Update 8: Descending Bear



So, uh... You hear about that phantom thief that's been going around town, Edel?
I can't say that I have.
Diiiiiiiiiiiid I hear someone talking about a phantom thief?
...Yes. Yes you did. I was talking about a phantom thief.
Which one?
There's...multiple?
No, just the one.
What's their name?
Why the hell are you so curious?
What, can't a person be curious about suave, stylish thieves?
An entirely valid curiosity.
...Anyway, uh... Shit, I forgot, not now, not in front of Edel-- Oh, right, Cowboy.
What.
Right, yeah, that was it. Themes himself after some old world movies-- Wait-- No, yeah, Nadym and Aina called them that.
WHAT.
Yeah, that sounds really dumb, right? The prick's no joke, though. Sticks up whatever poor people happen across him and leaves them penniless. Apparently he's got a gun, too.
How cruel...
You... You haven't heard of Windfish?
Who the hell is that?
...No-one. I gotta go.









Swear to the gods, I dunno what their deal is sometimes.
A ninja must keep their secrets, I suppose.
R-Right.
The thought of being robbed walking around the city at night... It makes me shiver with fright.
Oh, uh, if you ever go out at night and want a bodyguard, I'm your man. Shadow's pretty good at scaring off thieves.
I imagine he would be! I'll take you up on that gracious offer, then, Sir Cason.



The hunt for the Bloodbear commences!
That floor subtitle isn't ominous! Not at all!

So what the hell are we looking for?
According to Runa's notes...a red-furred bear.
As you contemplate which way to go, you notice a trail of blood leading down one of the paths.
Well, um. Guess we know where to go now...
Perhaps the beast that Oliver and Marco fought is near... Just as the thought crosses your mind--
Everyone--!
A beast charges you head-on!


Gah!







Loud loud loud too loud!
Hm. The monsters here are craftier than I expected.
How the hell did we even miss this thing?! It's way bigger than a Bloodbear shoulda been!
i'm just imagining those cartoons where a comically huge beast in the bushes making rustling noises goes almost completely unnoticed save for a few "hmm? what's that?"'s

Berserker King

Level: 10
HP: 4067STR: 29INT: 26VIT: 17WIS: 13AGI: 15LUC: 14
EXP Given: 1350

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

Disable Vulnerabilities:
75% 50% 50% 50% 75% 50% 50%
0% 10%
50% 50% 50%
  • Ruinous Strike: Deals medium-high cut damage to one row of party members. Slightly slow, and very accurate.
  • Arm Breaker: Deals heavy bash damage to one party member. Attempts to bind the arms of a target, with an extremely high chance. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Rock Crusher: Deals medium bash damage to one party member, with splash damage. Attempts to inflict blind on hit targets, with a moderately low chance. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Stunning Roar: Deals medium almighty damage to all party members. Attempts to stun hit targets, with a moderate chance. Extremely fast, with average accuracy.
  • Berserker Rage: Deals overkill cut damage to 3-5 random party members. Slow, with average accuracy.
  • Berserk: Increases the user's attack by 185% for 4 turns. Slightly slow.
  • Ruinous Strike: Deals 120% melee STR-based cut damage to one row of party members. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 120%.
  • Arm Breaker: Deals 140% melee STR-based bash damage to one party member. Attempts to bind the arms of a target, with an 80% base chance. Has a 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Rock Crusher: Deals 100% melee STR-based bash damage to one party member, with splash damage. Attempts to inflict blind on hit targets, with a 25% base chance. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Stunning Roar: Deals 100% melee INT-based almighty damage to all party members. Attempts to stun hit targets, with a 30% base chance. Has a 170% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Berserker Rage: Deals 210% melee STR-based cut damage to 3-5 random party members. Has a 70% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Berserk: Increases the user's attack by 185% for 4 turns. Has an 80% speed modifier.
  • Berserker King always opens with Stunning Roar.
  • Berserker King will always Attack when it has the Berserk buff.
  • Berserker King, when it's above 25% HP, will queue Berserker Rage two turns after it last uses it.
    • When it's below 25% HP, it has a 20% chance to use it three turns after last use, and will use it seven turns after last use.
  • Besides all of that, Berserker King's phases are as such, in order of likelihood:
    • Phase 1 (100% to 91% HP): Ruinous Strike, Attack, Stunning Roar.
    • Phase 2 (90% to 76% HP): Use Berserker Rage if it hasn't already been used. Besides that, Ruinous Strike, Attack, and Stunning Roar.
    • Phase 3 (75% to 51% HP): Use Berserker Rage and Arm Breaker if they haven't already been used. Besides that, Arm Breaker, Ruinous Strike, Stunning Roar, Attack.
    • Phase 4 (50% to 26% HP): Use Berserker Rage, Arm Breaker, and Rock Crusher if they haven't already been used. besides that, Rock Crusher, Arm Breaker, Stunning Roar, Ruinous Strike, Attack.
    • Phase 5 (25% HP to death): Use Berserker Rage, Arm Breaker, and Rock Crusher if they haven't already been used. Chance to use Berserk, independent of the other acetions. Besides that, Rock Crusher, Ruinous Strike, Arm Breaker, Stunning Roar, Attack.
  • If Berserker Rage is queued up, use Berserker Rage, and disable use of Berserker Rage.
  • If the Berserker King has the Berserk buff, Attack.
  • If this is the first turn, use Stunning Roar.
  • If the Berserker King is at 25% HP or lower:
    • If Berserker Rage's timer is at 3 turns or higher, Berserker Rage is enabled, and Berserker Rage has already been used, 20% chance to queue up Berserker Rage.
    • If Berserker Rage's timer is at 7 turns or higher, Berserker Rage is enabled, and Berserker Rage has already been used, queue up Berserker Rage.
    • If Berserker Rage is disabled, 30% chance to use Berserk, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • If Berserker Rage has not been used yet, queue up Berseker Rage, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • If Arm Breaker has not been used yet, use Arm Breaker, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • If Rock Crusher has not been used yet, use Rock Crusher, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • 30% chance to use Rock Crusher.
    • 20% chance to use Arm Breaker.
    • 30% chance to use Ruinous Strike.
    • 15% chance to use Stunning Roar.
    • 5% chance to Attack.
  • If Berserker Rage's timer is at 2 turns or higher, and Berserker Rage has already been used, queue up Berserker Rage.
  • If Berserker Rage is not enabled, use Berserk, and enable Berserker Rage.
  • If the Berserker King is at 50% to 26% HP:
    • If Berserker Rage has not been used yet, queue up Berserker Rage.
    • If Arm Breaker has not been used yet, use Arm Breaker, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • If Rock Crusher has not been used yet, use Rock Crusher, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • 40% chance to use Rock Crusher.
    • 30% chance to use Arm Breaker.
    • 10% chance to use Ruinous Strike.
    • 15% chance to use Stunning Roar.
    • 5% chance to Attack.
  • If the Berserker King is at 75% to 51% HP:
    • If Berserker Rage has not been used yet, queue up Berserker Rage.
    • If Arm Breaker has not been used yet, use Arm Breaker, and enable Berserker Rage.
    • 40% chance to use Arm Breaker.
    • 35% chance to use Ruinous Strike.
    • 15% chance to use Stunning Roar.
    • 10% chance to Attack.
  • If the Berserker King is at 90% to 76% HP:
    • If Berserker Rage has not been used yet, queue up Berserker Rage.
    • 60% chance to use Ruinous Strike.
    • 30% chance to Attack.
    • 10% chance to use Stunning Roar.
  • If the Berserker King is at 100% to 91% HP:
    • 50% chance to use Ruinous Strike.
    • 40% chance to Attack.
    • 10% chance to use Stunning Roar.
Drops:
  • Berserker Claw. 100% chance. Sells for 240 en.
    • Dangosashi (+36 ATK, +24 MAT, Skill: Claw Sever): Made from 1 Berserker Claw (Berserker King Drop 1). Costs 650 en.
Surprise! Our first boss fight is an ambush!

Berserker King was the 1st Maze boss in EO4, and functioned similarly to how it does in this game as it did in that game. The primary differences are that Berserker Rage has a far shorter wind-up time, and can't be disabled by dealing enough damage, so your only choices are either inflicting disables on the Berserker King, or Defending, if you don't want your party to become smears on the floor. Oh, and he has a buff that forces him to do normal attacks, but makes them deal 285% damage. Purge that if you can.
Drop bear here actually caught me so unawares the first time that I actually shouted. Out loud. Good times.
I LOVE THIS EVENT
I love how the game uses the identical first floor and Small Orchard and the identical guard event and the fruit events to throw you off-guard

and I love how it leads you into a sense of false security by pumping you up

and I LOVE-
Is it possible to get completely wiped first turn if you're underlevelled? The short answer is yes

Cason's best damage is Mirage Sword right now.
Technically Frigid Slash and Wide Bravery would do more damage up-front, but they're a lot more expensive and are much less likely to spawn an afterimage, plus this formation forces Shadow into the back row. Mirage Sword is very much a gain.
Helps to remember Mirage Sword is ranged for this very purpose.

Because we got blindsided, Kyoko didn't get the automatic Stance activation, so she has to use Charging Thrust to set up Clear Stance.

Amatsu reduces Berserker King's defense.

Sophian makes sure she won't miss.

And Edel buffs up everyone's damage.

Do those truly help when we're in broad daylight?
It scares the hecking out of lazy rich people and makes most of them freeze. Maybe it'll do the same to this bear.




Oh, uh. Don't worry, I'm not. Gonna, like. Try to depose you. Or something.
You didn't seem like you would, haha.
Just, uh. Little bittid of advice, run the heck away when the revolution comes to wherever you come from.
I have a plan for that, don't worry.


Forward!


Crunch.


...Shadow? Hello?
The 7 HP heal is Encourage in action.

Now then, where was I?


Yep. I don't like that.


I have Kyoko turn on Musou so that she has a better chance of binding the Berserker King's arms.

Amatsu turns on Diversion Gambit in case Berserker Rage happens.

It wouldn't help, but it'd give me a chance at recovery.

Sophian begins spamming Rapid Fire.

And Edel provides a very minor defense buff.

Dammit. Stupid bear feet.


Steady, steady...


Marvelous!
Yes! I'm safe.

Also, Kyoko does, uh, lots of damage.


Took you long enough.


Furious. Fettered. Futile.


Now that Shadow spawned, Cason turns on Brave Heart.

Kyoko switches to Air Blade now that she got the arm bind off.

And since Edel doesn't need to cast any more buffs, he amps up the effect of Attack Order on everyone.

Be inspired, and press on!


'Kay, just hold still, and wait for Sophie to pelt you to death.


Slash!



Is he...supposed to hit that hard?
If I give him enough of my energy, I guess.


...I think we pissed it off.


Eh, whatevs, we've almost won.

Might as well!

Farewell.


Sophian, if you please.


...Oh, whoops. Didn't amp that beam enough.


Doesn't matter.



Phew...
We should expect more of monsters from here on out.
Agreed. That thing was rude. Next time a monster tries that, it's gonna get a big helping of Dark--
Aren't monsters always rude?
Well, yeah, but-- Oh, you know what I mean.



In an instant, a heated wind blows through the forest, and a volley of burning shards pierce the monster's hide, unleashing a spray of blood. Swords, spears, arrows, spells... All proved useless against the mighty beast. Invincible though it may have seemed, a final strike from Cason brings it to its end! The beast convulses before it comes crashing down. You sigh with relief at the sight of your fallen foe. It appears you've slain the ruler of this labyrinth! That should complete the mission! You should check in on Oliver and Marco before heading back to the city. They said they'd rendezvous with the soldier on B2F. No doubt they'll be delighted to hear you've slain the beast. With that, you make your way back, a slight spring in your step.
I'm sure nothing's gonna go wrong.


You unexpectedly find the Berserker King!
Fuckin'. Dammit.
i repeat: i love this




Put those three down or so help me you're gonna get a bunch more bullets in your fur and maybe an extra helping of lasers.
You can't abandon them like this! You draw your weapons and prepare for battle! The Berserker King growls and begins creeping toward you, when suddenly--






You turn to find none other than Wiglaf, sword in hand.
'Sides them? Not really.


After eyeing you and Wiglaf, the monster escapes back down to B3F with surprising speed.
Get back here, dammit!


Tch. Dammit.


Wiglaf lets out a cry of great concern as she runs over to help. They're seriously injured but still breathing!
I came to help, so what do you say we get them back to the camp?
Absolutely.
Wiglaf herself offers the soldier her hand and helps him over her shoulder. You nod in agreement, help Oliver and Marco to their feet, and begin walking them back to the camp...
Okay, Marco, just sling your arm around here...
Steady now, Oliver.


Wiglaf doesn't do anything in battle, but she does give us a passive instance of Excavation. I don't know what level it is, but it's decently high.
She also has Chop, I think.
wiglaf also provides a passive morale boost to my heart
my prayers for guest dancer party member went unanswered


Wiglaf explains the situation as a team of medics tends to your wounded allies.


Aeon Guild, if you plan on going deeper into the forest, then I'd like to join you. These may not be the same Lush Woodlands from back home...but I know I can help.
I mean, if you want.
We're quite capable of taking care of ourselves, but we'd be foolish to refuse help.
She tells you she's going on ahead then leaves with a smile. You can either follow her now or return to town and prepare first.



Dangosashi (+36 ATK, +24 MAT, Skill: Claw Sever): Made from 1 Berserker Claw (Berserker King Drop 1). Costs 650 en.
Claw Sever: Costs 5 TP. Deals 200% melee STR-based cut damage to one enemy. Reduces the target's physical attack by 10% for 4 turns. Has a 70% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 97%.

The debuff's kinda negligible, but that's quite a lot of damage for very cheap.

For Shoguns.

If you're using a Ronin, you have way better options for dealing over 200% damage that don't cost much more.
Mmm... Echoing Slash is more than Claw Sever for cheaper, and it can be enchanted. Claw Sever is really good, if you're using a non-dual wielding Shogun.

Even so, I grab it for Kyoko, since look at that ATK boost.


The hunt recommences!



Oh, that's a big boy.
He's too big to be shaped like a friend...
Shaped like a wh-- Never mind.
It's the shape of a friend, not the size of a friend, Sophie!

Big Roller

Level: 13
HP: 250STR: 25INT: 21VIT: 20WIS: 18AGI: 9LUC: 26
EXP Given: 157

Damage Vulnerabilities:
50% 50% 100%
150% 150% 150%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
150% 150% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100% 150%
  • Paralysis Roll: Deals heavy bash damage that pierces party rows. Attempts to inflict paralysis on hit targets, with a moderate chance. Slightly slow, and very accuratee.
  • Paralysis Roll: Deals 130% melee STR-based bash damage that pierces party rows. Attempts to inflict paralysis on hit targets, with a 30% base chance. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 110%.
  • Big Rollers will always use Paralysis Roll as their first action.
  • After that, they will always Attack.
  • If Paralysis Roll has not been used yet, use Paralysis Roll.
  • Attack.
Drops:
  • Big Shell. 90% chance. Sells for 22 en.
    • Claude (+23 ATK, +10 MAT, Skill: AGI Up Level 1): Made from 2 Big Shells (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 340 en.
    • Targe (+9 DEF, +3 MDF): Made from 2 Bent Twigs (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 1) and 1 Big Shell (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 190 en.
    • Stun Gas (Attempts to inflict paralysis on all enemies; 40% base chance, 80% speed modifier): Made from 1 Big Shell (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 250 en.
  • Armor Tail. 90% chance. Sells for 24 en.
    • Pallasch (+23 ATK, +23 MAT, Skill: VIT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Armor Tail (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 440 en.
    • Ring Mail (+14 DEF, +8 MDF): Made from 2 Armor Tails (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 470 en.
    • Giant Ball Necklace (+100% Paralysis Resistance): Made from 2 Armor Tails (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 500 en.
Big Rollers hurt. A lot. Also they have paralysis, which sucks. They can also cooperate with Baboons, but I don't actually run into any encounters that have both of them, which is odd.
This is that 'second stratum mode' kicking in: a bulky monster with a strong, line-piercing attack that inflicts a status ailment, and can cooperate with another monster to ruin your day.
you don't have an elemental sweeper? rip you i guess

Hold still, big guy, we won't be long.


I know butterflies are fragile, but jeez.


Womp.

Oh, I didn't mention it, but I leveled up Royal Veil on Edel. It's a pretty meaty heal, especially early on.
dunno about you guys but i had snow solo heal a good chunk of the game with royal veil + reinforce. sovereign regen is good

Various ice noises.
Oh.
What?
I...expected attempts at ice noises. I don't quite know why, honestly.
I-I'll keep it in mind.
*clink clink* ?





Wiglaf also has Chop.
Lush Woodlands B3F A4 Chop Point



A diurnal owl...

Ghost Owl

Level: 12
HP: 163STR: 20INT: 25VIT: 14WIS: 24AGI: 21LUC: 16
EXP Given: 63

Damage Vulnerabilities:
100% 150% 100%
50% 50% 50%

Disable Vulnerabilities:
100% 100% 100% 100% 150% 100% 100%
100% 100%
150% 100% 100%
  • Thunder Strike: Deals heavy volt damage to one party member. Slightly slow, with average accuracy.
  • Thunder Strike: Deals 120% ranged INT-based volt damage to one party member. Has an 80% speed modifier and a base accuracy of 99%.
  • Ghost Owls are far more likely to use Thunder Strike than normal Attacks.
  • 80% chance to use Thunder Strike.
  • 20% chance to Attack.
Drops:
  • Huge Tail Feather. 75% chance. Sells for 16 en.
    • Strix (+20 ATK, +24 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Huge Tail Feather (Ghost Owl Drop 1) and 1 Sturdy Timber (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 2). Costs 360 en.
    • Glaucus Spear (+24 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: LUC Up Level 1): Made from 2 Huge Tail Feathers (Ghost Owl Drop 1). Costs 500 en.
    • Feather Coat (+8 DEF, +14 MDF): Made from 3 Huge Tail Feathers (Ghost Owl Drop 1). Costs 330 en.
  • Bound Beak (Kill while head bound). 100% chance. Sells for 35 en.
    • Owl Staff (+16 ATK, +28 MAT, Skill: Volt Strike): Made from 1 Bound Beak (Ghost Owl Conditional Drop). Costs 520 en.
Ghost Owls deal heavy volt damage. That's it.
These things are really dangerous to any Pugilists you may have. Their high HP makes them draw a lot of aggro, but their WIS is so low that this'll probably one-shot them.

Ninpo: Daggers is decent for random encounter crowd control, even if the damage kinda sucks.

Sophian can easily snipe Ghost Owls, which is nice.

Bang?






Look down there...
Kyoko points to a small pond up ahead--apparently, they've spied something in it! You squint your eyes and see that there is indeed something floating in the pond. It appears to be some kind of moss, somehow formed into a mesmerizingly perfect sphere. Despite its strange appeal, you have no need for it at this moment... You leave the mossy sphere where it is and resume exploring the forest.
That much attention being called towards the sphere definitely means it's gonna be relevant to a quest soon.
surrender yourself to ORB
Now that's shaped like a friend

You peer through the branches overhead and spot several large, round fruits growing well out of reach. You consider whether or not it would be worth sending someone up there to pick them. Maybe there's someone in your party who's confident in their climbing skills...


Lemme handle this.
You can choose who climbs up the tree.
Amatsu steps forward, limbers up their body with some stretches, then nimbly scales the tree. In the blink of an eye, they reach the upper branches and pick the ripe fruit with ease. After grabbing enough for the whole group, Amatsu swiftly shimmies down the tree and returns to the ground. After taking a breather, Amatsu hands out the sweet-smelling fruits to your party, and you all stuff them into your mouths.
Dig in!
The succulent juices burst from the sweet flesh, obliterating every last bit of your fatigue.


If you choose a high-AGI class, the entire party regains 30 TP. If you choose anyone else, only the chosen party member recovers 30 TP.
Were they good? I bet all that effort made them taste even better.
You'd bet right.
After enjoying your hard-earned snack, you resume exploring the green forest with pep in your step.






What a strange door.
Hnnnnrrrrggghhhh...! Pah. My apologies, but I cannot pry it open.
The door before you is sealed shut by some mysterious power. You try to open it, to no avail... Perhaps some sort of key is necessary to gain entry...


Mid-floor shortcut.

I hear suspiciously bear-like noises behind us...


Lush Woodlands B3F F5 Chop Point


Run!




Now is not the time, Wiglaf!


Whoops. Don't move too far away from the wood, or the bear won't break it.

There we go!

I can feel the years dropping off my-- Wait.
Huh?
Didn't the others, like. Kill one of these?
Yes?
...Why are we scared of this bear?
Um.


Eh, I'unno.
...What?
Talking to Sophian.
She posed that question at least two minutes ago...


Ugh, godsdammit, not again.
You turn towards the direction of the scream to see an adventurer and a fallen monster. The adventurer is breathing heavily, their weapon still raised. You assume that they just finished fighting the monster. As they catch their breath and put away their weapon, they notice you. They give a courteous nod and an introduction as Falco.


UM.
...You've got my respect.
Hello, Gadjiltron's guild.
They say that they were saved thanks to a certain item, which they remove from their backpack and present to you. They call it an Analysis Scope, which is an item that is capable of analyzing a monster, even if you've never seen it before. Falco then hands two Analysis Scopes to you, telling you to make good use of them.


Um. Thanks, I guess.


I beg to differ...
Wiglaf nods, pleased with your acquisition. You place the items into your backpack, then resume exploring the forest.
some of us are bad at video games and like analysis scopes
git guuuuuuuhgck god it feels gross just joking about it
analysis goose





Aw, come on.

Hold up.
You step forward to pick it up, but Cason suddenly stops you and whispers that they can sense monsters in the area. You can't see them, but they have to be close... If you make any loud noises while trying to grab the bag, you could end up alerting them. Ideally, someone skilled at keeping silent should retrieve the bag.
Amatsu, you're up.
On it, hoss.


Their thought process is likely that charging through the brush on the ground would be too noisy, so they're approaching it from above. After maneuvering through the tree branches, they take position above the leather bag, then leap down and silently land on the forest floor. After picking up the bag, Amatsu climbs up another trunk, then returns the way they came. After moving a fair distance away from the brush, you excitedly open the bag and find an item that will be greatly useful to you in battle.
Jackpot!


Johnpot.
Wastes of space.
Eh, whatevs, I got to be sneaky.
Oils are useful if you have a second sword-flavored Shogun and don't have a Sovereign. I've gotten really good use out of them.


Yayyyyyy.


Nothing out of the ordinary, I feel.

We've got a few wood barriers to open up here.

These bears aren't exactly very intelligent, are they?


Evidently not.



Napier is...the only person in town with new dialogue. Weird.
Those claws of theirs are quite terrifying. You should purchase some more expensive armor to protect yourselves.
It's a bit greedy to be money-grubbing at a time like this, no?
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?


We've got new quests, though!

A Man and His Moss Ball:
Oh, did that request catch your eye? You're in luck! The guy who made the request is still here! You should talk to him to hear more about it! Makes it easy on me 'cause I don't have to give you all the details. Guess I'm in luck, too! Call it a win-win!
Before we talk to the requester...

Rare Bear Affair:
Oh, that request? Right, it's from Napier's Firm. Go ask Miss Napier for the details. That'll let me relax a bit, too!
I see you're feeling very lazy today, Sir Kvasir.
She said this request could be a bit dangerous... Be careful out there. If you die, you won't be able to spend all your money at my tavern!
Wow, everyone's feeling greedy today.
Dahaha! I'm just kiddin'! Now get yourselves to Napier's Firm!


Precisely.
...! I'm an utter fool! I've already started to sell Rare Bear, but I completely forgot to rescind my request... That being said, you were indeed the one to bring those materials to me. Which means you've earned the reward. You can retrieve it from Kvasir. Seems my bustling business is often more curse than blessing...
If you say so.


I had 41 materials in my backpack. Get ready for an avalanche.
Wood Bow (+20 ATK, +22 MAT, Skill: TP Up Level 1): Made from 1 Bent Twig (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 1). Costs 400 en.

Strix (+20 ATK, +24 MAT, Skill: WIS Up Level 1): Made from 1 Huge Tail Feather (Ghost Owl Drop 1) and 1 Sturdy Timber (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 2). Costs 360 en.

Claude (+23 ATK, +10 MAT, Skill: AGI Up Level 1): Made from 2 Big Shells (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 340 en.

Glaucus Spear (+24 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: LUC Up Level 1): Made from 2 Huge Tail Feathers (Ghost Owl Drop 1). Costs 500 en.

Makiri (+19 ATK, +25 MAT, Skill: HP Up Level 1): Made from 2 Sturdy Timbers (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 2). Costs 390 en.

Pallasch (+23 ATK, +23 MAT, Skill: VIT Up Level 1): Made from 1 Armor Tail (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 440 en.

Ring Mail (+14 DEF, +8 MDF): Made from 2 Armor Tails (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 470 en.

Feather Coat (+8 DEF, +14 MDF): Made from 3 Huge Tail Feathers (Ghost Owl Drop 1). Costs 330 en.

Wooden Hairpin (+5 DEF, +8 MDF, +4 LUC): Made from 1 Teak Wood (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 3). Costs 220 en.

Hardwood Gloves (+5 DEF, +7 MDF): Made from 1 Sturdy Timber (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 2). Costs 210 en.

Targe (+9 DEF, +3 MDF): Made from 2 Bent Twigs (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 1) and 1 Big Shell (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 190 en.

Giant Ball Necklace (+100% Paralysis Resistance): Made from 2 Armor Tails (Big Roller Drop 2). Costs 500 en.

Smart Earring (+15 TP, +6 INT): Made from 3 Bent Twigs (Lush Woodlands Chop Item 1). Costs 500 en.

Stun Gas (Attempts to inflict paralysis on all enemies; 40% base chance, 80% speed modifier): Made from 1 Big Shell (Big Roller Drop 1). Costs 250 en.
Why. Why did you call those Giant Ball Necklaces. Do you know how hard I have to try to not make a bunch of jokes about that? Do you?
Wooden Hairpins are worth putting on anyone who inflicts disables. +4 LUC isn't much, but it's still nice.

Smart Earrings are also good for Zodiacs, though that was probably easy to infer.
Oh, Stun Gasses. If your party has a Farmer, Ninja or Arcanist and you lack and want Paralysis, these have a pretty great infliction chance. Even for an FOE or boss.







Another job well done. You're doin' me a real favor here. I bet soon enough, everyone will be telling each other, "Head to Kvasir's for that request! He'll get it taken care of for you!" Customers will start coming in droves, and sales will shoot through the roof! I dare say this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship!
Don't count on it.
Oh, but don't think that means you'll get special treatment! Nobody drinks here for free!
Jerk.
Anyway, I hope that Aeon Guild keeps coming back for more! Here's your reward.


Amrita (Restores 40 TP to one party member): Made from 1 Tranquilized Gel (??? Conditional Drop). Costs 1200 en.
Ooh. Amritas at a slight nerf compared to previous games, but they're still invaluable. We can't get them until the 7th Labyrinth, and they're made from a conditional drop, so any we get are very valuable.





Here's the moss guy.
Hmm, where oh where could they be... Where is the one who accepted my quest--Oh? You there! Hey! Over here! Are you the one who accepted my request?
Indeed we are, sir.
Yes! I knew it! Ahh, how I've been waiting for you... So, you're the adventurers headed to the Lush Woodlands, am I right? And you know about my darling little Mossarella, right?
Mossawhatnow?
I just know it's somewhere out there in the Lush Woodlands right now, waiting for me! What I'd like to ask of you adventurers is, please tell me where it is when you find it! Oh, Mossarella, I hope you'll forgive me for endangering you... Mossarella should be near a water source in the Lush Woodlands, so please focus your search around there. I'm sure you'll notice the plump lil' fluffball right away! Well, I say "plump," but what I mean is that it's shaped like a lovely, mossy sphere. Why, one look at it and you're just entranced by the adorable, sweet little-- AHEM. Please let me know when and where you find Mossarella in the Lush Woodlands!
...So you're having us...get a ball of moss...that you dropped...
No-one ever said these requests wouldn't be bizarre, I suppose.


There's some new bar patrons, too.

Injured Pugilist:
Gah, dammit... My right hand still hurts like crazy! It's gotta be from that Big Roller I ran into while in the forest. I never would've guessed that one tackle of his would paralyze me... That's one scary move. On top of that, he even managed to hit the Gunner who was in the row behind me. Heheh... Erm... This is no time to be laughing. Damn, this hand won't stop aching!
I mean, totally not biased, but bring a Ninja along. We're pretty decent at keeping those things from rolling all over you.
Gauzeby the Explorer:
Oh yeah, I just remembered--Rollers aren't the only monsters that Angry Baboons will team up with. I've seen them collaborate with Big Rollers, too. The worst part is, Big Rollers have a paralysis attack that reaches all the way back to the back row! That's how I ended up like this right now. It's a miracle I got out of there with my life... You be careful out there, got it?
Monster Researcher:
Why, hello there. I am Doctor Sibil; I study monsters. This is my assistant, Fatton. Just as you adventuerers seek the thrill of the unknown in the labyrinths, so too are we scholars driven by the pursuit by the pursuit of knowledge. The results of our research will no doubt prove useful to you as well. As we've only just begun, we don't have anything to share at the moment. We'll let you know once we do. Please, stop by again anytime.
I mean, Runa, Nadym and I are pretty good at research, but I guess help isn't bad.
We can talk to Doctor Sibil again.
Have you ever encountered a massive owl monster in the forest? This creature is known by the name Ghost Owl. Its steely gray beak is quite the valuable prize, but the lightning wielded by the owl often burns the beak, causing it to lose most of its value. There is one simple trick to acquiring the beak before it is damaged... If one defeats a Ghost Owl while its head is bound, the transmogrified beak will be obtainable with nary a scorch upon it.



By the way, breaking the wood here functions as a shortcut.

That's when you recall someone asking you to find their Mossarella in the forest... When you think about it, you're currently by a water source, and the moss is just as spherical as described.
Anyone wanna carry this thing back?
Respectfully, no.
Hell no.
Moss grosses me out...
I must decline, too.
Good, we're all on the same page.
It would appear that this is Mossarella, the moss ball that the client was talking about. Once you mark this spot on your map, all you'll need to do is return to the tavern and provide your client with the location.


And that's all the wood in this room.

Lush Woodlands B3F B1 Chop Point


Ooh, it's sparkly.
Amateur Medic: Costs 1 TP. Restores 15 HP, plus 15% of the target's max HP, to one party member. Has an 80% speed modifier.

Shrug.
This is a bit silly. If you've gotten this far, you probably have some form of healing, that or you don't *need* healing. And that healing is going to fall off very quickly. This would've been more helpful in the Eastern Shrine.

Oh, there's the Baboon and Big Roller formation.
ah yes, an image that makes me cringe at the thought of incoming chaos dunk

Sophian's right, it is too big to be shaped like a friend
nothing is too big to be shaped like a friend. live yo dreams. befriend warped saviour

It feels as if there are multiple beasts watching you from the other side.


If you're not fully prepared, it might be better to head back to the city for now.
Wiglaf sounds worried. Are you prepared to face a powerful enemy? If you believe yourself ready, then open the door and stand your ground.
Eh, we can at least scope it out.





You proceed further in and come face to face with a monstrous, crimson beast. It glares at you, eyes burning with rage... It's the red-furred bear, the Berserker King you thought you'd already defeated!


Who the hell knows.
Wiglaf ponders the monster's presence for a moment then speaks up.


We're gonna fight that.
Pardon?
We can't not fight that.
Best avoid them and focus solely on the Berserker King!
No.
Well, I suppose it's best to trust our leader.


Good call, Cass.






Cason's almost maxed out Afterimage, eeee.


After going back to town, I was able to turn in the B3F map.

This will no doubt aid in our understanding of the area. Therefore, I present you with this.


Aim Goggles (+15 TP, +10% Base Accuracy): Made from 2 Laterites (??? Mine Item 2). Costs 700 en.
Oooooooooh. Here's our first accuracy-boosting accessory.

I mentioned the accuracy equipment bug in the Ronin overview, but in short: if you put accuracy-boosting equipment on a character that's dual-wielding weapons, the accuracy bonus is doubled. If you put it on someone that's single-wielding, you get triple the listed bonus. The Aim Goggles give +30% base accuracy to single-wielders.

I put them on Sophian. Rapid Fire is now completely reliable, no Pop Flare necessary.


Before we close out, let's finish this quest.
Yup!
*gasp* You've finally found it! Please, tell me where it is!


Thereabouts.
So that's the spot? All right! I'll be back in a flash!


Weirdo.
Well, I mean... We all have our strange interests. I find it hard to think he's that weird.
I mean, I agree in theory, but moss?


This is such a relief. Even in this new land, you're still with me, Mossarella. With this, I can continue my thesis on the moss that grows in the woodlands. Thank you so much for your help! The tavern owner has your reward! See you later!
Enjoy your mossy companion.








Yeah, as if one of them wasn't enough.
Oh? One handful is enough? Why, I completely agree with you there! We've just got to get him to shut up and we'll be right as rain!
You just can't take a hint, can you.
Huh? Why are you clenching your fists? What're you going to do with them?
...
...Nothing.
Oh, for the love of... You're the other handful, Kvasir.
Hey, hey, hey, don't say the quiet part out loud!
What's that? I'm the other handful? Dahaha!
Oh, by the way. I forgot to tell you earlier, but that man is a botanist who specializes in algae. Guess you know that now. Well, I knew you'd find the truth eventually! I was just testing you.
The way you said that just screams "you just came up with that."
What? I just came up with that excuse, you say? Well, aren't you clever! Here's your reward. See you next time!


Volt Talisman (Deals 125% ranged INT-based volt damage to one enemy; 90% speed modifier, 150% base accuracy): Made from 1 Spewing Peapod (??? Take Item 2). Costs 200 en.
This sucks.





And, lastly, I cleaned up the last two monster drops from the Lush Woodlands I was missing.
Butterfly Barrel (+24 ATK, +18 MAT, Skill: Harsh Buzz): Made from 1 Shocked Bug Eye (Woodfly Conditional Drop). Costs 530 en.


Harsh Buzz: Attempts to bind the heads of one row of enemies.

Ehhhhhhhhhhhhh? It's okay for Farmers, I guess?
Owl Staff (+16 ATK, +28 MAT, Skill: Volt Strike): Made from 1 Bound Beak (Ghost Owl Conditional Drop). Costs 520 en.


Volt Strike: Deals ranged INT-based volt damage to one enemy.

The damage sucks. Then again, I guess it's okay for giving Sovereigns some early offense. Don't use it on Zodiacs, though.

With that, we're done for now. Next time: the end of the 2nd Labyrinth.
It definitely kept my Princess from twiddling her thumbs after buffs went up! Can recommend.






























































Zzz...







Zzzzz...zz...zzzzzzzz...








Borp.
Zzzzz... Zzzz? ...Zzzzzzz...
Nyurzzzzzzzzzzz...
Zzzzzzzz...soft... Zzzzzzzzzz...
















































...Hah...
I'm back, Trin!
Hi...
...Something wrong?
N-No, sorry. Do you need help carrying in anything?
Nah. Thanks for the offer, though!









Alright, Ms. Astrologer, what's gotcha down?
W-What?
You're hunched over your desk, but you've got an empty piece of paper. Got some writer's block or something?
Um, no, not really. I was...just...lonely...
Eh?
I was lonely, sorry.
Aw, Trin. If you were lonely, why not just go to the guild lounge? Someone's there basically all the time. Heck, Aina's there basically all day reading something.
I... I'd be a nuisance, I don't want to bother the others...
Malarkey! No-one here hates you, least of all for wanting to talk to someone.
They can camouflage it, everyone just doesn't want me to get upset...
Bah, that's just bad brain talking.
No it isn't...
Yes it is, and I've got brain facts to back me up!









Just...gimme a bit to remember where I put my book of brain facts.
Why...would a Protector need a book about brains?
Oh, it's absolutely useless for my shield stuff. It's invaluable for gettin' to know relationships, though!

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