us.
S-So kind of like a vampire.
Ahahah, I suppose so. Though manipulating the life energy of a hale living being would be a much more difficult matter.
I see--
But not impossible.
...Thank you for spooking him worse than I ever managed.
You are...welcome. I suppose.



No need to think too hard about it, though. Just gather whatever you can whenever you come across 'em... And if you've got any gathering skills, you might find somethin' rare.
Let's see what nature has given us, then.


This plant is...quite pungent.
Oh, good find, Lavi! Maginian Nectars are made out of Culantro!
A lucky find on my first gather. How nice.
I'm not bitter, that's just the Culantro.
Lush Woodlands B1F D5 Take Point
Back in EO4, Culantro was only used for a fetch quest in which you gather some then deliver it to Dalla. It could also only be found in a specific gathering point. It didn't unlock anything in the store, though. That quest kind of stuck out in my mind a little bit, so the fact that they made Culantro the Nectar material makes me kinda happy.

Like in EO4, Lush Woodlands shortcuts are marked with pink flowers.

...No human weapon could've done this.
Marco picks up one of the splinters. As he does, an almost sickeningly sweet smell wafts around you.


As such, there's a large monster here that's a big fan of this sap. It's likely that all the damaged trees here are due to that monster.
As Marco explains what you found, Oliver stands beside him, nodding sagely without contributing.
It doesn't seem to be here at the moment, but we'd best tread lightly from here on.
Sure sounds like it.
You take Marco's warning to heart and resume your exploration with caution.



Man, that hair!
Weird monkey.

Angry Baboon

Level: 8
HP: 317STR: 28INT: 18VIT: 17WIS: 16AGI: 12LUC: 18
EXP Given: 80

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
150% 100% 150% 100% 150% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 150% 100%
  • Swing: Deals very heavy bash damage to one party member, with splash damage. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Baboon Dunk: Deals very heavy ranged bash damage to all party members. Attempts to inflict paralysis on hit targets, with a moderate chance. Extremely slow, with average accuracy.
  • Swing: Deals 120% melee STR-based bash damage to one party member, with splash damage. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Baboon Dunk: Deals 120% ranged STR-based bash damage to all party members. Attempts to inflict paralysis on hit targets, with a 40% base chance. Has a 10% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • If there is a Big Roller in the battle, then the Angry Baboon will try to use Baboon Dunk.
  • If there is at least one Roller in the battle, then the Angry Baboon will sometimes try to summon another Roller.
  • Angry Baboons are very likely to open with Swing.
  • When Angry Baboons are at 50% HP or lower, they become far more likely to use Swing.
  • If there is at least one Roller in the battle, there is at least one Big Roller in the battle, and no enemy is afflicted with petrification, sleep, panic, or paralysis, or stunned:
    • If all party members are paralyzed, or if a 40% chance roll is successful, then summon one Roller.
    • Else, use Baboon Dunk.
  • If there is at least one Big Roller in the battle, the party was not blindsided, no enemy is afflicted with petrification, sleep, panic, or paralysis, or stunned, and a 90% chance roll is successful, then use Baboon Dunk.
  • If there is at least one Roller in the battle, the party was not blindsided, and no enemy is afflicted with petrification, sleep, panic, or paralysis, or stunned, and a 90% chance roll is successful, then summon one Roller.
  • If this is the first turn, and the party was not blindsided:
    • 80% chance to use Swing.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If the Angry Baboon's HP is at 50% or lower:
    • 80% chance to use Swing.
    • 20% chance to Attack.
  • If the Angry Baboon's HP is at 100% or lower:
    • 40% chance to use Swing.
    • 60% chance to Attack.
Drops:
  • Ape Bone. 90% chance. Sells for 18 en.
    • Ruffian Scythe (+18 ATK, +21 MAT, Skill: AGI Up Level 1): Made from 1 Ape Bone (Angry Baboon Drop 1). Costs 220 en.
    • Bone Armor (+11 DEF, +6 MDF): Made from 2 Ape Bones (Angry Baboon Drop 1) and 1 Grasseater Leg (Grasseater Drop 2). Costs 290 en.
    • Studded Gloves (+4 DEF, +5 MDF): Made from 2 Small Tooths (Tree Rat Drop 1) and 1 Ape Bone (Angry Baboon Drop 1). Costs 130 en.
Oh, look, a monkey that's going to punch our lights out.
HE'S FINALLY HERE

ＨＥ’Ｓ　ＬＯＯＫＩＮＧ　ＦＯＲ　ＹＯＵ

'Least its skin is squishy.


Ow!


Ow...


Hm. That brew requires further refinement.


Seems like it worked to me!
Behold: the sleep damage bonus. Hit an enemy with a physical attack while they're sleeping, and the attack will deal 1.5x its normal damage.

Success.


Don't worry, we're okay!


We're not...okay...


Blech. I guess boiling Culantro does nothing to get the stench out...


Thank you for remembering to give both of us the medicine.
You're welcome.


Neener neener, monkey.

Chopped the both of you!
a scythe is just a very big curvaceous battle axe





...That growling wasn't some of your magic, right, Lavi?
I'm afraid not...



B-B-B-B-Bear!
Beyond the dust cloud, a bear monster appears, glaring furiously at you!


Hell no, we can--
Bad idea, Yuki.
...Right...
Unlike Marco, Oliver seems more optimistic about the situation.
Hey, it's no big deal--just watch where it's going and don't run into him. That's all you gotta do.
They're each giving you conflicting advice. You'll have to think carefully about what to do next.

Cutter

Level: 13
HP: 1585STR: 25INT: 3VIT: 25WIS: 17AGI: 14LUC: 22
EXP Given: 430

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
50% 50% 50% 50% 75% 50% 75%
10% 10%
50% 50% 50%
  • Terrible Roar: Deals light almighty damage to all party members. Attempts to inflict stun on hit targets, with a moderate chance. Extremely fast and extremely accurate.
  • Charge: Doubles the damage of the user's next physical attack. Slightly slow.
  • Ruinous Strike: Deals very heavy cut damage to one row of party members. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Double Slash: Deals two instances of medium cut damage to one party member. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Terrible Roar: Deals 40% ranged STR-based almighty damage to all party members. Attempts to inflict stun on hit targets, with a 30% base chance. Has a 150% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 150%.
  • Charge: Doubles the damage of the user's next physical attack. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • Ruinous Strike: Deals 150% melee STR-based cut damage to one row of party members. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Double Slash: Deals two instances of 85% melee STR-based cut damage to one party member. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Cutters always open with Terrible Roar.
  • After that, Cutters will always use Charge.
  • Cutters always use Ruinous Strike after they use Charge.
  • On the first turn where Cutters are at 40% HP or lower, they will always use Double Slash.
  • When Cutters are at 100% HP to 41% HP, they will randomly use either Charge, Terrible Roar, or normal Attacks.
  • When Cutters are at 40% HP or lower, they will randomly use either Double Slash, Charge, or Terrible Roar.
  • If this is the first turn, use Terrible Roar.
  • If Charge was used last turn, use Ruinous Strike.
  • If the Cutter's HP is at 40% or lower:
    • If Double Slash has not been used yet, use Double Slash.
    • 40% chance to use Double Slash.
    • 40% chance to use Charge.
    • 20% chance to use Terrible Roar.
  • If the Cutter's HP is at 100% to 41%:
    • If Charge has not been used yet, use Charge.
    • 40% chance to use Charge.
    • 30% chance to use Terrible Roar.
    • 30% chance to Attack.
Drops:
  • Bear Claw. 100% chance. Sells for 98 en.
    • Rare Bear (+33 ATK, +17 MAT, +20% Base Accuracy): Made from 1 Bear Claw (Cutter Drop 1). Costs 570 en.
    • Bear Boots (+5 DEF, +5 MDF, +2 STR): Made from 1 Bear Claw (Cutter Drop 1) and 1 Granite (Lush Woodlands B3F Mine Point Item 2). Costs 200 en.
  • Sliced Bear Fang (Kill with cut damage). 100% chance. Sells for 120 en.
    • Kakushu (+26 ATK, +23 MAT, Skill: Thumb Jab): Made from 1 Sliced Bear Fang (Cutter Conditional Drop). Costs 390 en.
Say hello to our first FOE, the Cutter.

FOEs (Field-On Enemy in Japan, Formido Oppugnatura Exsequens in North America, some other Latin name in Europe) are one of the defining features of Etrian Odyssey: miniboss-like enemies that walk around Labyrinth floors, much like you do. They each have their own unique behaviors, and working around them is pretty much the central conceit of Labyrinth navigation.

Or you could take them on and bypass the navigational challenge. But, uh, good luck doing that early on. The Cutter above is way, way, way beyond our capabilities. Just look at its level, geez.
Back in EOIV, these were totally possible at level 5. Haven't tried in EON yet though.
No yeah I took one of these on at level 5 or 6 and I did just fine. Took a lucky arm bind from my Clear Stance Ronin, though.

A red arrow-circle icon for an FOE means that it has aggroed on us, and generally means that it is actively pursuing us. Cutters will aggro on you if you get too close to them, and then pursue you until you leave their area.

Wait, wh--


Thanks, bear.
If a Cutter is adjacent to a tile with a wood barrier on it, it will destroy the barrier. The barrier will stay destroyed on repeat visits, by the way.

ANALYSIS: THE CUTTER IS MORE INTERESTED IN FINDING HONEY THAN IT IS HUNTING US.
Lucky us...?


A nest?


...Worthless.
The Crownlock Staff is our first disabling weapon--weapons that only have 10 ATK and 10 MAT, but which give a 20% base chance of inflicting a disable when performing normal attacks. In the Crownlock Staff's case, that disable is head binds.
these are really only worthless if you have an entire guild that covers every ailment and status in the game for conditionals and all. hexer with a gun is still my favourite eo2u meme
It's an LP meme by this point. :v

This field is...particularly pungent...
Is some sort of accessory that would block out this smell within your purview, Sophian?
I can certainly try...
Lush Woodlands B1F A4 Take Point
Wanna stock up on Culantro? This is the best place to do so.
This is where you found Culantro in EO4, by the way. The chest in that game had a Main Gauche in it, which was a million times more useful.

...How do I remember that?
I can never get Culantro from this point, to the degree that I'm actively mocked for it.

I'm not saying the 75% gathering chance sounds fake, but, you know, confirmation bias and all.
I am the biggest "takes data at face value" person in the EO community and even I have a hard time succumbing to "this shit must be lying" so you're not alone on that.

I forgot to visit the Take point that's just behind us, so here are the stats on it.
Lush Woodlands B1F B4 Take Point



...This is gonna hurt, isn't it.
Stay stalwart, Adan. We can get through this.


Oh, come on, Adan! Why...me...
Turnabout's...fair play...


Ooh, you finally finished the poison miasma that doesn't eat through my swords! Good job, Mar!
Mhm. Thank you, Yuki.


An acceptable outcome.


Cowseye!


We're on quite a roll, aren't we.
ANALYSIS: EXCEPT FOR ADAN AND ABBY.




Aw, beans...


These grasshoppers are deadlier than they have any right to be.






I ran out of Nectars, so back to town we go.
Hopper Sling (+16 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 220 en.

Ruffian Scythe (+18 ATK, +21 MAT, Skill: AGI Up Level 1): Made from 1 Ape Bone (Angry Baboon Drop 1). Costs 220 en.

Grasseater Shield (+7 DEF, +2 MDF): Made from 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 110 en.

Nectar (Revives one party member at 20 HP): Made from 1 Culantro (Lush Woodlands Take Item 3). Costs 300 en.

Theriaca α (Removes all binds from one party member): Made from 1 Forest Aloe (Lush Woodlands Take Item 1). Costs 100 en.

Theriaca ß (Removes all ailments from one party member): Made from 1 Small Flower (Lush Woodlands Take Item 2). Costs 100 en.


Motherfucker.


ANALYSIS: THIS IS A "GREAT START" TO THE DAY.
Well, color me surprised; is that sarcasm I hear?
ASSERTION: I AM NOT PROGRAMMED FOR SARCASM.
And yet...

Tree Rat

Level: 5
HP: 129STR: 24INT: 16VIT: 20WIS: 18AGI: 26LUC: 16
EXP Given: 35

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100% 150% 100% 150% 100%
100% 100%
100% 150% 100%
  • Tree Rats will only ever use normal Attacks.
  • Attack.
Drops:
  • Small Tooth. 75% chance. Sells for 7 en.
    • Framea (+18 ATK, +15 MAT, Skill: STR Up Level 1): Made from 1 Grasseater Leg (Grasseater Drop 2) and 1 Small Tooth (Tree Rat Drop 1). Costs 290 en.
    • Small Sword (+20 ATK, +20 MAT, Skill: INT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Small Tooth (Tree Rat Drop 1). Costs 260 en.
    • Studded Gloves (+4 DEF, +5 MDF): Made from 2 Small Tooths (Tree Rat Drop 1) and 1 Ape Bone (Angry Baboon Drop 1). Costs 130 en.
Tree Rats don't have any skills, but they can still take off over half of a party member's HP with a normal attack. Treat them like you would any other enemy.

The queen...is dead...
Oh yeah, they're fast, too.

Quit ganging up on us!


Initiate emergency dismissal...!
Dismiss Heal is fast, which is nice for emergencies, as you might have just inferred.

Ack, kaff, koff... Must important medicine be so foul-tasting?!


You okay, Mar?
Yep. You've gotten good at keeping me stable when reaping!
Ehehe...






Oh, for fuck's sake. I'll include the dialogue that's practically invisible below.
While exploring the forest, you sense something amiss and halt. You are staring at an abnormally tall herb--taller than any you've ever seen before. Although it appears to be merely a simple herb, you wonder if you shouldn't check it out anyway.
Certainly couldn't hurt.
Curious about the herb, you decide to do a little investigating.


You carefully approach the tall herb and notice something on the other side of it. You twist the stalk to face you and discover some long, thin, egg-like objects stuck to it...
Eugh...
But this discovery means nothing to you at the moment. You take a mental note of this place before returning to your exploration.




Woodfly

Level: 7
HP: 124STR: 19INT: 24VIT: 12WIS: 20AGI: 23LUC: 20
EXP Given: 29

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 150% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
150% 100% 100%
  • Harsh Buzz: Attempts to bind the heads of one row of party members, with a medium chance. Slightly slow.
  • Harsh Buzz: Attempts to bind the heads of one row of party members, with a 40% base chance. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • If any party members have their heads bound, Woodflies will only use normal Attacks.
  • If a Woodfly is the last enemy in the battle, it is less likely to use Harsh Buzz instead of normal Attacks.
  • Harsh Buzz is extremely likely to target the back row.
  • If all party members have their heads bound, Attack.
  • If the Woodfly is the only enemy in the battle:
    • 30% chance to use Harsh Buzz.
      • 90% chance to target the back row.
      • 10% chance to use normal tareting.
    • 70% chance to Attack.
  • If other enemies are in the battle:
    • 65% chance to use Harsh Buzz.
      • 90% chance to target the back row.
      • 10% chance to use normal tareting.
    • 35% chance to Attack.
Drops:
  • Thin Wing. 65% chance. Sells for 9 en.
    • Balisong (+16 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: TP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Thin Wing (Woodfly Drop 1) and 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 235 en.
    • Leaf Coat (+6 DEF, +11 MDF): Made from 2 Thin Wings (Woodfly Drop 1). Costs 200 en.
    • Head Guard (+100% Head Bind Resistance): Made from 3 Thin Wings (Woodfly Drop 1). Costs 800 en.
  • Shocked Bug Eye (Kill with volt damage). 100% chance. Sells for 14 en.
    • Butterfly Barrel (+24 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: Harsh Buzz): Made from 1 Shocked Bug Eye (Woodfly Conditional Drop). Costs 530 en.
Woodflies are annoying, as they basically completely shut down any class that relies on their heads, such as Medics, Sovereigns, Zodiacs, Arcanists, etc.
Is the 'harsh' in Harsh Buzz a verb or an adjective.

Has EO had a weed joke in it since the first game.

Mmghf...
As consolation, you can't smell the culantro for a bit.
...Yrrh.
I literally could not care less about Sophian having her head bound.
I guess gunner accuracy is good enough to make it negligible?
I'm pretty sure EO5 actually made head binds stop reducing accuracy, though I could be wrong.

Grr.
That, I do care about.




Nothing else happened, though.


Whoops!


This room serves as an introduction to a basic FOE evasive manuever: if you're being pursued by an FOE that only moves one tile at a time, you can juke them by walking around a square-shaped obstacle.

Oh yeah, I didn't bring this up, but this floor is an exact copy of EO4's B1F. A little lazy, if you ask me. Thankfully, this only happens one other time in EON.
It works for nostalgia points, and that it only does it once is good. That said, it's not *quite* exact--there was an event in the tile you found that weird herb, with a box that adventurers share items through. That one's still in, though--it's at... Either D3 or E3, depending on which corner of that room it's in. Eh, we'll see it later.
As you imagine what could be waiting below, you hear the sound of panicked footsteps.


In response to Oliver's call, a bloody guard emerges from the stairs.
Thank goodness! Oh, it's hell down there...
The guard breathes a small sigh of relief at the sight of your party, then passes out.


Marco's tone is distressingly serious as he checks out the soldier's condition and decides to shoulder the unconscious guard.
Aeon Guild, we're taking him back to the base camp. You look like you've gotten the hang of things. You'll be fine exploring without us now.
Well, you didn't even do anything, so.
Oliver gives Marco a confident nod.
Okay, time for us to head back with this fella. If you're goin' any deeper, make sure you're well-prepped.
The monsters below are even tougher than the ones here... If it's too much for you, get out, as quickly as possible, all right?
Oliver and Marco carry the guard out of the area. You can either continue down the stairs or check on what's happening at the base camp.


I'm up to press on if you all are!
I-I guess.
Yep!
I don't see why not.
Onwards, then!


ANALYSIS: THERE IS GROWLING, MOST LIKELY GROWLING FROM A BEAR, EMANATING FROM BEHIND THAT BARRIER.
Let's go around, then.
Walking in front of that wood will cause a Cutter to aggro on you.

The solution: walk around it.

Same with this one.

...Maybe I should bring a pickaxe next time.
Lush Woodlands B2F E3 Mine Point


Well met... Ah, pardon me, what's your name?
One of them introduces themselves as Smith IV. They advise you to be wary of the monsters that roam these woods.
Sage advice, if a bit late.
The adventurer introduces their party as the Raiders Guild. In honor of your meeting, they gift you a bottle of medicine.


Thank you!
After wishing you luck, the Raiders Guild takes their leave.
That guild brought to you by OgretailFood.

Want a chance for your guild to show up in the LP? Drop in the EO LP server and send me your guild card. (NA region only, sadly.)





I decide to have Lavi grab a value point in Displace, so she can have access to a combined Theriaca α and Theriaca ß.
for the low, low, not so low price of 7TP, alleviate your festering wounds and disabled tendons without any side effects!

Yukiko and Maru level up Miasma Armor to level 2, so they can start learning Endless Shroud and Atonement.

Nadym now restores 3 HP to everyone with every three steps we take in the Labyrinth, effectively 1 HP per tile.

I'm sure nothing can go wrong with this.


See? Nothing wrong.
I don't know why this bear is here, honestly.


ANALYSIS: THAT PLANT IS VERY HUNGRY.
Yes, thank you, Magna-Calcula, that's very helpful.

Fanged Vine

Level: 10
HP: 228STR: 26INT: 22VIT: 20WIS: 14AGI: 12LUC: 23
EXP Given: 75

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 100%
  • Rising Bile: Increases the user's attack by 50% for 4 turns. Slightly slow.
  • Rising Bile: Increases the user's attack by 50% for 4 turns. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • Fanged Vines will always use Rising Bile as their first action.
  • After that, they will always use normal Attacks.
  • If Rising Bile has not been used yet, use Rising Bile.
  • Attack.
Drops:
  • Thorny Vine. 80% chance. Sells for 13 en.
    • Amood Staff (+25 ATK, +18 MAT, -2% Base Accuracy, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Thorny Vine (Fanged Vine Drop 1). Costs 310 en.
    • Hakenbuechse (+21 ATK, +15 MAT, Skill: VIT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Granite (Lush Woodlands B3F Mine Point Item 2) and 1 Thorny Vine (Fanged Vine Drop 1). Costs 320 en.
    • Chain Greaves (+4 DEF, +7 MDF): Made from 1 Thorny Vine (Fanged Vine Drop 1) and 1 Slate (Lush Woodlands B3F Mine Point Item 1). Costs 110 en.
Fanged Vines hit hard, but they always give you a free turn before they do so.

Am I supposed to say something else about them?
A Harbinger with Stifling Miasma trivializes these things. Not that there's much threat to trivialize. I'm pretty sure even a Survivalist can take it out in two or three shots with Flame Arrow.

Oh. So that's how it is...
dammit lavi don't make me look like a dunce

That's what you get!







Minor levels!



I went back to town to revive Lavi, and got these.


Scramasax (+21 ATK, +17 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Slate (Lush Woodlands Mine Item 1). Costs 290 en.

Amood Staff (+25 ATK, +18 MAT, -2% Base Accuracy, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Thorny Vine (Fanged Vine Drop 1). Costs 310 en.

Framea (+18 ATK, +15 MAT, Skill: STR Up Level 1): Made from 1 Grasseater Leg (Grasseater Drop 2) and 1 Small Tooth (Tree Rat Drop 1). Costs 290 en.

Balisong (+16 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: TP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Thin Wing (Woodfly Drop 1) and 1 Grasseater Jaw (Grasseater Drop 1). Costs 235 en.

Small Sword (+20 ATK, +20 MAT, Skill: INT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Small Tooth (Tree Rat Drop 1). Costs 260 en.

Leaf Coat (+6 DEF, +11 MDF): Made from 2 Thin Wings (Woodfly Drop 1). Costs 200 en.

Studded Gloves (+4 DEF, +5 MDF): Made from 2 Small Tooths (Tree Rat Drop 1) and 1 Ape Bone (Angry Baboon Drop 1). Costs 130 en.

Chain Greaves (+4 DEF, +7 MDF): Made from 1 Thorny Vine (Fanged Vine Drop 1) and 1 Slate (Lush Woodlands Mine Item 1). Costs 110 en.

Head Guard (+100% Head Bind Resistance): Made from 3 Thin Wings (Woodfly Drop 1). Costs 800 en.

Oh, right, I never took the B1F quests. Well, better late than never.

A Need for Nectar:
Oh, you guys gonna take on that request? Man, you guys work hard! You sure you won't be too tired?
Yeah.
Really? You're brimming with energy, then! If only you could sell that energy of yours. You'd make a fortune!
...
Dahaha! I'm just kiddin'!
Back to that request, though. It was made by your favorite abacus-toting merchant: the lovely Miss Napier! She specifically told me she wanted your group to handle this one. Oh, what I wouldn't give to be you right now! Go talk to her at Napier's Firm to get the details. Who knows, maybe she's gonna ask you on a date?
I doubt it.
Not interested.
...Wow, uh... So, what level of serendipity was that?
Ooh, while you're there, could you ask her to forgive the debt I owe her?
No. Apologies, Kvasir.
Dahaha! I'm just kiddin'! Anyway, go off and do your thing!
Herbal Remedy:
My, you sure do love to work, don't you? Running low on cash? None of my business, you say? Dahaha!
Kvasir.
This request wants you to bring back a certain herb. This herb can be infused into a special salve that can straighten out a hunched back overnight! The elderly are buying it in droves. Hell, even the teens are getting into it!
You're joking, right?
Hey, now, why so suspicious?
'Cause you're suspicious, and that sounds suspicious. It's a cascade of suspicious.
...Huh? That sounds suspicious? Dahaha! I suppose it does!
Anyway, all jokes aside, the herb really can be made into medicine. You can trust me on that! Have you guys ever seen a Woodfly? They're a type of monster you usually spot in the Lush Woodlands, and they lay their eggs on a patch of the herbs we're looking for. If you find a nest of Woodfly eggs, you'll find the herb. You can tell a Woodfly's eggs by their long, thin shape, so keep that in mind.
Water, Water, Somewhere?:
Let's see here. This request comes directly from HQ. It's open to adventurers who are exploring the labyrinths. We've arrived at Yggdrasil, but we haven't yet established a means of living here. If we're to survive, we'll need to prioritize the basics and secure ourselves a good source of water. I wonder what would happen to this tavern if we didn't have food or water. Bet I could slack off all I wanted! If only!
Yes, you'd be able to slack off while we all starve.
Dahaha! I'm just kiddin'!
HQ has already found a few sources, but it wouldn't hurt to have more. So, HQ wants you to find a source of water in the Lush Woodlands. It has to be drinkable water, of course. If you happen upon any, bring back a sample. They'll examine the sample and determine if they can utilize that particular source. Right then, find some good drinking water out in the Lush Woodlands. We're counting on you!
Monkey Trouble:
Looking at that request? A newbie adventurer wants you to slay some monsters for them.
Have you seen a wooden box on B1F of the Lush Woodlands? Apparently that box contains items that a veteran gifted to the newbie. Of course, I haven't seen it myself! Unfortunately, some Angry Baboons got their hands on it, and they're hell-bent on opening it. Why don't they take care of it themselves?
Well, if they could, then they wouldn't be a newbie, now would they? Dahaha!
There you have it. They'd like you to go and take care of those monsters. The box is located here.


It shouldn't be too difficult if you've fought one of those Baboons before, but keep your guard up just in case. 'Cause I certainly couldn't come rescue you!
I wouldn't want you to, anyway...


Yes?
Agh, I can't believe it! I completely forgot! I already had the Nectar ingredients, but I completely forgot to rescind my request. What a mortifying slip-up...
I mean, that's how it be sometimes.
Well, I'm a merchant, and merchants must keep their promises. You can retrieve your reward from Kvasir... Bah, sorry to make you go through all that trouble.
It's no trouble, honestly.








Oh, did you know that Miss Napier's from a place called Armoroad? It's also called the ocean city!
I've been there.
Something tells me the place is a lot different in your time compared to now.
Oh, yeah, probably.
Wait, "your time?"
I'm from... I think about 450 years after Ashley and Cason's time?
Woah.
Adventurers come to Maginia from all around, but there aren't very many who hail from the ocean city. Hey, you guys should be her friends!
I can't say I would mind that. She's probably very interesting to--
Then you could get her to write off what I owe her! Wouldn't that be great!
...Kvasir...
Whoops, that was close. I almost forgot to give you your reward! Here you are.


Saves me 900 en.





Bar patrons! There's a few of them this time.

Man Counting Money:
Mmm, there's no sound sweeter than the heavy jingle of a full coin purse! Oh, who might you be? Are you adventurers?
Astute observation.
What a coincidence--I am as well. Ah, gathering sure is great! I found this one area and I go back there every day--I'm making bank off of this place! Take! Chop! Mine! You know about that stuff, right? If you see any spots that allow for that, make full use of them!
He's right, you know. Always drop by gather points whenever you can.
Ever since EOIV, parties specifically for gathering have been pretty redundant, there's no reason not to take gathering skills when they're only 1SP.
Man in Full-Body Cast:
Dammit! I came here to drink, but I'm stuck using a straw! Next time... Next time I'll outrun that black bear for sure! If I can just figure out how to give it the slip when it starts chasing me, there'll be nothing to fear. No... Wait. If I really want to take my revenge, I can't just run away. That's it! That bear is going down!
Hey, it's your funeral, dude.
Yukiko's right.
Exhausted Imperial:
Hey, you there. Do you know what's the most dangerous part about going into the labyrinths?
ANALYSIS: FORGETTING TO BRING AN ARIADNE THREAD.
The monsters? Nope. The mazelike structure? Wrong again.
That's not what Magna-Calcula said.
The most dangerous part of any labyrinth is yourself. Don't get overconfident just because things seem to be going your way... In other words, be sure to double-check that you have an Ariadne Thread before heading out. *sigh* That was nothing short of a near-death experience...
Curly-Haired Sovereign:
Do you know about the bears in the Lush Woodlands? Whenever they get in front of those trees that block the pathways, they're guaranteed to attack them. If you're having trouble moving around, just get the bears to clear the trees out for you.
Battle-Weary Explorer:
Oww, I screwed up again. Look at this wound!
Huh-- Oh, gross, dude, don't just show us that.
Please bandage that, for your own good.
I'm Gauzeby. You probably guessed as much, but I'm an explorer...and a routine victim. Those monsters out there are seriously no joke! Gather as much intel on monsters as you can before you head out. It'll keep you from being caught off guard in the heat of battle.
Talking to Gauzeby that first time opens new dialogue.

Gauzeby the Explorer:
Damn that monkey! I sure didn't see THAT coming... Hey, if you ever run into an Angry Baboon and a Roller at the same time, you better stay sharp. Those guys'll unleash some nasty team attacks on you! Be really careful when you fight them.



I, uh, forgot to talk to the townspeople. But let's pretend I did.
Ohhh, hey, Aeon Guild. Listen to this idea I just came up with... If I drew eyes on my eyelids, would anyone be able to tell I was asleep?
That would be incredibly obvi-- Mgrph?!
That's a really good idea! Nadym, please consider: it'll be really funny.
But... Oh, very well.
Awesome! I'm gonna test it right away!


Ah, it's you! I heard about that vicious bear! Those claws of theirs are quite terrifying. You should purchase some more expensive armor to protect yourselves.
That is...quite a bad sales pitch, to be honest.
What? No, of course this isn't about money... Your lives are on the line here. How are you supposed to showcase your combat prowess without the proper gear to protect you?


Hey, good to see you, Aeon Guild. So, where did you all live before coming to Maginia?
Fffffffuckin' way too many places to list.
Too many times to list, too.
I was a bit of a drifter myself before I settled down in Maginia. It didn't work out too well for me. I was banned from every country I visited! Maybe it was because my good looks were downright criminal! Dahaha!
Yes, yes, that's a good joke, Kvasir.
...I'm not lying about being banned, though. Is stripping naked really that bad?
...Yuki, let's get out of here. Now.
Yeah uh let's do that.


Here's something I tell all new adventurers: "Know when to quit." Have you met Oliver and Marco yet? They may not seem terribly reliable, but they are both very experienced adventurers. They understand when to press forward and when to retreat. Try to follow their example as you commence your expeditionary career.


While I believe it's never good to solely rely on others for intel, Tharsis has proven a wellspring of information... From what I've gathered, Tharsis is home to many dreadful monsters. There's one in particular known as the Bounding Beast. It's quite skilled with its fists and has given many adventurers trouble. It hasn't been sighted here yet, but exercise extreme caution if you ever do encounter one.
No. No! I thought I was free of the damn kangaroos!

Well, anyway... That wasn't the end of my footage, but man this update is long, so I'm gonna cut this off here. Next time: more of this party.
no one will ever be free of the kangaroos










Ah, miss Protagonist! I am glad you came!
Please, it's Ashley. I'm surprised you actually followed up on that throwaway comment about teaching you the Miracle Edge. I cleared my schedule a bit for you.
That somebody so important would make time in their day for me, I shan't lie, is very flattering.
Just, uh... What's this?



Tea?
No, yeah, obviously. But, like...
Mandrake tea, specifically. It is a medicinal drink I managed to acquire a while ago, for the nerves. Tastes of heaven, too.
Okay, let me correct myself. Why?
Why the tea and food, you mean...?
Yeah. Wasn't this meant to be just... A small lesson?
True. But I thought we might use this opportunity to become better acquainted!

Oh.
Er, is this unsatisfactory?
No, it's just... Uh...
If I am a poor host, you will not hurt my feelings by saying it.
No, Kyoko, this is great, what you did. Preparing this much and being so welcoming, anyone would be thrilled. I'm just...



Sorry, you... You did all this for me and I'm just griping and stalling. I'm sorry.
You've nothing to apologise for, Ashley. If anything, I should apologise, for putting you through this wringer.
No, not at all. I should've worked past this weird hitch a long time ago, I'm still just a humongous wallflower, it's my bad.
We may need to stop now before we are caught in some form of apology loop!
Oops, eheh... I think I need some of that tea now.
Please, help yourself. Out of curiosity, how did you learn swordplay?
Oh, well... My parents are pretty skilled, but...

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