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Rangpur posted:are you planning to make use of One Weird Trick: Chapter Four Hates It! to grind up JP when you get there. Probably won't worry about it that early, but we'll see. YggiDee posted:I used Bravely Second all of three times, random encounters were too trivial, while for boss fights I was having too much fun exploiting team synergy to bother. Also I forgot. Same. Between the Jobs, Bravely Second, Special Attacks, and the online stuff, they really threw a bunch of battle ideas at the wall in this game. The Jobs definitely work. The rest feels extraneous, but at least can be safely and easily ignored. I like the idea of Special Attacks, but the implementation feels... sloppy?
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Mar 10, 2017 05:43
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Let's Learn Jobs: Black Mage Black Mages are one of the primary magic attackers in the game. They specialize in taking advantage of elemental weaknesses and taking down groups of enemies at once. Because many enemies have elemental weaknesses, they're a solid pick for offense in the beginning, though their usefulness tapers off late-game as other, better damage-dealing Jobs become available. They're also a squishy mage, meaning they may take extra care to keep alive. Counterpart to Final Fantasy White Mage, the Black Mage is similarly unchanged in Bravely Default.   Job icon is the Black Mage's longtime distinctive pointy hat. Job command is dark sparkles.  With Strength at E, Black Mages are one of the worst Jobs for dealing out physical damage. They're made to do magical damage, and make decent healers in a pinch as well. Their sole weapon proficiency is in rods, which usually carry buffs to magic attack. Note that despite this, weapon proficiency only effects physical attacks, not magical. Rods are stat sticks, essentially.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Black Magic Lv.1: Blizzard, Fire, Thunder Level 2 - Rod Lore: Allows other jobs to have S-affinity with rods. (Cost: 1) Level 3 - Black Magic Lv.2: Poison, Silence, Sleep Level 4 - Abate Fire: halves fire damage. (Cost: 1) Level 5 - Damage Dispersion: Attacks effecting user have half of damage divided between user's teammates instead. (Cost: 1) Level 6 - Silence Immunity (Cost: 1) Level 7 - Black Magic Lv.3: Blizzara, Fira, Thundara Level 8 - Black Resonance. Allows other jobs to equip the Black Mage Specialty. (Cost: 1) Level 9 - Black Magic Lv.4: Aspir (drains MP), Drain, Fear Level 10 - Magic Attack 20% Up (Cost: 2) Level 11 - Black Magic Lv.5: Blizzaga, Firaga, Thundaga Level 12 - Pierce M.Defense: User's abilities ignore target's magic defense. (Cost: 3) Level 13 - Black Magic Lv.6: Dark, Death, Kill Level 14 - Group-Cast All: Magic normally only usable on one target can now be used on mutiple targets. (Cost: 3) The black mage arsenal is almost 100% offense, going so far as to throw off damage onto teammates. The final magic tier is lackluster, offering two insta-kill spells, one of which (Kill) removes the exp, jp, pg rewards.  Could come in handy during certain fights. Unlike the older Final Fantasy black mages, the character's faces can be seen. The guys are wearing Turkish trousers under the traditional black robe for a more practical battle look. Meanwhile, the gals are wearing sleeveless miniskirt dresses with thigh-high boots. Noticing a pattern.    
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 17:08 on Mar 14, 2017 |
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Mar 10, 2017 05:53
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Entry 17: Wherein a Guy in a Funny Outfit Yammers On In the center of Ancheim, a crowd's gathered in front of a large building. Let's join in.   Your king, Khamer VIII, speaks! My people, I thank you for your tireless efforts. Without nature's former bounty, our turbines went completely still. They sit as silent as the desert night. In the wake of this crisis, you rose up and took matters literally in hand, operating the turbines manually. I, your king, lack words to thank you for your hard work. However. I am much aggrieved to say that energy production is less than one-fifth its former total. At this rate, our proud kingdom, renowned for its unparalleled industry, is doomed to ineluctable decline. I find myself without recourse but to revisit my prior fiat regarding the schedule of all able-bodied citizens. His precision fits the Land of Time, but his sympathy act isn't going over well. The crowd goes wild, not in a positive manner.  Whaaat!? We're flesh and blood! We need rest! In so doing, turbine output is expected to rise to thirty percent of its former value, before the wind ceased output of--A soldier runs in from offscreen, pushing past the crowd and up the stairs. Probably better for everyone the king's speech got cut off.  What? The vestal? But I ask that you join me in remembering the cause of our woes. The Crystal Orthodoxy, and the vestal's indolence! Therein lies the true cause of the wind's absence! And what has the greal vestal done since the air went still? What did she do in the face of your suffering?  Though it pains me deeply to tell you of these things, I cannot deny this simple truth!He doesn't sound all that pained. Painfully gleeful, maybe. What resolution can be brought about to this terrible crisis? The Crystal Orthodoxy is naught but a hollow creed!  Once more I say it! It is by our own hands that we shall push this glorious kingdom ever forward. Onward, to still greater glory!   Seems that little speech was for your benefit, Agnès.  ...... Agnès...The speech over, the crowd disperses. Seems the second king of the game isn't going to be nearly as likable as the marshmallow king of Caldisla.   ...... You don't have to bottle it all in. I'm no expert, but I'm happy to listen. I cannot deny that the people of Ancheim are dissatisfied with my work as vestal. I've no intention of making excuses. But you didn't run away, either. Right? ...The king asked me directly. He said that terrible things were happening in Caldisla, and asked that I investigate. Yet now he paints an entirely different picture. I cannot understand his need to lie. Does he bear me some grudge? Have I done him some slight? Do you regret listening to him in the first place? ...No. I do not regret my time in Caldisla. Seeing that chasm first-hand showed me precisely what it is I must do.  That's-- Airy, that's hardly... I'm glad you came and saw the chasm, too. You've shown me a path forward. ...... ...Blessed is the person who is needed by someone else. N-nothing! It's nothing. Then why are you hiding it? Come on, don't leave me out. I want to know! Unacceptable. To me, and to Tiz. Right, Tiz? Er, yes, ma'am.Now that Agnès and Tiz are more comfortable with each other, they are pretty cute together.  But despite the light-hearted moment, it's not good if the king's against us. Let's get the word on the street.   I fear we're like a ship becalmed without it. The Grand Mill? It's being turned by manual labor now. Whatever is the Lady Vestal doing?Today's probably wasn't the first speech where the king's blamed the vestals and Crystal Orthodoxy. The crystal is kept safe in the Temple of Wind. It's through the crystal's bounty Ancheim rose to prosperity, but now... The wind just suddenly stopped.The people here still hold reverence for the Crystal Orthodoxy, despite their king's obvious bias.   Unauthorized withdrawal of well water is a prosecutable offense. If you want a free drink, go to the oasis.Who's ready for a story about privatization and proper distribution of natural resources? Not us, just yet.  If a weakling wields two weapons, they may actually wind up doing less damage than if they held only one.Meanwhile, this guard's just going to stick to gameplay talk, thanks very much. But hey, what's in that building behind him? Looks like we can enter--  The party gets forcefully escorted away. This guy will summon us shortly after watching the king's speech from wherever we are in Ancheim.   We're deposited at the palace.  Pretty sure the guards would also stop us if we tried to leave, anyway. But this is our chance to talk with the king and get entry to the Temple of Wind.  Lavish place. There's another giant timepiece above the throne.  Too busy shopping. I was dreadfully worried, you know. I'd begun to think you'd fallen victim to some terrible accident. So, what of the Caldislan chasm? ...... I fear it was worse even than Your Majesty had imagined. So tell me, was it worse than the state of your own nation? Are you even aware of the situation here? The wind remains still. And the Grand Mill becalmed. I'm pleased to see you're not totally ignorant. The turbines that form the heart of this kingdom--the greatest symbols of her wisdom--now turn by hand. The hands of our citizens. Compulsory labor service. Our survival hinges now upon their sacrifice. And even that will not last forever. We need that mill turning again soon. Not by our citizens' hands, but by the wind. And whose job is it to see that the wind blows if not the vestal's? I can think of no other value you provide, save that. Anyway...I never realized how long-winded this guy was until I started transcribing this stuff. Will you now end the suffering your negligence has caused to this land? To its people? Or is that beyond your abilities? Perhaps you would sooner run again? Turn away from the plight of your people? ...... I haven't the time to waste here. Agnès bows and stone-cold walks out. The rest of the party follows her.  Just whose fault do you think this mess is, girl!? Mad? I felt no anger. Only...fear. The king frightens me. His tone was far from pleasant, but he didn't seem dangerous. They see me only as the vestal, not a human being. I don't know how to speak to them. Just thinking on it sets my legs to trembling... That explains the tense look you've worn since we've landed here. Personally, I felt amazing after that little conversation. Did you see his face? It was purple! I nearly laughed out loud. I tuned him out about halfway through his speech, myself. I never did have much attention span for listening to men go on. Now women... In any case, we'd best hurry to the temple. It's all that I can do. Tiz isn't stupid, but he often shows a lack of worldliness, sometimes even more so than Agnès. It's accurate to his background of country boy from an insulated community and helps explain oblivious decisions like 'sure, why not take on trained soldiers' which wouldn't have a chance of success if he weren't the designated JRPG protagonist. He makes a good counterbalance with Ringabel, who is eccentric and generally less stable/reliable but capable of being surprisingly socially savvy. Sometimes. After leaving in style, we march right back into the palace to chat with everyone.  That helps keep the enemy's sucessful hit count to a minimum, sparing you a hefty amount of damage.Having tutorial men sprinkled in among townsfolk is somehow charmingly realistic. Why talk to strangers about politics or religion when you can merrily geek out about your favorite hobby, shields?  This guard, on the other hand, is all business.  Some days he's fine, others he's incredibly harsh... Er, forget I said anything.Sounds like the king isn't the most stable sort. Maybe we just caught him on a bad day.  The man in blue at the king's right hand is nice to us, at least. Things don't seem to be going well around here, and the king's no help. Without forced escorts to the palace, the rest of Ancheim can be explored in peace.  I barely get any sleep...I'm exhausted. The gear around the clock is turning, but the clock itself is still. Details.  There are soldiers keeping close watch. You won't be able to get in until nightfall.Odd thing to tell us.  Looks like this is the building the lady's talking about. There's no real reason to go in there, though, even if we could get past the guard.  Adventurer is happy for us.  Hm, looks like Agnès is getting missed. Probably because she's hiding behind Edea.  Agnès takes the lead and gives the king one more chance... Nope, he's still being a prick.  Before heading to the temple, we can check the map to see a new icon -- a blue exclamation point. Blue exclamation points denote side quests. The confrontation in the palace triggered our first one. Side quests are important in this game, especially the ones in these early chapters, because they often offer exceptional rewards. Unlike main quest objectives, side quest objectives are flexible in when they can be completed. After they are unlocked by main quest progression, they can be completed at any time during that chapter, and sometimes beyond. The openess of side quests allows for variable cutscenes (e.g. a side quest event changes depending whether it was done before a main quest boss or after), forcing multiple playthroughs of the game to see all events. I'll be doing every side quest, and any cutscenes not shown during the main route will be covered later.  As we head toward the east side of town, we run into a sad man near the guarded water pump. Please hold on, sir. I'll bring water from the well. Wait just a moment longer. N-no...don't... I'm fine. Just... Just leave me... ...What? Strange. He seems afraid of something.  Airy wants us to move on to the temple, of course, but the people here are in need of immediate help. That building next to the guarded pump looked like some official's place. We were stopped from entering earlier, but now the coast is clear.   The Merchantry that owns the water pump. It's almost as palatial as the palace. Looks like we can get answers here.  Though they don't seem very welcoming to visitors. Next: Time to get sidetracked. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: Ancheim's King Speaks The Vestal Vilified An Audience in Ancheim Palace King Khamer's Mandate The Vestal's Fear Party Chat: Agnès's Angst D's Journal: Khamer VIII posted:(King of Ancheim) D's Journal: Ancheim, the Land of Sand and Time posted:Ancheim, the Land of Sand and Time: Located in the heart of the Harena Desert, this mechanical city clings desperately to the gap between cliffs running east to west, but it is completely open to the south to capture every breath of wind. Gears and machines of industry are constantly in motion all around the city. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 11:55 on Mar 18, 2017 |
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Mar 11, 2017 02:07
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Entry 18: Serious Opinions Buried in My Video Games?  This guy behind the giant gold-embellished desk looks important. Maybe he's kind and noble and will help us get water.    How kind of you to pay me zis visit. Now, what is it you are needing today?Hey, this guy's not so bad, aside from the fake french accent. No one else in the game speaks like that, so he must've made it up himself. Maybe he's lonely and needs a friend. We are ze only purveyor of water licensed by ze king himself, and we take pride in our product. No effort is spared in providing ze cleanest, freshest water possible. Ze results are clear... Ha ha ha! Water humor, yes?Ha ha ha! We're here to ask about-- Ahh, but I have lost ze time again. I have appointments waiting, my friends. Let us speak again soon. Have a refreshing day. ...And we're booted out. That could have gone better. Let's try again.  We are ze only purveyor of water licensed by ze king himself, and we take pride in our product. No effort is spared in providing ze cleanest, freshest water possible. Ze results are clear... Hah!   Ah, but I must ask you forgive me, my friends! I have ze lunch meeting, you understand. Guard! Our honored guests are leaving. See zey are seen out. Have a refreshing day.He sounded significantly less genial the second time. Let's not push our luck. Where else could we find water? There has to be somewhere around the desert.  West of Ancheim is another obelisk, and further on, a cave.  This is the standard message for areas you're not allowed to enter yet. As with the airship, this whole section of the game is more linear than it first appears. Most areas can't be visited until a quest objective sends you there. Let's check east of Ancheim.  Different terrain here. A forest, so there should be water.  We'll not make it through these woods without some better plan.Okay, poisonous(?) water wouldn't be much help. With no luck, it's back to Ancheim.  On the way, Norende completes the first level of a new shop. Like the item shop, the compound shop will give gifts as it's leveled up, so it's a good one to open early.  That said, compounds won't be usable for quite a while. For now they're just strange and often disgusting items the characters are stuffing in their packs.  All that wandering around the desert is enough to make anyone thirsty.  Tiz has already forgotten the problem with the local water supply.    This cutscene encapsulates Tiz: he does something oblivious, is temporarily but loudly shocked when others threaten violence...  Then gets angry in the name of justice. No, there are peasants going thirsty. If you want a free drink so badly, go join the other rabble at the oasis!I guess our next step is obvious. Time to complain to the management!  We are ze only purveyor of... Water. We're aware. We're here to speak about the little monopoly you're running. Monopoly is such a dirty word, no? As I am telling you many times now, ze rights to water sales are ours by royal decree, and... Yes, we've heard. But aren't your prices a bit unreasonable? The people can't afford it. They're drying up! And if we let zem take from our stores as zey like? It would be our wells drying up! In a matter of hours! And where would zey turn zen, eh? Who else can give zem ze good, clean water in ze middle of ze desert? I am afraid ze young miss has mistaken our business for a charity.  Go to ze oasis out in ze desert and take all ze water you like, I say to zem. By all means! Go. And where is this oasis? To ze west. West and west and west of here. Ah, but I must be begging your pardon! I have ze site inspection for a new property acquisition, you see. Have a refreshing day.We're not getting anywhere. Clearly the solution is to try again.  Ah, but look at ze time. I have no plans, but if I did, zey would not involve you. Guard! Our irritating guests are leaving. Toss zem out! Out! Unfortunately, that's as far as we can push him. With that Lucasarts-like side-sequence complete, let's head to the real next destination, the oasis.    But first, we rebel against The Man by taking a bauble from his bookcase.   The oasis is west of Ancheim, not as far as Profiteur made it seem. As the party approaches:    What's wrong!? Thieves! I...I've been robbed! What? They took my water, my pack, even the camel I rode in on! ...They took everything.  How am I supposed to survive if I have to risk my life every time I need water!? Try to stay calm. Do you know where these thieves are now?The man starts backing up. Always a good sign. Th-th-they're right behind you!  The party walks towards the thieves.  Why would he think we're with him? Doesn't he recognize his own crew?  We couldn't stand to watch you cowards just do as you pleased! You have to stop this. Drop everything you've stolen and leave this place at once! What's this, then? Who are they? I've got no word of this lot. Well, that was... unexpectedly in the party's favor. Really, they wouldn't want to seriously take on 40--  Tiz, why are you such a Tiz. Not familiar with how thieving works, then? I'm cross enough already. I need a drink... This anger won't leave me till this thirst has. We're out, boys! Stop, Tiz. I feel the same, but they're too many. We can't take them head-on. That boy better watch his back. He's on Tiz's list now and our good shepherd doesn't mess around. The thieves head out northwest, and the party's right on their trail.   Pausing only to beat up a giant worm.   The trail leads to the cave the party refused to enter earlier. Considering the reference to 40 thieves, might've been interesting to have the party unable to enter cave without a password or something, but eh.   Another dungeon with a muted color scheme, though this one does have a bit of atmosphere.   Local enemies are dapper floating cats and snakes that will poison the entire party one-by-one if given the chance.   ...Ha ha, look at the cat's little hat! To elaborate on the anthropomorphized capitalism comment from earlier, the cat's and Profiteur's whole outfit schtick (probably known best today by the Monopoly board game mascot Mr. Monopoly/Rich Uncle Pennybags) is apparently originally based off of J.P. Morgan. The outfit became shorthand for the most, er, gluttonous aspects of capitalism, at least in the 20th century U.S. With that in mind, I'm sensing the creators might have an opinion about capitalism. It's a popular topic in modern Japanese stories, even -- perhaps especially -- in media aimed at a younger audience. This interest makes sense for the Japanese, as there's an unusually clear demarcation between old and new, their own culture before and after industrialization. Unlike places that slowly and semi-amicably changed their ways, Japan's route went from old culture to Westernized culture, isolationist to international player, in an extremely short period. It was controversial at the time, and is still considered a divisive matter. It is likely why there's a theme in much of their media about corrupted spirits -- old being corrupted by the foreign, the new. Even for those who agree with the benefits of modernization, there's a fear of leaving behind the wisdom and beauty of the old ways. Moving on...  Edea picks up the Two-Handed support ability, which will be a must support ability for almost any physical damage character for quite a while.  Here's Ise-no-Kami being wielded as a two-hander. All the better to dispense black and white justice with. Next: Thieves may turn to dramatic backstories when cornered. -- Event Viewer Sub-Scenario: A Meeting with the Merchantry Merchantry Meeting, Take Two The Well's Owners Merchantry Meeting, Take Three Our Dishonored Guests Thieves of the Oasis D's Journal: Chairman Profiteur posted:(Chairman Profiteur) D's Journal: Ancheim, the Land of Sand and Time posted:Merchantry Building: D's Journal: Harena Desert posted:Greyarc fucked around with this message at 11:55 on Mar 18, 2017 |
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Mar 13, 2017 21:26
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Pittsburgh Lambic posted:Final Fantasy 7 was heavy-handed as gently caress with the old-vs-new message, right down to the architecture -- outside the big cities, almost every house looks like it had been standing for close to a century, then suddenly had copper pipings and steamworks jammed through its roof and exterior walls. That's before you even get into its theme of "electrical power is literally killing the world." For years I thought mako was a stand-in for fossil fuels, because of the whole taking from the planet, finite resource thing. Then I was told, according to someone more familiar with Japan, it's a stand in for nuclear energy, and coal is seen as the more environmentally-friendly alternative. Many people in Japan are vehemently anti-nuclear, as became more evident after Fukushima, and since they import most of their fossil fuels, the large-scale negative effects associated with coal/natural gas/petroleum likely aren't as well known. In any case, coal at least has the advantage of not mutating beings into having extra legs and super-soldier capabilities. And that's enough non-Bravely Default talk from me.
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Mar 14, 2017 11:31
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Geocities Homepage King posted:It looks like the descriptions in the LP may be wrong. It appears that white mage group cast makes it so that group casting doesn't diminish effects whereas black mage group cast lets you multi-target spells that are normally single target only. That's what I get for doing write-ups when overtired. Fixed.
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Mar 14, 2017 17:08
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Let's Learn Jobs: Knight The Knight job is focused on physical defense and the protection of allies, with the downside of low aptitude for magic and slower speed. As with other early-game jobs, Bravely Default's Knight is similar to Knight/Paladin jobs in other games. Though no healing is included in this version of the Knight, a decent mind stat allows the Knight to do decently with healing magic as job command.   Icons for the job are a suit of plate armor and a sword with a shield, the simple yet effective tools of the job.  High vitality and full use of heavy armor are the Knight's real strengths, making them overall a solid defensive choice.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Stomp: Attack for 125% damage, debuffs user's physical and magic defenses to 75% for a turn. Level 2 - Two-Handed: If off-hand empty with sword/axe/spear/stave/katana equipped, physical attack doubled. (Cost: 1) Level 3 - Physical Defense 10% Up (Cost: 1) Level 4 - Ironclad: Raises physical defense to 150% at start of turn, lasting for turn duration. (5 MP) Level 5 - Protect Ally: Allows other jobs to equip the knight specialty. (Cost: 1) Level 6 - Shield Strike: Attack with shield and raise physical defense by 25% for two turns, up to 150%. (8 MP) Level 7 - Shield Lore: Raises shield aptitude to S. (Cost: 1) Level 8 - Vengeance: Attack all enemies, physical attack strengthened by number of dead allies. (Cost: 1) Level 9 - Sword Lore: Raises sword aptitude to S. (Cost: 1) Level 10 - Full Cover: Take damage in place of specified ally for duration of turn; damage taken is halved. Level 11 - Dual Shields: Equip two shields. (Cost: 1) Level 12 - Physical Defense 30% Up (Cost: 3) Level 13 - Chivalrous Spirit: Raise physical defense by 25%, up to 150%, for five turns whenever an ability protecting allies is used. (Cost: 1) Level 14 - Super Charge: Attack deals power of physical defense x 2 instead of physical attack. (1 BP) Several ways to increase defense and/or protect allies, a couple Lore abilities, plus the potentially powerful abilities Dual Shields and Super Charge.  A classic knight ability, this can be quite helpful during damage-heavy battles. Both the men and women are wearing pieces of Western plate armor, including pauldrons, gauntlets, tassets (attached to...the belt?), greaves, and sabatons. The guys are wearing blank white tabards and capes, with mail under what appears to be brigandines. The gals wear the ever-awkward and impractical bikini plate armor top, though this time with a cloth underlayer providing minimal protection (except Edea's thighs).    
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 18:27 on Mar 15, 2017 |
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Mar 14, 2017 21:23
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I thought about it and decided against it. My goal with the Job posts is to give a short summary, list abilities so people can refer back when they're used, and show off the outfits. If people want complete min-maxing guides, there are plenty of other places online to get the info. That said, if other people want to talk about gameplay details as they've been doing, that's fine.
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Mar 15, 2017 04:17
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AnotherGamer posted:That description of Super Charge is wrong: it's actually an attack skill that costs 1 BP to perform and uses Defense x 2 as its damage stat, not a support ability. Fixed it.
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Mar 15, 2017 18:31
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Entry 19: Tiz Arrior and the 40 Thieves Last time: the party pursued a band of thieves into a desert cave, aiming to find both justice and treasure.  Speaking of...  Ow. After a clunking and hissing noise from nearby, the party got hit with a dense dark cloud.  Even damage across the board and all blinded.  What's--? My eyes! I can't see! Blind gas!? Where is it coming from!? Be careful, everyone! This is clearly a trap! Our aim is completely shot. We can't go rushing into melee attacks with Brave. Don't want to miss and then have to just stand there turn after turn! Still... Even blind, I can see to the core of a woman's heart, clear as day. Heh, the things that really matter can't be seen by the eye. ...Gah! Augh, Ringabel! Stop spouting gross nonsense and watch where you're stepping! Even when you're not blind, you can't see past your big, fat mouth! ...Ack! Oww, Edea, don't go stomping ar-- OW! Not again! Where are those eye drops!?While those three flail around, Agnès goes for the treasure. What's our prize?  Oh. This can buy... 1/20th of a potion.  So normally in this dungeon, you'd learn to avoid the traps and blindna/eye drops the party when you mess up. But I'm exploring without random battles, so the party's just going to run around blind. Sorry, guys.  Complete map shows two stairs leading down. The right stairway leads to a dead end with treasure.  A good old Final Fantasy star pendant. Silver is powerful stuff in fiction. Back upstairs and down the left staircase.   New item and complete map. How far down do these ruins go? Why did this ancient civilization build giant traps everywhere? Or were those added later?  Jeez, this seems extreme. Just stick with coffee, guys.  This dungeon is dark, and this corner is even darker. There's a hidden passage here, to the left.   Handy! Almost like we've got a real thief in the party! Now if only we could get our mitts on a pair of those thief gloves.  Another blue chest. Even the local thieves couldn't open it.  Further on, the path splits east and west, both passing through a gauntlet of traps. The party stumbles blindly on.  Treasure to the west includes our first bow. Bows hit like the dickens but require both hands. They are also always strong against flying enemies.  At the very end of the path, past another cluster of traps, are the gloves mentioned in the thief's knife description.  That would be great, if only we had...   As always, the Adventurer's ahead of us. After finally taking care of the party's eyesight and health, time to confront the thieves. 40 against 4... hope they're not all at home.  Cozy living area. Looks like they've been set up here a while.   The place is cleared out at the moment. Angry leader guy is all alone.  These guys have stolen more junk than they know what to do with.  This is our chance. Maybe down here in his cave, out of the heat, he'll be more chill.   Why do you persist in these awful deeds? You must return the articles you stole! Well that was pretty uncalled for. And what? Don't tell me you came all this way just to vomit a few platitudes out on my floor. Feh. This place is nothing but sand and hypocrites! Drives a man mad... And this thirst. These daggers in my throat! All the water in the desert can't dull their edge. The people you robbed at the oasis were thirsty, too! They risked their lives to get at that water, and you-- Augh, spare me the lecture. You come to convert me?  Out here, honest lives end quick. The desert's a beast, and it's always hungry! The city's no different. There are only two kinds of folk in this world, make no mistake. The takers, and the taken from! Till the day came they couldn't feed their family of three, so they cut loose their kid and disappeared! They just left you? The city just took and took till they had nothing left. Their own brat became a burden, so they dumped him like a bag of sand! Daft, eh? Absolutely stupid. If surviving means pinching from other folk, I'll happily join the takers! Are you sure they left because you were a burden to them? Maybe they swallowed their tears and left you in the city in hopes that you, at least, could find happiness there. Aye, or maybe they left me because they didn't have the guts to kill me themselves! You don't know a stinking thing about them. You're right. I don't know their reasons. But they do. If they're still alive, you can go and ask them! You can track them down and make them explain themselves. Make them answer for their choices! You can yell and scream and fight as long as you like. As long as it takes. You can work on forgiving them! But you haven't done any of that. You've stayed here sulking and festering all your life. That's far dafter to me! My throat... This accursed thirst. It's worse than ever. You... this is your fault! You smug, delusional, self-righteous little lambs make me sick! I'll take everything... EVERYTHING from you!Should... should we really be fighting this guy? He needs a therapist, not a deadly beatdown.   Seems we don't have any more choice in the matter. Heh, aye, that's enough words. I'm choking on this lot's hypocrisy. I want them stripped to the bone! I care nothing for your reasons, and still less for your ideals. My assistance hinges only on the weight of your coin purse. She's heavy enough. You'll have your pay. So, Khint is working with/above both Profiteur and this thief, plus acting as a messenger for the Council of Six.  Time to see how tough he is.  Due to the surprise entry of Khint, the battle has two opponents.  Khint's fighting style is obvious straightaway: He spends a turn casting Sword Magic on his weapon, then for a few turns afterward dishes out hefty physical damage laced with whatever magic he put on. In this fight, he uses either magic adding additional fire damage or magic with a chance to silence the target.  The thief, Jackal, does comparatively little damage and no fancy attacks but has incredibly high evasion, making regular physical attacks against him nearly worthless. He will also sometimes steal a potion from the party.  ...And use it on himself. Taking one of the two opponents down to half health triggers a cutscene (battle cutscenes like this aren't available in the event viewer).   Your odds are poor, and I don't take poor clients. Go, then! They all abandon me in the end! Oh. Okay, then.  Left alone and in poor health, the Jackal starts Braving 4x.  His attacks don't hit for much, so it hurts him more than the party. Without Khint, he's easy.  Edea's been cutting away despite his evasion, and gets in the last blow.  Despite the party's attempts to persuade him otherwise, the ending of the Jackal's story is grim.  However, for their efforts, the party can now learn to steal from enemies.   Khint's battle entry shows up even though we didn't defeat him. This confirms he's got one of the asterisks. But first, the party need to finish what they came here for.  Ringabel wanders over.    The streets, they are full of people too poor to afford it. The sense of panic grows by the hour. That self-righteous fool of a prime minister comes to demand the price be lowered day after day. It will not be long now till the masses reach their limit. The poor will have no choice but to go to the oasis. That is where you will wait, armed and ready. Steal everything. And above all else, do not let them at the water. Your task is to ensure all of Ancheim is terrified of the oasis. Give them a welcome they will never forget. In time, they will understand that if they wish to survive, they will be buying the merchantry's water. No matter the price. But see you keep your mouth shut, yes? No one must know of our collaboration on this matter. If you are found out, the deal is cut off. Your head will be next. -- E. Profiteur Then... Those thieves were under the employ of the Khamer & Profiteur Merchantry. And the people's suffering? Did it mean nothing to them so long as they reaped a profit? ...Despicable. The people will continue to suffer as long as these degenerates hold the kingdom's water ransom. I say we storm the place and set this matter straight right now!The party nods in agreement. Sounds like we're continuing our rampage of justice right back to Ancheim. Next: The party confronts unregulated capitalism in the way they know best. -- Event Viewer Sub-Scenario: Thieving Jackal The Cause of the Water Shortage Party Chat: What the Eye Cannot See D's Journal: Jackal the Thief posted:
D's Journal: Harena Desert posted:Greyarc fucked around with this message at 11:56 on Mar 18, 2017 |
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Mar 16, 2017 07:36
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Entry 20: How to Fail at Dramatic Buildup There's no option to sit on the throne, unfortunately. No Queen of Thieves Agnès today. Before moving on with the plot, it's time for a gameplay break. Agnès finishes Monk lvl 3 and switches to Thief, putting those thief gloves to use. As mentioned earlier in the thread, every time I receive a new job I'll assign it to one character to make sure every job is shown off a little.  To inaugurate the first real grinding session, here's a look at a helpful feature: fast-forwarding. The speed of battle is shown in the lower right corner. This'll make everyone's actions -- enemies included -- go by extremely quickly. Bad for taking screenshots, great for mindless grinding, especially combined with autobattle.  Alternatively, you can pause battle. Take time to fully appreciate the giant sand worm.  By the time grinding's over, the upgraded Item and Compound shops in Norende have yielded free new items. Just what sort of contraband are those Norende merchants dealing in?  Please ask your doctor before trying the Remedy solution at home. Finally, the party heads back to Ancheim and visits the armory.     That Iron Bangle is perfect for Tiz. Now properly outfitted and upgraded, the party is ready to pay a visit to Profiteur. Agnès in particular is ready to give him a taste of his own thieving medicine. Profiteur is in a meeting when the party kicks the door in.  And zis is not my responsibility, eh? You failed to protect your investments. You. We had a contract, my friend. Ze provisions for loss and damages were clearly written in ze fine print. Even so, I can't be made to pay for the damages when I've just had all my possessions stolen! I'll be out on the streets! Zis is not my concern. You will pay. Or, if you prefer, I can be asking your wife for zis money? Your daughter, hmm? Wait, please! Leave my family out of this! Just in time for the vigilante cavalry.   Ah ha hah! I fear zis joke is not funny. I have business with zis gentleman. We have no time for baseless accusations. Then what of accusations with concrete proof? Oh? And just what is zat, eh? A little souvenir snatched from the lair of the thieves prowling the oasis of late. It bears your signature, chairman. As well as your orders to attack any citizens approaching the oasis. Ahh, zis day. No luck at all. I suppose zis is ze result of trusting zat useless urchin to perform a simple task... Then you don't deny it? Release the city's wells to the public, then. Immediately! I beg your pardon!? Just who are you to be issuing ze orders, girl? As I told you before, zis is a business! If you are too poor, zis is your problem. Stupid enough to be tricked? Your problem! Don't like it? Go earn some money, eh!? Money, money, money! These are human lives! Ugh, this is useless. I'm shutting you down right now! Eh hah hah! We will be seeing about zat. Ciggma Khint! I have work for you! You! From the thieves den! You'd help this crook!? Provided his pockets are heavier than yours, yes. I care nothing past that.Darn, should've done more pg grinding. Erutus Profiteur, Merchant of Death... Do we have an agreement? But of course. And I'm feeling generous today. Kill zem all, and I'll throw in a bonus! Contract established. You'll have your money's worth. They may be deadly and evil, but they're still cute when they pose. Anyway, looks like we get another shot at that spell fencer asterisk.  Agnès starts off the battle by stealing whatever isn't tied down.  The major finds are a piece of armor from Khint and a weapon from Profiteur.  Khint is about the same as the last battle, but Profiteur is surprisingly difficult. His abilities all involve money: Pay to Play raises critical hit rate, while his Takeover hits for exactly 300 hp, even if the target is Defaulting. If he does it to any of the party twice in a row, they'll die, so keeping on top with healing takes priority. After taking one of them down to half health, the combat pauses for a scene.   Any further, and I'll be placing my life on the line. That bears a surcharge of 51.2 billion pg. Zat's not a surcharge, it's a national budget! You're mad! Then this is farewell. Best of luck. Zis...Zis is fraud! I'll see you reported for zis! The spell fencer asterisk and its owner escape once again, casually as before. Khint must've taken running away lessons from Heinkel.  Without Khint's extra damage to worry about, Profiteur goes down shortly after.  Our reward is... Economics 101 in convenient magic stone form? Plus fashionable new outfits. Perfect for Ringabel.   The items Agnès stole. Mythril gear, better than what's available in Ancheim's stores.  At this point it's a race to the bottom to see which bad guy is the most cartoonishly evil. Don't worry, we've still got a long way down.  Tiz nods in agreement. I'm just glad we managed to root out the ones causing Ancheim's people such suffering. And just look at these papers! It's proof of one crime after the next! I can only pray this will make life here a bit less difficult...All three characters pictured here are pretty naive, but at least they've got the power to punch justice into wherever they go.   Approach the door at the Grand Mill Works' rear at precisely 0030 hours. Knock five times, at two second intervals. Ensure you are not followed. No signature this time. A memo of Profiteur's, perhaps? Whatever it is, it stinks. The merchantry might not be the only snakes involved in this scheme. It bears checking. Let's have a look for ourselves at the mill tonight.The party steps out of the now abandoned merchantry building, into the desert, and waits.  Just after midnight, they reenter the city. Most people are asleep, and the city is quiet but for the constant ticking of machinery.  Although Profiteur was stopped, the city is still not well. Ugh, I'm too exhausted to do anything...Without the wind, the city's inner workings still function by human power.  Khamer probably wouldn't speak with us until we brought the wind back, anyway.  And Khamer's not the only one waiting for us.  A better view of the clock behind this guy. A man kneeling on the ground gazing up at the moon, and a woman with the moon... a reference to the story of Selene and Endymion, maybe. Sailor Moon. Ancheim has a giant Sailor Moon clock.  Back to the task at hand: the game hasn't directly stated it, but this is the back door to the Grand Mill Works. This guard's still blocking the door night and day, and until he leaves, we can't check out what's inside. There's no trick here -- for now all we can do is ignore the side quest's buildup and continue the main quest. It's unintuitive and a surefire way to lose steam on what was shaping up to be an decent bit of intrigue.  This guy next to the merchantry building's still merrily chatting away about gameplay. Guess he didn't notice the giant fight from inside earlier today. Or didn't care. With zero success at pursuing the notepaper's hint, the party gets some sleep, preparing to head to the Temple of Wind the next day.  Before leaving town, let's talk with the Adventurer. He's got a couple new menu options now that Norende's getting built up. As mentioned way earlier, he sells whatever you've unlocked in the minigame.    Nothing too exciting yet, gameplay-wise, but the namahage mentioned in the carving knife entry is a real thing in Japan. In short: men dress in costumes during the event and scare little kids into being good. There are several similar events around the world. "Obey your parents or the demon will carry you off to hell and eat you!" is internationally considered decent incentive to behave, I guess.  These've been around since near the start of the game, so here's their late entry. Baffling, as it seems more like it'd teleport the user to the site they least want to be in any dungeon worth its salt. "Oh god, I was trying to leave the giant spider den, why did it bring me back?"  It is a holy place that has been a center of worship for millenia. To each crystal is wed a vestal, who spends her lifetime in steady prayer. Vestalings--girls chosen as successors to the vestals--go to live in the temples. They leave its premises only very rarely. And so, to a vestal, the temple is also a home. A flower garden, with no boys allowed. Be quiet, Ringabel. So you were inside the temple ever since you became a vestaling? It was quite rare to leave, save for a few public rites each year. Does that mean you were all alone? Wasn't that hard? I was not alone, no. The mother vestal--my predecessor--raised me to serve in her place. And there were the acolytes. They would go into town and purchase all we needed. But you left for this journey. I guess that's proof it's important. No. Even so, I had never intended to leave the temple. Never intended any of this...Hopefully the temple won't be in too bad of a shape. Maybe they'll be rebuilding. Maybe we'll find other survivors.  The temple is south of Ancheim.  The interior has seen better days.   Not a good sign. Inside the temple? How? What happened to this place, Agnès? The Crystal of Wind was swallowed up in darkness. Darkness... Yes, at the chasm in Caldisla... It opened at the same time the crystal lost its light. And the dark that consumed it continues to breed more darkness still. I expect that font of shadows is to blame for drawing these creatures here. Not good... Yet we've no choice. Keep vigilant as we proceed. A moment's distraction could prove fatal. No problem. Looks like our destination isn't too far ahead. Just grab a treasure from a side passage...  Appropriate. Sneak through this room and...   Get blocked by waist-high rubble. Guess we'll have to go the long way around and properly dungeon. Next: Crystals! Giant shining crystals! Life-giving crystals! Has it been mentioned this game isn't Final Fantasy? -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Temple of Wind Sub-Scenario: Profiteur, Merchant of Death Corruption atop Corruption Party Chat: What's This Temple? D's Journal: Profiteur, Merchant of Death posted:
D's Journal: Temple of Wind posted:Temple of Wind: This slender, spiral-shaped tower stands alone south of Ancheim, at the edge of the Harena Desert. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 11:57 on Mar 18, 2017 |
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Mar 17, 2017 22:42
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Entry 21: Where the Wind Sleeps, Corrupted The party's tiny potato bodies lack the ability to climb over waist-high rubble, so they begin the search for a clear route to the other side of the room. It's going to be a hike, so they start chatting.  Life in the temple? The acolytes and I offered our prayers to the crystal every day without fail. Oof, no days off? The sole purpose for the vestal and acolytes' existence is to see those prayers go on unbroken. I see... Each day, we would awaken with the sun and perform morning prayers. Ack, I couldn't drag myself out of bed that early. That's just about bedtime for me. Sure, because you're out philandering all night. So if you wake up at dawn, when do you go to sleep? Our days ended with the sun's setting. That all sounds very disciplined. Harsh, even. Perhaps. But I cherished it. Even now, I long to return to that life dearly... Strange that Tiz, shepherd from a farming village, would be unused to Agnès's sunrise/sunset schedule.  To the right of the rubble is a hallway with a door leading to where we want to go, but it can't be opened. Too bad.  Strange animated statues lurk in the temple. They're mostly harmless, but take effort to whittle down due to their high defenses.  This doesn't bode well for any possible survivors in the temple.  Agnès steals this. Could the electrical charge be part of whatever's animating the statue? Do dark forces work with electronics?   Unsurprisingly, there are also wind spirits here. The darkness likely made them hostile as well.  The temple has a central garden. Even in ruins, it looks peaceful.  Entering the room to the south prompts the party to look around.  The Crystalist Scriptures. "Dauntless seeker, offer your prayers unto the Crystals. So, too, shall the vestal, in accordance with the teachings. Their resplendent light shall cleave a path through darkest night, and banish fear from every shadow." The scriptures have been passed down through more than two millenia, since the founding of the Orthodoxy. The excerpt I gave is among their most important passages. It's that famous, then?  It looks as if someone tried to carry them away from here. The acolytes. They were women of exceptional faith. I expect they came here desperate to protect these writings. This stain, upon the floor... I'm afraid it's blood. They were close to the entrance, too. Everything must've happened pretty fast. The passage leading north to the right of that room is blocked by the rubble visible in the earlier screenshot. A stairway down to the basement provides a detour.  The basement is a wreck, but it's filled with treasures, including this new item.  Yum yu...ergh. This is an unexpected downside to being a Final Fantasy magic-user.  Complete basement, all about navigating past debris. Back up to the ground floor.  Past the first pile of rubble, there's yet another blocking the way onward. While searching for the next detour, the party looks into a side room.  It's like a storm swept through in the middle of supper. What are these scraps of cloth? Hm? ...Oh, I'm so sorry. They belonged to the acolytes who lived here. They were tasked with looking after me. ...I owe them all so much. ......Sometimes Tiz's obliviousness kicks in at terrible times. Although another explanation is the scenes may be out of order: the scriptures scene is placed after the habits scene in the Event Viewer, meaning the party wouldn't have seen the bloodstains yet. In-game, however, the locations of the scenes have them clearly accessible in the order shown in the LP. Could be something got switched around late in development. The party heads upstairs.  This floor has the last enemy of the temple, these lovely fellows.  Weapons? Made by the temple residents or from long ago or by the darkness? It'd make sense if they were ancient, long-buried temple guardians.   A hidden treasure and its contents. It's nice to see explanations behind some of the standard Final Fantasy items, even if they're not from an actual Final Fantasy.  The second floor is open to the garden below. The left half of the temple is either inaccessible or has a high enough ceiling to have no second floor.  At the north side of the floor is a curmudgeonly but not hostile owl-man. Odd place for a demihuman straight out of Chrono Cross to hang out. Didn't even know they existed in this game.  Here's the treasure to the left of owl-man. Tiz grabs it to better his magical destruction.  Complete map. Let's see if the way is clear downstairs.  As hoped, we emerge on the other side of the rubble. The party runs towards the crystal chamber, but along the way, pauses at the sight of a wrecked room.  Yet swallowed up in silence. And in that stillness... grief. This place is steeped in sadness.Every once in a while Ringabel sounds downright serious. It always comes as a bit of a shock.  And now, all of them gone... It's Norende, all over again. They sacrificed themselves that I might protect the crystal. I'll not betray them. I swear it. No matter what happens... Surely you can allow yourself to grieve! I pray for them. That they may know peace... But for now, I must press onward. Agnès is a good, if subtle, example of a female hero who shows weakness but is not weak. She has faults and asks Tiz for help, but it's clear she's self-driven. Her character - all four of the main characters, really -- are the best part of this game.  Further down the hall, there's a sparkling lever opposite the locked door from earlier. Is there any better way to get a game player's attention than sparkles? Aside from a treasure chest?  Pulling the lever opens the door, allowing quick access back to the temple entrance.  The last dungeon treasure is an upgrade for Agnès.   The complete ground floor. Guess that means all that's left is...  Airy's the most excited she's been all trip. Now we can revive the wind, and--  Hm.  Even hearing the stories, I'd never expected... What now? Do we just...  If she insists. Nothing's immediately attacking us, at least.  I've watched over the crystal all my life, but this... I've never seen this. We need to release it from the darkness. Agnès! You know what to do, don't you? The mother vestal, my predecessor, showed me as a child. A rite to cleanse the crystal of any evil to befall it. I'm to sharpen my focus to a single point and align my breathing to the thrum of the crystal's natural rhythm. Every vestal to come before me has poured her prayers into the crystal. The time has come to draw upon that store of will and awaken it. You do your office proud. Now for the final step. The vestal garb. The mother vestal's was stored in the reliquary. Lead the way. Once we have that, we can begin the Rite of Awakening. The reliquary is the last wrecked room the party was in, the one shaped like a witch's hat on the map.  Agnès scrounges around the floor before pulling something up.  Yes, this is it. ...But the dark has beaten us here. Oh, look at it, it's in tatters! And it must have been such a beautiful piece... It may not serve its function in this state. ...Yet no other set remains to us. What now, then? We can't perform the rite without it. Thanks, game. Stop talking, Ringabel. Hmm... If this garb is destroyed, can we make a new one? A set of holy vestments used in some miraculous ritual? Sure, Tiz, let me ask my tailor.[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] No, he's right! That's it! We must speak with the old sage of the Yulyana Woods. He has seen to the creation of the vestal's garbs and other ceremonial tools for generations. There's no finer craftsman. I met him only once, as a small child, together with the mother vestal. More than a decade has passed. I cannot say whether he is still there, or even alive, but... But if he can make us a new set of vestments, why are we still standing around talking? I recall the forest being uncommonly dense. Also, there was a lake... If it's large enough to float a ship, I'll land us there. Now, what of the ladies of Yulyana? Are there many ladies? Ignore him. Can we be certain this lake hasn't rotted through like the oceans? That's not how I fancy ending my life. Well, what does Ringabel's journal have to say on the matter? "The hidden heart of an ancient wood northeast of Ancheim." Given the book's owner, I half expected some note about the lack of women there.The Enigmatic Writings do have a distinct lack of Ringabel's romantic talk. Women or no, that's our next destination. Indeed, but since we're going, let's hope for ladies. With that reaction, we're done for the day. Next: Visiting places old and new. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: A Prayer of Mourning The Crystal Altar A Crystal Consumed In Search of Vestments Sub-Scenario: Scattered Scriptures Tattered Habits Party Chat: Vestals and Acolytes D's Journal: Crystals posted:Awakening the Crystals: The vestals' act of exorcising the evil that has befallen a crystal is known as "awakening". It is said that a vestal arrayed in sacred vestments can awaken a crystal and return it to its normal state by continually praying until her breathing aligns with its natural rhythm. D's Journal: Temple of Wind posted:Altar of the Crystal: In the innermost depths of the temple, a cavernous space opened up before us, and there, floating high in the air, was a great crystal of immense proportions. D's Journal: Yulyana Region posted:Yulyana Region: This large peninsula east of the Flor-Cheim Inner Sea and northeast of Ancheim is distinguished by its forest and lake. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 03:47 on Mar 21, 2017 |
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Mar 21, 2017 03:42
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Hobgoblin2099 posted:Ringabel didn't bother me too much with all of his women talk, barring a few points in the game, though they do tone up the perverted sides of his personality a bit too much. Yeah, Ringabel alone is fine because the game treats his commentary with the amount of silliness it deserves. Sleaziness only becomes a problem for very specific segments of the game, where the writers jump over the line from "joke" to "hey not cool guys". More on that in Chapter 2. Glazius posted:...does he write a lot about ladies in his journals? it would seem odd not to. He does sometimes in the person/bestiary entries. Those are the only sections explicitly written by Ringabel. So far as the LP has gotten, we don't know who wrote Enigmatic Writings. That section of the journal is distinctly lacking sexy talk about ladies.
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Mar 21, 2017 19:22
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Let's Learn Jobs: Thief The Thief job excels at two things: stealing and speed. They offer good abilities, but most of their raw stats are underwhelming. Thieves in Bravely Default are the same base as regular Final Fantasy thieves, but additional battle utility makes them useful as a job command or for supports.   Job icon is a black hood to better hide your sneaky ways. Job command is a sack representing all the goodies you'll steal with Thief abilities.  Thief has excellent dexterity and agility, giving them a higher chance to hit evasive targets and a greater chance to take their action before others, respectively. In everything else, they're below average, though the ability to use bows lets them dole out decent damage in a pinch.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Steal: Attempt to steal item from enemy, base 25% chance. Level 2 - Abate Wind: Halves wind damage. (Cost: 1) Level 3 - Speed 10% Up (Cost: 1) Level 4 - Life Thief: Attack with 75% chance to recover hp equal to attack's damage. (8 MP) Level 5 - Speed 20% Up (Cost: 2) Level 6 - Mug: Attack and Steal combined in one action. (16 MP) Level 7 - Raid: Raises party's BP by 1 when get First Strike or BP bonus at start of battle. (Cost: 1) Level 8 - Dagger Lore: Allows other jobs to have S-proficiency with daggers. (Cost: 1) Level 9 - Godspeed Strike: Substitute Speed for Physical Attack; ignores target's Physical Defense. (2 BP) Level 10 - Master Thief: Allows other jobs to equip the Thief specialty. (Cost: 3) Level 11 - Rob Blind: Attempt to steal two items at a time rather than one. (Cost: 2) Level 12 - Shake Down: Steal from all enemies at once, base 25% chance. (1 BP) Level 13 - Speed 30% Up Level 14 - Burgle and Buff: Physical Attack up 25% (max 150%) when Steal/Mug or Life Thief succeed. (Cost: 1) Steal and its varieties allows access to above-average weapons and armor through much of the game, as well as limitless items for a particular item-consuming job later on. Thief also has a strong set of battle abilities outside of stealing, especially when combined with a high physical damage Job. Life Thief, for example, offers a way to heal without relying on healing magic. The Speed Ups can also be situationally useful, though unfortunately action order is still semi-randomized.  Stealing rate is doubled. Despite Master Thief's english in-game description saying it doesn't stack with steal-boosting items, its effect does appear to stack with the Thief Gloves (which also double chance to steal). The thief outfits go for a modern trendy ruffian look, with a hoodie and beaded scarf combo, crop tops for the gals, and practical trousers/skirt and boots. The outfits are also notable for being the first which are mostly equal opportunity in the skin department.     The back of Edea and Tiz's hoodies also feature an attached lock, complementing the Vogueish rogueish ensemble. 
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Mar 22, 2017 10:06
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Entry 22: Saying Hey to All Our Buddies Before Yulyana Woods, let's check out what's going on everywhere else.  Orthros is a mythical beast spoken of in the Crystalist scriptures. As a child, I always wondered what would happen if the beast's two opposing heads bumped together.What is Orthros, some kind of discount cerberus?  Hat, light gear, and accessories are easy to move in, so every job has an "A" aptitude for them.Stoic guard has temporarily become another tutorial guard. One last stop at Ancheim's armory:     The rest of the shop's inventory, all the non-upgrades. Eventually items will get more interesting descriptions, but right now they're still mostly bog standard pieces of equipment.  I miss the wind...Won't be much longer, npc man. But first, the party's going to fly halfway across the planet to see how Caldisla's doing.   First you save our king, now you've beaten those Sky Knight louts for us. You lot are heroes!They've only gotten more effusive in their praise during our absence. Good that things are going well.  Don't worry, npc kid, we're going to go close it with the power of justice and bloodthirstiness.  Not sure whether she's acting oddly because she's glum Ringabel's gone or because she notices him in our party.  That's right. In fact, let's check in and see if there's anything new.   There are quite a few types of compound items. It'll still be a while before they're usable, though.  Even if the wind is revived, the rotted seas probably won't be fixed.  Caldisla is finally free from the shadow of the Eternian Forces, thanks to you.For now, everyone's distracted by their victory, but their kingdom's dependence on the ocean is likely going to really be hurting them soon.  The throne room is now filled with soldiers. All but one has a new line of dialogue. The captain was my hero. I always aspired to be like him... Your feats push us all to do our best. Keep them coming, would you?  One last check on Norende before we leave.  "Morning dew that forms on crystals" -- The big four Crystals with their own religion, or just little crystals growing in the ground? The former would certainly explain the high price. The party rests at Karl's inn and heads back to the eastern continent.  Airy seems down. Having to delay reviving the wind crystal seems hard on her.  This shot was taken with the party at the Temple of Wind and ship (green icon) in Flor-Cheim Inner Sea. Yulyana Woods surrounds the lake that was covered in mist earlier.  As luck would have it, the mist is now gone. There isn't much to do around here. That house is our destination. There's a cave around the south end of the lake as well. Let's go visit it.   On the way, the forest is full of zombies and other monsters. This tailor we're visiting must be quite tough to live out here.  Pink numbers indicate MP loss.  The obligatory jerk enemy that drains MP. At least ethers are cheap in this game. On reaching the cave south of the lake:  Fairly standard. Except instead of the scene ending, Agnès walks off.  Edea runs after Agnès.  Ringabel follows Edea.  Tiz hurries along last. Tiz confirmed for being a little slow on the uptake. We'll be here again soon enough. For now, it's back to the house near the pier.  Outside the house is a calm brook.  And evidence of someone fishing. This looks peaceful.  And it sounds like the right place.  We were here... The mother vestal, I, and Olivia. Was that strange, distant groaning here then, too? Or am I the only one who's thoroughly unsettled right now? You're not alone. The lack of women here is positively chilling. Though it seems someone lives here... After a pause, an old man walks up.   So, to whom do I owe this pleasure?Agnès bows. I am Agnès Oblige, sir. Vestal of Wind. Ho ho ho! Little Agnès, is it? Oh, you have grown, child! Aw, that's cute. Now look at you! A fine woman you've become. Fine and plump and, ho ho, pleasantly jiggly. Ho ho ho! ...Ahem.Ah, that was an awkward turn.  Then you are indeed the sage I seek. I fear I do not remember your name, sir. Oh, we are a lot alike in that, my dear. Not many people around these parts to call me by it, whatever it was. "Sage" will do just fine by me. It is what the last vestal called me. And at her heels, you. "Thage! Thage!" you'd call. A more charming little echo I've never heard.[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Well, I am glad to have found you. Feels rather good to hear a pretty young thing like you was looking for me. Seems I've not quite lost my charm. Now, you called yourself vestal. I take it that means the last vestal is... I see... A sad loss. For all of us. She was fair, but firm. Very firm. She had taut curves fit to drive a man mad. We shall be needing an in-depth account, good sage. Also, a briefing on any wild women of the woods. You've quite the following, my dear. I had thought the vestals forswore all contact with the outside world. These are... They are assisting me in my task. Oh, assistants, eh? I see. Ho ho ho. Oh, and such colorful characters they are. I've kept you out here long enough. Come inside.The sage leads the party into the house. Time passes, and we rejoin everyone in the evening.  You've been brave to come this far, Agnès. I'd not have managed on my own. I owe Tiz a great debt. Hmm... Well, perhaps it is we've come to the Harrowing. The Harrowing? The swelling dark is a harbinger, lad. As is the fall of the temples. The dulling crystals. The great chasm. It is the vestal's calling to see that darkness purged. I must awaken the four crystals. Awaken them? Huh? What? Each is a beauty fit to outshine the next! Their allure had me spellbound. Spellbound, I tell you! Ho ho ho! I'm impressed a man of your scant years can properly appreciate them. They're a matched pair... As am I, my friend. This is art--romance! You'll come to understand in a few years. And as I recall, we didn't come here to talk. We came to procure vestal garb as quickly as possible. While you were chatting, I searched. My efforts bore unexpected fruit, that's all. Ho ho ho! So, you've come to me because of your need for new vestments, have you? I have. The garb housed in the temple was lost to the darkness. We found it in scraps, sir. Hrmmm... Those garbs are woven from rainbow thread. No substitute will suffice. And is this thread something you keep on hand? I fear not, my dear. The vestal to wear the garb must procure the thread herself. It is tradition. The last vestal of wind did so, as did her predecessor, and countless vestals before. Even had I the thread used to craft the last vestal's garb, I could not fashion it into aught of use to you.So the torn garb wouldn't have worked anyway. But then what about the outfit Agnès is wearing in the opening movie? Was it her predecessor's? Strange she knows all about the Rite of Awakening but not the unique outfit bit. ...I understand. Tell me where I must go. Of course, my child. But come, the day is nearly spent. Stay the night. Oh, yes! If you girls would like, I would be happily obliged to make space in my own bed for you! Oh! Unacceptable!  The night goes by without incident. At least the sage takes no for an answer. Next morning:  Edea, was it? How about making a nip of breakfast now for an old man, eh? What? Why should I cook for you? Given her upbringing, I've grave doubts the vestal could boil water, let alone cook. That leaves you. Food can wait, sage. Now, the location of the rainbow thread, if you please! Agnès? Jealous, are you? Oh ho ho! That's adorable. The location of the rainbow thread, if you please! Hmph, you're no fun at all. Very well, then. I prepared a light meal while you were sleeping. Eat before you go.All that, and he'd already made food. What an imp.  Remember those directions.  Quite. It was nothing especially fancy or out-of-the-ordinary, but it went down fine. I thought it was really good, actually. Likewise. I wonder why he would have wanted you to cook for him, Edea? All alone, out here in the woods? Maybe he missed the taste of the big city. Aww, when you put it that way, I feel bad for saying no. What sort of food do you like to cook, Edea? Hmmm, I haven't cooked enough to have a specialty or anything, but if I had to pick something... I make a mean jam and butter omelet. ...Beg your pardon? Or whipped chestnut and sweet potato toast. Uhh... Or have you ever tried marshmallow and condensed milk risotto? Er, no, but it sounds sweet... Painfully so. Yup! Mother and father were left speechless by its amazing deliciousness. I'd be happy to whip some up for you next time. R-right... Next time...The sage doesn't know the bullet he dodged. Next entry won't be until after the weekend. Then the heroic misfit party's going to tackle a dungeon and a dragon. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Yulyana Woods The Yulyana Sage The Sage's Hospitality A Vestal Tradition Morning in the Yulyana Woods Party Chat: Such Sweet Sorrow D's Journal: Sage Yulyana posted:D's Journal: Yulyana Region posted:D's Journal: Crystals posted:
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Mar 23, 2017 03:01
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Pittsburgh Lambic posted:On a different note, is OP going to at least show off a usage of Summon Friend? You know what? Sure. It'll be tacked on in one of the entries coming up. Epsilon Moonshade posted:... reading over that list, we need more (major) wise old lady characters in JRPGs. Like, real old ladies, not "28? You're ancient!" That'd be fantastic. I like old mentor types, too, but of all the secondary character traits to choose, perverted's about the worst. When the mentor's in a position of power over the younger folks, like Yulyana, it's the fantasy equivalent of a teacher pressuring a high school student or a boss pressuring an underling. Unless the mentor makes it crystal clear from the start there's no pressure (note: not possible in most real life cases, but I'm giving fiction more leeway), or the mentor is supposed to be creepy and unlikeable, it makes scenes awkward fast.
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Mar 24, 2017 17:03
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Entry 23: The Vestal and Her Guards  We begin on a fresh new morning in the Needleworks.  The sage lets us rest in his house for free.   Was the sage using these to keep his caught fish cold? Hopefully he won't mind if we take one.  Outside, the Adventurer and a bunch of animals are just hanging out. Idyllic.  Apparently some animals in this world are sentient and can speak. Okay, then.  Unlike Ancheim, fuzzy guy here's got the whole set of Eisenberg mythril in stock, plus other upgrades.     Some new mythril gear, and Tiz is now dressed as a furry.  West... right?  I've marked your map. Try not to lose your way.West.  There is no way to get to that pig. I want to give it a pat on the head.  So, in order to reach the correct cave, we head... east. Along the way, nothing but forest and another obelisk.   Then circle around the lake until the southwest side. Our goal is the place where Tiz got left behind earlier. Making the game's directions even more confusing, there is a cave directly west of the Needleworks, but it is not the cave we want.  It'll be obvious when you've found the correct cave.  Are we certain we'll find this thread in here? I wouldn't put it past that sage to be pulling our leg. A slippery old fox, that one. Said the slippery young fox. The sage has aided vestals in their service for at least two generations. Let us trust in him for now. Then we've no reason to stand around debating. Let's press on. Majority rules, most of the party is in agreement to check around here.  The visual layout for this dungeon has a neat trick: the black space between walkable areas is incorporated with the design and doesn't block line of sight. The result is an effect like you might find in a storybook.  The local enemies specialize in debuffs but otherwise aren't tough.  The Dark Lantern tries and fails to intimidate Edea. Edea proceeds to beat its face in.   The vestal trial involves not only physical but mental toughness.  Complete map of ground floor. This place is straightforward, no traps.   Second area. The treasure still visible on the map is a blue chest. Heading down the left stairs...  Leads to a dead end with this. Apparently you can apply magic deterrent like sunblock.  The Vestment Cave is the nicest looking dungeon so far. The colors are easy on the eyes.  Complete third area. The stairs ahead lead down to...  Our good friend. Past him, there's something incredibly shiny at the end of a long, narrow corridor. We'll encounter no trouble there, I'm sure.  Is the thread just... sitting there on the ground? Like it grew there? Or like something/one put it there?  Whatever it is, must be a lot of it to create enough material for a dr--  Despite his foppish demeanor, Ringabel is consistently the most alert of the crew.    Oh look, a dragon snuck up on the party. Despite his size, this guy's a mini-boss. Agnès steals one of his fangs, which is always a pretty badass thing to do to a living dragon.  Its signature move is a hard-hitting attack on the party member with the lowest HP. Default when needed and heal up.  The knight defeats the dragon.   Everyone levels, and they dig a salvageable accessory out of the body.    The total spoils. Agnès, where exactly did you pick up that fang?  Its page in the bestiary is listed under Dragonkind, not bosses.   No one said anything about a monster! Did the old man know about this? If he knew and didn't tell us, he's awful! That would be lying! Be calm, Airy. Perhaps this was a trial of sorts. A test of my resolve and skill as vestal. Regardless, we've found what we came for. Let's return with the thread. The dragon really seemed to shock Airy. Luckily Agnès is keeping a calm head. It wouldn't do to antagonize the guy making her clothes. Before wrapping up, here's a look at the long-ignored Summon Friend feature.  It's been available since Entry 6, when Agnès explained her pendant to Tiz. By choosing 'Summon Friend' from the battle menu, you can exchange battle actions with other players.  When sending an action, the character does their action and holds up the pendant.  Resulting in a beacon of light showing the action is sent. When summoning someone else's action, the character again brings out the pendant, there is another beacon of light...  Some sort of portal opens...  And your friend buddy pal pops out to do a move before departing. It's a neat effect. Next time: Battle for the Crystal of Wind. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Vestment Cave The Sacred Rainbow Thread Thread Acquired D's Journal: Yulyana Region posted:
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Mar 27, 2017 23:16
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Glazius posted:I suppose this guy's coming back as a random encounter at some point, then? Surprisingly, it won't. The game's just very stingy about what's considered a true Boss in the bestiary. Asterisk holders are sorted under Bosses, as are other plot important bosses. Everything else is sorted into other subcategories.
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Mar 29, 2017 05:17
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Entry 24: Waggling Eyebrows Mission accomplished, so back to the Needleworks.  Then you did know! A word of warning might have helped, you old lech! It's been so long since I set about crafting vestal garb, I'd completely forgotten. Knowing this guy, that's actually plausible. I believe you were in a hurry? I'll begin straight away. All the haste in the world won't see it done before tomorrow. Make yourselves at home till then, hm?And the party does. That night:  Agnès...?  Pretty sure Tiz's hat can be seen over the clothing rack. Luckily, Agnès and the sage are distracted. Let's listen in!  Sir, do you remember this pendant? I've treasured it like a good luck charm since I was a child. Ever since the day you gave it to me. Hmm, that brings me back. I remember it well, child. I'm pleased you've held on to it all this while. It gives me strength. In dark times, I would pray to it...talk to it. And the stone would lend me courage. Keep it close and keep it safe. Some day it may serve you better still. ...... And the other girl... The one who was with me when last I was here. Do you remember her? Oh, Little Olivia. Yes. She serves now as the vestal of water. Sir, have you heard anything of her? Is she safe? The world's oceans began to fester the same day the darkness took the Wind Crystal. It's the Crystal of Water that sustains the seas. I fear... I fear the same fate has struck the Temple of Water. Or worse... I need to know if Olivia is safe, but I haven't the means or the time to seek her out. I see... Tell me, child. Would you care to share what else is on your mind? ...... ...I'm uncertain. Until a few days ago, I lived a hermit's existence. Sequestered in the temple, surrounded by acolytes... I knew nothing of the world outside. Know nothing of it still. How can I be sure in the face of that ignorance? How can I know that the path I walk is the right one? Hmmm... Recent years have seen the people's hearts and minds turn from the Crystal Orthodoxy. Its practices are all but forgotten. Yet even still, they regard the crystals and the vestals who tend them with an innate reverence. Carry out your duty and keep faith, my child. Therein lies the path the vestals show to all humanity. ...I'm still so weak. Compared to the mother vestal, I lack in everything! I could not stop the dark from swallowing up the crystal. I cost those women their lives... And all the world's people... Kings and commoners alike, their eyes bore into me. Whether in expectation or disappointment, the weight is crushing. They...they frighten me. I am unfit to show them the way forward. I barely trust my legs to carry myself alone... But they have. Despite the blame and fear, you've fought this far for the world, and its people. Your fight is a noble one. Just and right, and beyond any reproach. But now the time has come to set others upon that path. Guide them to follow in your steps. Just as the vestals have ever drawn upon the crystals' light to illuminate the way forward for all mankind, so must you. Words are powerful things, my child. The vestals' words doubly so. They are a force capable of driving man to action. Of sustaining him in times of need. You've walked your path for humanity's sake. Your love of this world has been your fuel. Now let your words be theirs. Share your path with them. They'll decide for themselves whether to follow or not. The world will choose as it may. But if you open your heart and point the way, you'll ignite a spark of hope within the hearts of countless men and women. Hope... You sound like Tiz. Oh? Already begun lighting those sparks, have you? Ho ho ho! You'll reach them, child. Speak, and your words will find a home. Then I had best choose them wisely. Tiz sneaks back to bed. The rest of the night passes peacefully. The next morning:  Mmm, I knew it. You're every bit the wonder I imagined! It really suits you, Agnès! Whether it suits me or not is of little importance. These vestments are a tool, and their purpose strictly ritual. Phew... A night's work feels like seven at my age. I thank you for your sacrifice, Sage. Your efforts will see the winds return. Oh? If you really cared to thank me, you'd plant a kiss on my cheek. Augh, you're shameless! Is that another tradition surrounding the creation of the vestal garb? No! It's the sad fantasy of a lecherous little toad! That's Unacceptable # 7, for anyone wondering. Ho ho ho! I do love a girl with a firm touch. Come back any time you've need of me. I'll do all I'm able.[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Thank you, sage. Now, back to the temple!But first, let's buy more from the foxy vendor.   More mythril from Eisenberg.  This is likely a reference to Tiger Mask, a manga from the 60s/70s, or one of the tons of Japanese wrestling stuff inspired by it since then.   ...And more mythril. Eisenberg gear is all the rage. After shopping, Ringabel pulls Tiz aside.  Huh? What is it? Nothing at all. This is a matter between men, my dear. Uh huh... Last night, I chanced to awaken and notice you and Agnès were absent from your beds. What's more, you took your time coming back. Anything you'd care to confess, old chap? Just what trouble does a stick-in-the-mud like you get up to? Wha-- That's none of your business! Oh, come on, out with it! All of it, every last sordid, juicy, scandalous morsel! Out! ...I woke up and saw she wasn't in her bed. Yes? Yes!? Then what!? I got out of bed to look for her. Right, right. Sensible enough. Go on. Get to the good part! I heard a sewing machine running, so I went to the sage's work space and found them talking. What? Talk about a turn for the boring... He listened to what was on her mind and offered her some advice. I promised myself I'd do a better job of helping her, too. Hmph. Yes. Alright. So, is that it, then? That's it. What did you expect? We were only gone maybe fifteen minutes. And besides, why were you up? Hm? Me? Er, you know... Anyway, I nodded off after a few minutes of watching Edea sleep. Yeah...  Ahem. Nothing at all, as I said! Eh, Tiz? Ha ha ha... After saying goodbye to the sage, the party leaves.  Before returning to the Harena region, it's time to get in some battles to make up for me usually keeping the encounter rate at -100%.  Those bonuses are what you want to see for grinding. More exp, more JP, and the blue Sweeper bonus for more money, gotten by killing all enemies at once. At best, all three bonus types will be Hero.  Now we're prepared for whatever might happen. At the foot of the temple, Tiz hesitates.  No, just... I was just thinking. About Norende, I mean. What's the most efficient way to rebuild, do you think?There is no bad time to talk about Norende. Most efficient? Right. Once we recruit people to help, how I do go about delegating work to them? Hmm... I haven't got a head for numbers. Ah ha ha, me neither. How about you, Ringabel? Not much, I'm afraid. I don't even know how many girlfriends I have right now. I've been beating my head against a wall thinking of who to date in what order... Perhaps you're not hitting the wall hard enough. I'd be happy to help. I suppose all we really need is simple division. There are three buildings which each take three days to build. If I have three people to allot... Then assigning one person per building will take three days for all of them. Or, I put all three on one and build it in one day. That's still three days to build all three. Wait, so there's no difference? Then why bother worrying about it? It isn't the same, though. In the latter case, you have use of the first building after one day. And the second after the second. It's a small difference, but a difference still. Assigning all three to each project earns the quickest gains, and may be most efficient. Hey, you're right!Agnès, showing off some smarts. With that all-important issue solved, the party continues into the temple's crystal chamber.  I might be sick... Wait. Something's here! ...! No... A monster's taken hold of the crystal! Orthros! Is it friendly? Now what? It stands between us and the crystal's awakening. Then I don't suppose we've much choice!  Meet Orthros, the first serious boss of the game. It consists of two enemies, each head having separate HP and turn action.  The red head is weak to water and uses a multi-target flame breath attack.  The blue head is weak to fire and uses a multi-target ice breath attack.  Sometimes they'll combine the two into an even larger multi-target attack. If you're lucky, they'll just do a single target bite that still hits for a ton. Without a White Mage, damage mitigation is important. Part of the earlier job grinding included raising everyone's Black Mage job to level 4 for Abate Fire, decreasing the amount of fire damage they take.  After the blue head is taken out, the big stress of the battle is over.   Tiz doing what he does best: kill mercilessly.  Agnès stole a few battle items during the fight.   Final Fantasy bombs? Then shouldn't these descriptions read... Age of Fantasy?  Unlike the Dragon, Orthros is listed under the Bosses section in the Bestiary.  how long has that thing been inside the crystal? The details can wait! First comes the Rite of Awakening! I'll second that. I'm in no state to deal with any of that beast's friends right now. Hurry, Agnès! You need to get ready! Right!Momentarily...  Then let's review how the rite works one last time. I'm to focus my prayers on the crystal, yes? Right. That will naturally align your breathing with the crystal's rhythm. Your life force will stir it awake. That will return the crystal to its normal state, but you mustn't stop there. Keep praying! If you excite the crystal to just short of the breaking point then release that energy all at once, its effects will spread far and wide. There are a few important things to remember, though. First, you're not to stop until I say! The flow of energy into the crystal could reverse. At its worst, that could be fatal. I understand. Last, everyone needs to keep their distance and stay absolutely silent. The rite places a huge burden on the vestal, physically and mentally. But even if she seems to be in pain, you can't come near her or the crystal. No matter what! What do you mean, a huge burden? Is there any danger to Agnès? There's nothing to worry about. I'll be right here watching to make sure of that! Now, everyone but Agnès, step back! All ready to begin? ...Ready. So, here's the trick: during the Rite of Awakening, the player controls Agnès. Pressing X sends a pulse of prayer to the crystal. It's not a rhythm game or anything -- just tap X...  ...and the crystal reacts.  As the dark deposits break off,  the hum of the crystal increases.   Until eventually,   the Crystal of Wind returns.  Airy... Is it done!? Not yet! Just a little longer! Rgh...! More! Keep going! Keep tapping X.  Keep tapping X.  -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: Crafting New Vestments Like the Vestals of Old To Stoke the Winds to Life Bringer of Doom The Crystal of Wind Party Chat: Ringabel's Reconnaissance Delegating Work in Norende D's Journal: Agnès Oblige posted:pg.6: We visited the sage of Yulyana Woods to entreat him to make the garb necessary for the Rite of Awakening. After we retrieved the rainbow thread from the cave as requested, the sage worked through the night to complete the vestal garb. He and Agnès spoke until the early hours of the morning. D's Journal: Sage Yulyana posted:pg.2: It seems the vestal herself had to gather the rainbow thread for her vestal garb. Following the sage's instructions, we faced a number of challenges--even a dragon. After we retrieved the rainbow thread, the sage worked through the night to fashion it into the vestal garb. I hear the sage and Agnès spoke in hushed tones until dawn.
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Mar 29, 2017 23:46
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Let's Learn Jobs: Merchant Merchants are Merchant is not a standard for Final Fantasy, though someone mentioned it was a class in side game Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light, also made by the Bravely Default team.   Job icon is the classy top hat the guys wear. Command icon is a single gold token/pg (Bravely Default's currency), because what's more important to a true person of business?  Why are we bringing businessmen onto the battlefield, again? Fashion, because with intellect as their sole decent trait and below average vitality, their gameplay viability is limited.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Pay to Play: Spend level x 50 pg to raise target's critical rate by 300%. Max 1000%, lasts four turns. Level 2 - Salesman: Attempt to convince enemy to buy recovery item for sell price x 2.4. Level 3 - White Knight: When user is under 20% HP, ally with highest HP will take single-target physical damage in user's place. (Cost: 1) Level 4 - Pharmacy: Purchase recovery item and use it on target. Costs standard amount of pg. Level 5 - Hedge Risk: Take half damage, spending pg equal to damage not taken. Lasts five turns. Level 6 - Takeover: Spend level x 50 pg to deal equivalent damage. Ignores Default. Level 7 - BP Drink: Spend pg to restore BP to target. 1 BP = 1k pg, 2 BP = 10k pg, 3 BP = 100k pg. Level 8 - Speculate: 50% chance to deal double damage, 50% chance to deal no damage. (Cost: 1) Level 9 - More Money: Allows other jobs to equip the Merchant specialty. (Cost: 2) Level 10 - Millionaire: Gives level x 25 pg to player who summons this move using Summon Friend. Level 11 - Big Pharma: Restore enemy HP, gaining pg equal to amount restored. Level 12 - Full Leverage: x2 damage, recovery, HP/MP/BP ability cost for battlefield. Lasts five turns. Level 13 - Low Leverage: Half damage, recovery, HP/MP/BP ability cost for battlefield. Lasts five turns. Level 14 - Payoff: Spend money to end battle. Obtain pg, exp, and JP as normal. Amount spent increases chance of success. Merchant specializes in strange, special case, funnily named abilities. Since most rely on cash, a true battle-ready Merchant isn't possible until late in the game or with a lot of grinding.  The best Merchant ability, money gain x 1.5. NOTE: despite the ability stating in-game it stacks when multiple characters use it, it does not. It does, however, stack with money-boosting items. This round, everyone's outfits are based on mid 1800s-early 1900s U.S. fashion. The guy outfits include top hats, capes over upperclass menswear, and oversized pocketwatches. The gals do the southern belle look, including hoop skirts and jewelry large as money can buy. Sorry to say, everyone's hats are too grand and get cut off on the game screen. Upside is, this way you can imagine the top hats extending for eternity.    
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Mar 30, 2017 21:41
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Entry 25: The Wind, Awakened Last time:  We're a good listener, so once Airy said to stop, we stopped. It is possible to disobey by continuing to press X, but after Airy gives us another warning, Agnès will stop on her own to prevent, dunno, her own death or something.  ...Did it work?Tiz, if the crystal were any shinier it'd burn your eyes out. The Rite of Awakening was a great success! You were amazing, Agnès! I never dreamed it'd go this well! The ritual clearly took a toll on Agnès. She sounds winded. That was supposed to happen, then? My heart nearly stopped. I thought something had gone wrong and the whole thing was exploding. I'll bet they saw that flash from Ancheim. Your memory's returned?  Are you alright, Agnès? Anything we can do? I'm fine. Thank you. Oh, look! Look! One of the gems on my brooch is shining! That's proof of the Wind Crystal's release! Then the entire brooch will look like that? Once we've finished with all four crystals? That's right! Only three to go! Well, for now let's head back to town. The wind should be returning, right? For successfully awakening the crystal, the party's awarded a gameplay upgrade.  With two ability slots, you can start mixing and matching or equip a 2 cost ability.  I'm sure the people of Ancheim will be happy! Yes, with the wind returned, the kingdom can go back to its former, peaceful ways. Let's hurry back and report. I want to see that lousy king squirm! I'm still mad at what he did to you before, Agnès. Mark my words, he's black as tar! You agree with me, don't you? You have to! Not all of us are so set on seeing the world in terms of black and white, Edea. Our task was to awaken the wind crystal, and so we have. It has nothing to do with making anyone squirm. Just watch, though. I bet he'll try to make everyone work just as hard, even with the wind back. What? But that's not... Still, isn't it better if we head him off before he gets the chance? Head him off how? Step one is making it darned clear that it was Agnès that brought the wind back. And how do we do that? Talk is cheap. We show them proof! ...Ah!Wonder what the party's plotting?  Let's see how their plan shakes out.  Sounds like a large, angry crowd. Also, the windmills and the wind still aren't moving. Off to a good start.  Oh, no.  After abandoning our kingdom to its fate, the vestal then came slinking back to these borders to beg my forgiveness. And forgive her I did, for I saw naught to be gained from excoriating a girl for her egregious failures. My clemency was met with willful pride! She promised to return the wind to motion single-handedly! The vestal failed to restore the wind, and brought still greater calamity upon our heads! As proof, look no further than the stagnant air around you! I can but blame my own wishful ignorance for this latest turn of events. I ought never have entrusted this matter to a relic of a bygone era! The Crystal Orthodoxy is a dream of the past. The vestal, obsolete! Her inability to ensure the crystal's function is manifest! Join me, my people! Let us rely upon the vestal no longer! It is our own efforts that will see this kingdom saved! The labor service is your sacred duty--your pride as citizens! All who work beyond twenty hours a day will receive a royal commendation! And in the wake of this tribulation, Ancheim will emerge a new land! Our new history begins now! Agnès, come to save the day. No one else would be so effective at shutting him up.    Lying witch! Then why does the air remain still!  The king may be right... ......Oops. Guess the party's plan didn't extend that far. Don't be afraid. The footsteps you've carved will be a guide to these people, Agnès. They just need a light to show the way. ...A spark of hope. Please, give me the courage... ...... The winds that washed over this land without end for so long stopped. A vast darkness split the earth in the kingdom of Caldisla. An entire village was devoured. The seas fester. Fish wash up upon our shores, twisted and lifeless. Even ships are unsafe from this corrosion. All the world's people--all life is crying out in pain. Your suffering is mirrored in every corner of existence. I was dispatched by His Majesty to leave these borders and survey the damage first-hand. My conclusion is absolutely certain. The four crystals have been clouded over with a powerful darkness. On my return, I found the Crystal of Wind in the clutches of a terrible monster. Its influence had sealed away the crystal's light entirely. Bah! You reward our patience with fabrications and fantasy! Utterly ridiculous! I present this to you as proof! Wait, this whole scene seems familiar. ...  ... That explains where the party got their plan.  That can't... It's only a legend! A story from the old Crystalist scriptures!Unfortunately, one we never hear in detail.  Then Orthros was no legend. And the vestal's slain it! Preposterous! The chain's a fake, like your ridiculous story! There's still no wind! The wind is coming! Two thousand years the vestals have prayed. Their lives have been the crystal's nourishment. And now...   She's right. The wind... The wind has returned! Ahh, the winds are back! The Grand Mill! It's turning! The vestal's done it! She's saved us all! Of course you did! And they love you for it. They've found new hope in your words! You were amazing, Agnès! And vestals are a force for good. That speech struck any doubt from my mind! They're all calling out to you. Go on and answer them! You're a savior to the kingdom, Lady Vestal. A savior to all of us! And at such a young age! The vestals are a blessing upon this world! Forgive us for failing to aid you when the winds stopped. We were lost! Please, continue to guide the winds, and this nation's people! Lead, and we will follow! But I fear I cannot stay. I must join with the other vestals and see that all mankind is ransomed from this terrible threat. That is my duty as a vestal of the crystals. It pains me to leave your side again so soon. I ask your patience, and your forgiveness. ...... We thought only of our own misfortunes, but the vestal... Lady Vestal! Know that you go with all our prayers! Please, help them! Help the others as you've helped us! Be strong, Lady Vestal![img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] I thank you... Your faith moves me beyond words. I shall see this task complete, and then return to you. I swear!  I am king! KING! And a king does not forget his enemies! Aughhh...After some time, the crowd disperses and the party regroups.  Just look at the sky! The clouds are practically racing along! Mmm, that breeze feels incredible! Doubly so, after a job well done! All of Ancheim's people were so thankful...[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] One girl said that thanks to the wind, her father is able to come home again. I heard, "We can all eat as a family again"! Or, "Now we can fly kites!" You should have seen the kids' grins. "All the skirts ruffling in the breeze make me feel alive." Gee, I wonder who said THAT. Ha ha ha! In any case, we've got the wind at our back, now!There are a lot of people around with all the excitement. Let's see how happy they are for ourselves.  The wind has returned to us, just as you have. You've saved us all, Lady Vestal. Lady Vestal! Please, show us the way. I beg you! All this is thanks to you, Lady Vestal. I am more grateful than I can say. The wind is back, thanks to the Lady Vestal! I can't thank you enough! I'm liable to get fat from lack of exercise now, ha ha ha! Welcome, Lady Vestal. You are ever welcome here. This story arc's wrapped up in a tidy bow. Another town saved.  Is there some secret inside they don't want us seeing?Wh--this paranoid lady again. C'mon, we've solved every-- ... ... Oh, right. Maybe we aren't done here. We're overdue to have a private chat with the king.   I haven't seen His Majesty since...well, since the Lady Vestal's speech, I suppose. I wonder why not...So, the king's busy having a tantrum. We'll come back later and see if he's recovered.  Nothing more to do in Ancheim for the moment. The party heads out of town.  It's the king's right-hand man. Haven't seen him outside the palace before.  Forgive me. I am Prime Minister Dominus Harena. Your words to the people shook me to my core. Between you and me, I suspect they rattled the king's cage as well. He looked positively deflated. Small wonder. Having his little speech so thoroughly derailed must have been a blow to his royal ego. It will recover, though. It always does. Meanwhile, where will you go from here?Looks like someone's ready to change political alliances. To Florem, Land of Radiant Flowers, and the Water Crystal. I see. But how will you manage the journey with the seas unnavigable? You might travel by land, but the forests along the way are suffused with a noxious fog. The path is most dangerous. Seems we're blocked on all sides. Any ideas? No, but the sage of the Yulyana Woods may know some way. Then it's to the airship, and to Yulyana and beyond! Say the word, Agnès, and I shall lend wings to your every whim! Just to Yulyana, please.After chatting a bit longer with the Prime Minister, the party leaves.  Hm? What did he give us? It's...a piece of paper. Great. Don't be silly, my angel. This is the bill of goods. They'll be sent to the ship later. First off, there's the food. He's arranged for bread, cured meat, salted grassbeans... Fruit celery, green turnips, two barrels of pickled pink eggplant, Clocktower brand Firaga sauce... Then a brand of Ancheim's most tooth-rotting desserts. They do like their sugar. There's at least two weeks' provisions here. Past food, there's... Ah! Berthing permission for the Eschalot! That'll come in handy. We can take on water, oil, even ammunition. Truly, the man is a bureaucratic wizard. Sounds like we'll have a little party waiting for us at the ship! A party? We must make for Florem as soon as humanly possible. Well, as soon as possible is at least half a day from now, given the time to load all this. Right. I think we've all earned at least that much of a rest. Let's enjoy it while we can.The logistics of how Ancheim is related to the port are never clearly explained. Despite how they appear on the world map and are described in D's journal, the game's script doesn't act like the two are a desert apart.  Now that we're on the world map, suspicions are confirmed: we aren't done in Ancheim. The ship can wait; we're going back to town to get some answers. Next: Agnès Oblige, hero of the people by day, dispenser of vigilante justice by night. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Wind Crystal Awakened Lengthening Labor Sit and Stay are Tricks for Dogs The Vestal's Voice Finds a Home A Heroine's Departure Party Chat: Proof, Not Promises The Wind Returns The Minister's Generosity D's Journal: Agnès Oblige posted:pg.7: Agnès held the Tempest's Braid aloft, and the crowd's whispers turned to cheers. We slew the creature Orthros, who had latched onto the crystal in the Temple of Wind. Then, at Airy's bidding, we performed the Rite of Awakening. After returning to Ancheim, Agnès silenced the king's criticism and addressed the people. As her speech ended, the wind returned! D's Journal: Airy posted:pg.3: As we reached the crystal with vestal garb ready, we found a creature latched onto it. Airy identified it as Orthros, the Bringer of Doom. We defeated the monster, and under Airy's guidance, Agnès awakened the Wind Crystal and banished the darkness around it to restore its shield. The wind crest on Airy's brooch lit up. D's Journal: Khamer VIII posted:pg.4: Seeing an ominous light at the temple where the vestal had headed, and noting the wind had not returned, the king of Ancheim saw his chance and gleefully addressed his people. However, Agnès appeared and held the Tempest's Braid aloft, and before the crowd's eyes the wind began to blow again. Vexed and embarrassed, the king confined himself to his chambers. D's Journal: Prime Minister Harena posted:
D's Journal: Ancheim, the Land of Sand and Time posted:The Vibrant City: Returning to Ancheim after awakening the Wind Crystal, we found that the wind blows across the desert city once more. Its great windmills turn swiftly, powered by the southern winds, and across the city, the gears have sprung back to life. In hushed tones, the prime minister noted that joy and vitality have returned to the people. D's Journal: Temple of Wind posted:The Awakening: Arrayed in her vestal garb, Agnès chanted the ritual prayer to awaken the Wind Crystal, which had been swallowed up in darkness. The crystal has now regained its radiance and is protected by a magic barrier. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 06:13 on Apr 1, 2017 |
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Apr 1, 2017 04:10
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Figured that typo would make it into an update sooner or later. Fixed.
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Apr 1, 2017 06:19
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Entry 26: Time to Pay Under the cover of darkness, the party returns to Ancheim.  The merchantry at night. Still empty. No matter, we've taken what we needed from here.  Talking casually to the guard in front of the palace reveals no change in the king. We'll have to do this the hard way.  What? YOU made the wind blow again!? Whoaaa!The town is mostly empty, but that won't stop this fellow from having a party.  The Grand Mill door now has a light blue strip in front, meaning it's a usable entrance. It's also the source of our blue exclamation point.  What do you know? The guard's gone. Now's our chance.   An empty mill. Seems harmless enough.  There's a door in the back. If Profiteur hasn't been defeated, checking the door prompts this:  And the party won't bother investigating further. But after stopping Profiteur, we know there's more here than meets the eye. It's just after midnight. Tiz knocks on the door five times, at two second intervals, as mentioned in Profiteur's notes.  Seems this is the spot mentioned in that memo we found. Our reward is the final dungeon of Chapter 1.  The secret of Ancheim's corruption is hidden here. We're going to track it down.  Unsurprisingly, the party runs into opposition. Kill these fellows quickly and there's no problem.    Even with Profiteur dead, the Merchantry doesn't skimp on defenses.  The dungeon is split down the middle. Need to go up to the second level and over to get across.  In a change of pace, the Adventurer is near the entrance. The area behind him is, as usual, the end of the dungeon. The trick is figuring out how to get past that gate. There are connecting gears on either side. If both sides are activated via conspicuous switches, the gate will open.  First gate switch is down a short path to the right of the gate.  The dungeon is a small maze. This treasure room is hiding off in a corner.   A pair of knuckles and a stick with a figurine on the end. We'll be meeting this game's take on the alraune/mandrake soon.   Due to RPG building design, the second switch for the left side of the gate can only be accessed by navigating through a maze of corridors and staircases. The unopened chest is the blue one in the treasure room.   The last place reached in the dungeon is the second switch. Pull it and the gate opens.  Return to Adventurer, save properly, pass through the gate, and use one last lever inside. The surrounding machinery clunks and jitters. The gate closes the party in.  After a minute the party steps out to their destination.  The rooftops of Ancheim. A pathway leads to the east, with an entrance at the end.  We're in front of the buildings but behind the turning windmills.  Cross a rickety bridge from one building to another...  And reach a door above... the palace?   The king wasn't willing to see us, so we've come to see him.  In a short time, Agnès has gone from beginner's thief to sneaking into palaces. She's got a knack.  A closeup of the clock behind Khamer's throne. The cherubs are a modest touch.  Tiz forgets to use his indoor voice. Luckily all the machines are making a racket. Shhh! Someone's coming!  Calm down. How do you expect me to be calm!? And the merchantry! That incompetent Profiteur's failures threaten to bring everything crashing down! Time and again, that oil-slicked little rat assured me all was going to plan. And, like a fool, I trusted him! With everything! With claiming the wells, inflating the price of water, that bungled arrangement with the thieves! I gave the merchantry free rein! The plan was sound. Have the merchantry cut off the water supply, eroding the peoples' resolve. Mandate heavy labor--"for the good of the kingdom," of course--to sow further dissent. Ancheim was a powder keg. Any spark would do. Some trifling grievance to turn the brunt of all that built-up frustration on the vestal. The Orthodoxy's lingering hold on the people's hearts and minds would be broken, and the age of Anticrystalism would begin. Khamer sounds sincere here, for once. Only by dashing to the ground their faith in these stones and the vestals can my vision for Ancheim's advancement be realized! A glorious new era is right before our eyes! It was so nearly within reach, and now my plan is ruined! Why, Khint? How has this happened!? Now the rabble will listen to none but the vestal! Ooh, it's a complete disaster! I should never have relied on an ignoramus like Profiteur... My plan was perfect! That reliance on your scheming was the reason it failed. Meanwhile, the vestal speaks without a thought in her head. There's your why. The question was rhetorical, spell fencer! But very well. If finesse has failed, so be it. I'll kill the girl and lay claim to the crystal. With that done, the winds will be at my fingertips. I can power the turbines or control the miasma as I see fit! Your Highness is ever the optimist. Are you so confident this new plan will fare better, time mage?That explains the strange headgear. Somewhat. It must. The people must be shown that the vestal has no place in my new reign, or in the future of Ancheim! Here to right wrongs and fight injustice... it's Agnès and her sidekicks!   Regardless, I am here. I heard everything. Seems this scandal goes all the way up. I knew you were an unpleasant man, but this is outright evil. For a king to wish suffering on his own people... This cannot stand! You're a poor actor, King! You have some proof, then? Some evidence to show that I made these comments? Hah! He's like a child caught in a lie... No! Of course no such proof exists! I know you lot are plotting to tear me from the throne, but it won't work! It won't! As it happens, we do have proof, but I don't expect we'll have need of it.  Ask yourself this: given your word against the vestal's, which do you think the people will believe? Have you no shame? No sense of duty to those you rule! You! YOU! This is all your doing, vestal! If you weren't here, none of this would... Yes... You can't be here any longer. Can't be anywhere, in fact. Your final silence will be the fanfare that heralds my renewed reign! It seems the man's beyond remorse. Spell Fencer Ciggma Khint! Name your price. Empty the kingdom's coffers, if you like! Whatever it takes, I want these vermin dead! I pick my clients for their pocketbooks, not their moral fiber. I'll not grow scruples now.  Next: An ending, a beginning, a fateful meeting, and a strange miss. -- Event Viewer Sub-Scenario: The End of the Mill Works The Mill Works Passage Shadows over Ancheim The King Unmasked 
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Apr 4, 2017 05:08
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Entry 27: Let's Be More Grounded Khamer intends to kill Agnès, and has hired Khint to help. Silly fellows, haven't they seen the party's Khint is similar to how he was before: hard-hitting.  Time Mage Khamer has a wide range of spells, from the evasion-boosting Veilga...  and the multi-target earth attack Quara to Stop. Stop is unchanged from Final Fantasy, stopping a party member from taking action for some turns.  It can make things deadly very quickly, so Khamer goes down first.  Shrieking to the last. Time to see what he drop-- Wait. Khint's still here.   ...And many's the coin I earned under the king's auspices. It's not in my nature, but I'm prepared to die for this one!If he insists.  I came into this fight underprepared, so my damage output is not great. Here's Agnès trying out a battle item.  And here's a surprise tutorial. You can switch your main and off-hands during combat from the item menu.  It doesn't take up a turn, so you can switch things around as often as you like. More slogging later:  Tiz has been waiting for this day.  Well, when you explicitly turn down your chance to escape... My goal is met. I've no reason to...earn another coin. No reason...Then he wasn't in it for limitless greed like Profiteur. Maybe someday we'll discover what he found worth dying for. The mid-battle scene changes depending on whether Khint or Khamer is killed first. If Khint had been first down:  The King would've panicked. Guess throwing money at people and treating them with condescension doesn't win many true friends. Moral of this chapter: If you want allies, don't be a rich jerk. Try to be an institutionalized holy figure instead.  Upside for us is finally getting our hands on Spell Fencer.  And, as a bonus, Time Mage! Time magic was the third spell type available in Ancheim's magic shop, shown back at the start of Chapter 1.   Agnès stole Khamer and Khint's spare weapons during the battle. Still in usable condition, unlike the ones wielded by the two men, which were apparently destroyed during the party's ferocious assault.  Khamer's bestiary page. If Ringabel thinks you're full of hot air, you know you're bad. The party apparently stays in the palace for hours. The next morning, the guards and other workers file in. The party explains to the prime minister why the king and another man's corpses are lying on the carpet, thoroughly electrocuted and stabbed.  It seems the people of Ancheim are once more in your debt, Lady Vestal. On their behalf, I thank you.I must assume the guards were tasked with taking Khint and Khamer's bodies away while custodians cleaned up the mess.  Where will the kingdom go from here? How will it function in the absence of its king? I will take up the mantle of governance for the time being, though that is no lasting solution. Ancheim will have to change. With luck, it will become a land led by its people, for the benefit of all.Changing a country's system of government is quite a complex undertaking. Normally there would be powerful people opposing such an abrupt change, but I guess the party killed all of them. What is certain is that it will ever be a welcome home to you and your companions, Lady Vestal. We will pray for your safe journey. Go, and bring your light to all the world. Overthrowing a monarchy is tiring work.  This guy just cares about being the Best Guard, no matter who's in charge.  Well, that was a smooth and easy transition of power with no scrutiny on the secret midnight battle to the death. Guess we're done here. After leaving Ancheim, Tiz and Edea switch over to the new jobs. I don't want to be imbalanced with the women being only fighters and the men magicians, so this round, Edea's going to take a turn with magic while Tiz switches to physical damage.  All's well that ends well. Agnès may not have become Queen of Thieves, but she did become queen of Anchiem's hearts and political authority. Let's go eat sweets, then it'll be on to Yulyana's to find out how to reach Florem.  We all need rest, my dear. Whatever we're to face next, let us do it with a full store of energy. Besides, I'm told exhaustion is murder on the skin. Think of your complexion! I... My what? Try to behave, Ringabel. You're upsetting the poor girl. Hmm, is that a hint of jealousy I detect? Perhaps it's you who's upset by-- I can think of no sadder creature in this world than a man unable to inspire a little jealousy. Eh, Tiz? Before Tiz can answer, Ringabel gets distracted.   He goes into the ship, shutting the door behind him. Do you suppose he's alright? Oh, leave him. A little seasickness will keep him quiet. Agnès, do you know the other vestals? In your speech, you mentioned working with them. ...... It is my hope that such a collaboration can be achieved, but I have yet to meet the vestals of earth or fire. I know only the water vestal, Olivia. I have since we were children, as our temples stand in neighboring kingdoms. Since we became vestals in full, we've exchanged no correspondence, but... I fear the rotting of the seas is proof enough that some ill has befallen the Water Crystal. The door to the ship reopens.   Hyaagh!  Uh-oh.  Nh...hnnngh...Healer's gone, another man's down, this isn't off to a good start. Vestal of the Wind Crystal, Agnès Oblige. Surrender at once, or see your companions slain. You... Dark Knight Alternis Dim! Who...? Can't blame him for taking a second to notice. That clock headgear would throw off anyone.  Come, I will see she makes no move. Quickly, to my side! Come away from the vestal! No, you keep away from him! What! What madness is this? You speak nonsense! I'm not her captive, and she poses no threat. I'm here of my own free will! What then? You've betrayed the duchy? Betrayed your father? Have you lost your mind, girl! I'm entirely sane. In fact, there's much I've only begun to see clearly now that I've gone traitor. No more of this! Edea, bind the vestal's hands. Do this now, and I'll forget all you've said here. Please... What new form of torment is this!? I cannot bear these games, Edea! Do not do this to me. Take one step closer to Agnès and I'll do a lot worse. This is my decision. I'll hold nothing back! ...You're certain, then? I'm certain. Silencing you would be a simple task, but one slip of my hand and even the flat of my blade would mean your end. I'm a poor hand at holding back. Then don't bother. I'm not the sort to be cowed by threats, Dim. Perhaps I get that from my father.  My mind is set. Stubborn girl! You're... Very well. I shall withdraw for now. But know this, vestal. You and your abettors are ever under our watch. What you aim to do runs counter to the flow of progress. You place mankind on the road to annihilation!He's using the same terms as Khamer, obviously from Eternian propoganda. And considering he used the word "torment" in a serious conversation about his feelings, I'm inclined to think "annihilation" is a tad melodramatic.   What did he just destroy? Ahh! The skystone!Wait, the ultra-rare source of flight for the airship was kept on deck? Without protection? Who designed these things? Cool your head before we next meet, Edea. He's likely leaping onto the pier the boat is docked next to, but it's funnier to imagine him being so distracted by being dramatic and cool he leaps into the water in full body armor. Alternis!  [img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] You're safe. That is all I ask. Luckily one of Tiz's traits is being inhumanly sturdy.  He's a member of the Council of Six. The Duchy of Eternia's highest governing body. And the six people sending an army after Agnès... Your tone was familiar. You were close? ...We grew up together. Just in the nick of time. Not to help stop the villain from destroying the transport, but to cut off the awkward conversation.   Hm? Did I miss something? You really are hopeless, Ringabel. Hm?After an explanation, Ringabel looks over the ship.  No good, I'm afraid. She won't budge an inch off the ground. Seems we're earthbound until we've another one of these skystone things. Mrgrgr... Blast that Alternis! And me for not seeing this coming!Still, without Edea there to protect Agnès and Tiz, the encounter would have ended much worse. Well we can't sit and stew here. Hurry up and do something! If the ship's grounded, that leaves travel by foot. I suppose we'll have to try our luck with this forest and its miasma.Surely there's another route between the two continents.  Okay, then. Pretty jarring to have a plot where the events are:
  Desperate times...   But it's not...not so dire that we can't manage another step. It may be perhaps that the return of the winds has thinned out the miasma for us. Whatever the cause, we'd best take advantage of it. If we can pass, let us do so now.Chapter 1 Fin. Next time: a chapter full of terrible things and a deadly nature excursion. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: A Respite on the Airship The Dark Knight Strikes Ties to the Dark Knight A Splintered Skystone The Miasma Woods Sub-Scenario: The Prime Minister's Vision D's Journal: Ringabel posted:pg.7: To relieve my churning stomach, I looked out across the Flor-Cheim Inner Sea from the pier. After retrieving a pretty shell I had spotted, I returned to find Agnès nursing Tiz on the bridge. The skystone was lying in pieces nearby. They said that moments after I left, a man in dark armor had burst in... D's Journal: Edea Lee posted:pg.4: While I got some air, we were boarded by the dark knight, a leader of the Eternian forces, who proceeded to smash the skystone. Tiz was knocked unconscious, and Agnès came close to capture until Edea intervened. It seems the dark knight is a member of the Council of Six that rules over the duchy, and a childhood friend of Edea... D's Journal: Khamer VIII posted:pg.5: Prime Minister Harena announced that King Eloch Quentis Khamer VIII of Ancheim had died after a sudden bout of illness. It seems the prime minister will oversee the government for the time being. Unfortunately for the late king, Ancheim now seemed more peaceful than ever... D's Journal: Prime Minister Harena posted:pg.3: We told Prime Minister Harena that the king of Ancheim, who plotted to expel the vestal, was actually slain time mage Khamer of the duchy. We asked what would become of Ancheim, and he told us he would take the helm, but eventually the power would shift to the people. He wished us luck on our travels, and told the vestal he eagerly awaited her return. D's Journal: Alternis the Dark Knight posted:
D's Journal: Spell Fencer Khint posted:
D's Journal: Time Mage Khamer posted:
D's Journal: Duchy of Eternia posted:Duchy Government: A kinsman of the kings who once ruled Eternia 2,000 years ago was chosen to rule the duchy as its archduke, but all administrative, judicial, scientific, and medical functions as well as the four divisions of Eternian forces are under the control of the Council of Six, the duchy's highest governing body. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 06:26 on Apr 6, 2017 |
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Apr 6, 2017 06:22
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Entry 28: Worst Trade Route Ever And thus the heroes, unable to ask the wise sage about bypassing the poisonous forest due to an emo-phase childhood friend busting their airship, went "gently caress it" and entered the poisonous forest anyway.  What magical lands will the party visit this time? What over-the-top villains will drop new gameplay mechanics?  We begin with the viewer once again transported to Obvious Villain Headquarters.   I've heard rumors the Wind Crystal was..."awakened," as they would have it put. Indeed. And worse, since its awakening, the crystal has been protected by a shield that bars all but the vestal. You made contact with the girl, did you not? Why did you not capture her then? Were these infamous allies of hers really so strong as to cow even you, dark knight? They... No. Among those I saw accompanying the vestal... One of them was Edea. ...... My, my, my. This is a twist. Quite so. A shocking turn. Still, if this is the truth, it is a troubling one. We look to you to lead all the Eternian Forces, Lord Marshal. For your daughter to abet the vestal is...problematic. How would you have us proceed? ......Any who would join the vestal in opposing us must be eliminated. Their birth matters not. Ahh, bold words. But how truthful, I wonder. You would really allow her "elimination"? The task before us is larger than us all. I'll not allow private matters to slow its course. Then I shall go and speak with her again. Surely-- I will go. It seems the water vestal is proving a problem as well. I shall go and pluck the both of them. As you command.  ......Luckily for Prime Minister Harena, Eternia is apparently so distracted by the vestal and Edea they'll ignore Ancheim's change of government and reversion of open worship of Crystalism.  Switching back to the party, we're still at the entrance of Miasma Forest. The fox vendor ahead sells the same goods as Yulyana Needleworks.     The last items available from this merchant. More Eisenberg mythril.  Giant mushrooms are the most common enemy in the forest. They can be either annoying or harmless depending on how strong you are, because their main ability is a chance to replicate themselves every time they're struck.  If your damage output is low, as it is for my underleveled party, you can end up in an infinite spawn loop if you're not careful.  The other residents are worse. This tree casts multi-target sleep. Irritating but manageable on it's own...  But they're commonly paired with these scorpions, who can currently two-shot the party. Combined, they...well, you can see what happens. Time Slip is the Time Mage specialty, which resets the battle when the party is defeated.  Here are the results of grinding in the desert to raise the level of the new jobs. Ringabel and Agnès also trained up White Mage.  Now we're set to rush through here.  Just take a shortcut through this dark muck...  ...and get everyone poisoned.  My legs... My whole body's tingling! This swamp... It's poison! The wind carried off the miasma, but the swamp's still just as toxic! Is nothing easy? I hate poison! Every step hurts, and I feel like I'm going to be sick. We could always double back to town and stock up on antidotes... You worry too much! All we have to do is be careful to step around the marshy patches. Agreed. Let us be extremely careful where we walk.Slow and steady it is.  On the second try in the forest, everyone's tougher and Tiz and Edea now do passable damage, making the scorpion and treant combo manageable.  Despite the treant's best efforts.   This forest is a fun place. How do people normally travel between Ancheim and Florem?  Map of the first subarea, just before the last treasure is looted.  The dungeon gimmick is figuring out how to reach all the treasure without dipping into poison muck.   This treasure in the second area is a bit trickier to find. The treasure in the lower right on the map is a blue chest.   Adventurer has some encouraging words for us at the end. Let's take this opportunity to buy a couple more items from Norende.  The ogre in this case may be a Japanese oni, which is ogre-like and often shown using a type of club called a kanabo.  The Monkey King's been used enough in media to be known all over the world nowadays, even if not by name. Goku, for example, was originally derived from the character. That done, it's time to get out of the forest. As the party leaves, the viewer again switches to another unknown location.  I'll not take up more of your time than necessary. I have a request of a...delicate nature. The Bloodrose Legion is deployed in Florem. If this favor poses no conflict to my mission, I'll consider it. The vestal of wind has entered Florem. We're certain of it. Ah, hence the news I just received that Victoria and Victor will be joining us there. I see. The only problem is that Edea is accompanying her. Accompanying the vestal!? She's been deceived. Seduced by that witch's words. I tried to talk some sense into her, but... The two of you are practically sisters. Perhaps she'll listen to you, if not me. Will you do this? Heh heh. That girl has caused you no end of grief over the years. Very well. I shall do all I can. But, should my sisters make contact first... Best you gave up on her. I'm afraid even I can scarcely keep these two in check any longer. I...I understand.  The vestal may attack at any moment. Stay vigilant. Yes, Sister.A surrogate sister to Edea? Maybe we'll finally have someone willing to listen to reason. We return to the party at the forest's northern outskirts.  Yeah. What IS that? It's strong... Augh, it's like something's rotting. My eyes are watering! Perhaps we're smelling the Miasma Woods' namesake? I doubt it. The wind is blowing in the opposite direction. I feel like it's coming from the north. Ringabel, when was the last time you took a bath? Heh, if it were my natural musk, you and Agnès would be losing your minds with desire about now. ...... ...Nothing? No response at all?  North of the forest is a whole new region to explore. As in Harena, the party refuses to enter most areas, like that cave there, with a standard "no time for this" scene.  This happens if you try to enter the Temple of Water right away. The party probably just wants to take a bath in civilization first. After traversing the Miasma Forest, can't really blame them.  There are a couple other non-event viewer scenes around. One is at this large tree in the wide open northeast section of the continent.   Unlike most places, the party's willing to explore.  Ugh, the whole forest reeks of death...This is the origin of the rotting smell mentioned earlier. Must be terrible to carry all the way to the Miasma Forest.  And over there... The sheer number of bodies is mind-boggling. This part of the forest has withered. Perhaps these remains bear some connection. And who's capable of hunting monsters on this scale in the first place?  There's nothing to do here at the moment.  Aside from Tiz giving a comment if you reenter.  Norende chooses now to give this. At least it doesn't stink.  Northwest of Twisted Treetop is another unusual stop.  What? What is it? You really are hopeless, Ringabel. ......I think Ringabel needs to get some fresh air.  Next, we'll be finding the plot for this chapter in: Florem, Land of Handling Women's Issues Terribly. Just a preemptive reminder, keep conversation in this thread civil and related to the game, folks. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Council of Six The Bloodrose Legion Party Chat: Tread Carefully A Foul Stench D's Journal: Miasma Woods posted:
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Apr 8, 2017 05:32
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Yeah, normally a story would pick a style of humor and stick with it most all the way through, but this game's sensibilities are nothing if not inconsistent. The horny men treating women like sex objects jokes will in general drop off later. But before that, this chapter is going to be a thing.
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Apr 8, 2017 23:55
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Blind Duke posted:This LP is never going to get to But if your goal is to get the LP to stop far, far before, you're doing a bang-up job. Apparently I'll need to specify: because Bravely Default and its sequel are so closely connected, from now on I don't want to see spoilers for either in here. Please, there's plenty of other fodder to use for jokes. Stick with the content that's been shown.
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Apr 10, 2017 01:22
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Entry 29: Giant Naked Bunny Lady Agreed. Let's get this over with.  Florem is surrounded by verdant lands, rich in water... sounds familiar.  The water originates from a single river in the mountains to the north, running south into Florem. There it splits into four distributaries, two on either side of the city, eventually flowing down off the plateau to join the Flor-Cheim Inner Sea. Presumably the plateau's southern cliffs are too dangerous to traverse, as there is no mention of a trade route running north-south across the Inner Sea. The party arrives in Florem just as evening hits. Let's see what a civilization of devout Crystalists looks like.  Oh.  Sure looks extravagant for a place where people live in "chaste humility". Then again, real life religions aren't known for understated decorating.  Florem is called the Land of Radiant Flowers for a reason. All its residents are female.Wait, was it self-titled, or given that name by enthusiastic visitors? What!? A whole nation of women, you say!? And if a man comes here, what do they do to him? You needn't worry. Men cannot take up residence, but no law bars them from visiting. You're red as a beet, Tiz. Are you blushing? Oh, no, I just... Hearing it's all ladies here, I just got a little nervous, is all... Ha ha, that's adorable! H-hey! I just didn't know, alright? Don't tease me...The all-women thing doesn't explain the giant naked bunny lady statue in the center of town. Is Florem a colony for lesbians/other women attracted to women?  "True to the old teachings, Florem's women live in chaste humility, in coexistence with the spirits of nature. Devout Crystalists, they reject war and conflict, instead choosing lives of peaceful reflection." Hear that!? A land of maidens, pure and modest, fit to shame the flowers of the field! Angels, all!  Note: almost all women in Florem have comically exaggerated valley girl accents.  Well, have you seen this? A spirit hairpin! My coin purse is empty, but come on! Worth it!  Aah! C-cold! Augh, that's cruel! She's soaking wet!  What in the world...? Hm? That awful cow dropped something. ...Ahh! "The yearly competition to decide the most beautiful flower in Florem!" Lovely. A beauty contest. Now he'll never shut up. But that isn't right. The Sacred Flower Festival is a day of solemn observance of the Crystalist faith. What's more, this place is different... Its streets were not so overrun with glamor and idle pleasure. I worry for Olivia, as well. Let us go to speak with Florem's matriarch at once.So, the general theme of this chapter is probably already obvious to most viewers: while Chapter 1 critiqued capitalism, greed, and corrupted government, Chapter 2's targets are narcissism, consumerism, and superficiality. The big difference is that instead of Profiteur and Khamer acting as two comical strawmen, in this chapter the strawman is a country defined by being all women. Taking a civilization composed solely of a long-marginalized group and making them the example of negative qualities long associated with said group leads to the game seeming to support common stereotypes: that women as a whole are too shallow, stupid, and ignorant to be worthy of being treated as men's equals. There are complex, millenia-old reasons for why these stereotypes came to exist in the first place, but this game has no intention of examining the deeper issues. As I mentioned in a recent post, the game's sensibilities are nothing if not inconsistent and, either hypocritically or ironically, superficial.  Look at how shiny the floors are! I can-- Ringabel, what are you looking at? Oh, uh...various things. I was deep in thought, you see. Then why did I catch you looking at my reflection!? It's different... All of this is completely different than the last time I was here! I recall it being a two-tiered city built upon the river's surface, but... Before, the lower tier was residential, while the upper was reserved for Crystalist institutions. What of that giant stage at the top? Did that serve a religious function? I've no idea. Now could I even guess what sort of place all that neon is advertising. Just what in the world could have happened here?  New city means new residents and new gear/magic.   But that's them telling me everything but my face isn't right? *sigh*Right at the entrance of town is a kid stressing about her looks. South of her is this woman:  I've never been very confident in my face. Or my body. Or my anything...Let's give this some context. Both the media and peers, male and female, commonly push the idea that pursuit of physical perfection is a top priority for any worthwhile woman. This pressure continues from childhood throughout most women's lives, often crushing their self-esteem as they almost inevitably fail to live up to perfection.  Some asshats take advantage of that constant pressure. People with low self-esteem are always easier to bully into doing what you want.  With beauty like mine, I'll have every man in the world turning my way!With such a strong push to focus on physical beauty, other traits get pushed aside. In many places, for women, cultivating wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, or physical or mental strength is outright discouraged. Hey, another tutorial man!   Put another way, that means changing to a new job can lead to a temporary dip in your stats. It may be safest not to have everyone change jobs at the same time just because you learned a new one.A little late to learn this side of the gameplay, considering we had to get through Miasma Woods to get here.  The local armory has some good upgrades.   It seems the Crystal Orthodoxy wasn't entirely peaceful during its heyday.   Yggdrasil? The powerful world tree from Norse mythology that Japan loves to reference? Wonder where it is in-game? (it isn't.)  Too bad we didn't get to see Florem back in the older days, I bet they had all sorts of expert craftsmen.  Magic shop has a lot of the Final Fantasy classic upgrades, all of which I immediately buy out. Spell Fencer Tiz and Time Mage Edea can use the new stuff right away, but it'll take grinding before anyone's White Mage level is high enough to use the white magic.  Unlike other cities, Florem has two screens instead of one. The Matriarch's place is on the second screen.   The second area also contains the giant stage Ringabel mentioned.  Amaaaaazing.  It may not be a city of lesbians, but I did find one woman having a great time, at least. The other day? When mama wasn't looking? I tried her lipstick. It was super pretty!Nowadays, makeup's a popular form of body art. Have you seen the range of colors available with modern technology? It's amaaaaaaazing.  Although there's a stereotype of women disliking one another, it mostly boils down to double standards (women being expected to get along with everyone v.s. men being expected to clash). In short: being a jerk is gender neutral. That said, there is a subset of women that genuinely dislike women in general. For at least some, they've internalized the hate shown by media/peers towards women and either are self-hating or dissociating themselves from womanhood because they can't rationalize being as terrible as women supposedly are. But for this lady we're talking to, she just seems like a snob who thinks anyone who tries less than them is worthless. She is hardcore, and Agnès is merely a noob.  Sorry folks, we're busy doing important saving the world things and will not be here to see nor participate in the Festival. Nope. Not a chance.  As in other settlements, there are hidden items scattered around.  Lilith is known as either an ancient type of bird demon, a demonic woman, or Adam's first wife who left him (after Adam refused to treat her as an equal) to associate with demons. There are a lot of stories about liliths, but I couldn't find any about woman-on-woman violence over a man.  Here's Agnès hating the spotlight.  And here's the entrance to the Matriarch's place. Time to rejoin the plot.  Agnès bows. I am Agnès Oblige, Vestal of Wind. It has been many years, Lady Matriarch. Ahh! I see it now! My, but you've grown, dear. Florem is more beautiful for your visit. On the topic of Florem's beauty... Lady Matriarch, just what has happened here? "Be sister to the flowers, woods, and waters, pure of mind and body." Those were Florem's ways... They spend their days staring into mirrors while nature's beauty is lost to them. Their neglect has turned Florem's lands to wastes. Her beauty is all but lost. How has this happened? At some point, there emerged the notion that prosperity was limited only to the most beautiful. But you guide this land's laws, Lady Matriarch. Did you notice no change? Not until it was complete, I fear. It truly was an insidious thing. And now I am left to curse my powerlessness to reverse this corrosive tide.The game never specifies how Florem is now wasteland. The city's changed, but the surrounding country, including the areas downriver, seemed green enough.  Going to cut you off there, Ringabel. ...Lady Matriarch, I wish to speak with the vestal of water. Is Olivia at the temple? Ahh, of course. The two of you were so inseperable as girls. You scarce passed a day apart. Seems almost yesterday, that. Fond memories of fairer times... But I fear the vestal of water is in hiding. Even I cannot say where she makes her hermitage. No... It suffers for the absence of its mistress and her acolytes. These months have seen it go ragged. Agnès, it may still hold some clue. Why don't we begin there? The party exits the house. While Edea and Ringabel are distracted, Tiz and Agnès talk alone.  Olivia was my one and only friend. She is very dear to me. We are the same age, and were selected as vestalings around the same time. Then we succeeded our predecessors and became full vestals together as well. We were always together, walking the same path in step. I do not know that I could have endured the vestal training without her. She was always the talented one. Smarter than I, but kinder as well. She shone so bright. There was a time we traded letters nearly every day. Despite the distance separating us, she always felt close by. Once we became vestals, our responsibilities kept us from writing as often, but... I never imagined anything like this. Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find her. She's probably busy looking for you right now, too![img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Yes, of course. And thank you, Tiz. Agnès was surrounded by acolytes, but her higher status as vestal likely kept them from treating her as an equal. Agnès's talks with the sage and Tiz are probably the most candid she's been her adult life. The meeting with the local, inept yet seemingly well-meaning leader finished, the party sleeps. Next: Searching for Friends -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: Land of Radiant Flowers Maidens, Modest and Pure? Florem's Matriarch A Withered Flower Party Chat: A Changed City The Water Vestal and Me D's Journal: The Matriarch posted:(Matriarch of Florem) The water vestal Olivia is missing, and though the Matriarch still governs Florem, in recent years people have drifted away from Crystalism. Declining public morals have distanced the Matriarch from state affairs. She is acquainted with Agnès. Her age and name are not known. D's Journal: Florem Region posted:
D's Journal: Florem, Land of Radiant Flowers posted:Florem, Land of Radiant Flowers: The ancient traditions of this land dictate that men may not permanently reside within its borders, and it is said that the "radiant flowers" mentioned in its name also refers to its women. Its capital city is built atop the bountiful waters of the Flor River.  
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 05:35 on Apr 11, 2017 |
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Apr 11, 2017 05:30
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Let's Learn Jobs: Time Mage This time, we're looking at Time. Mage. These users of time magic focus on utility, and can be a game changer/breaker once their full range of spells and abilities are unlocked. Time Mages first appeared in Final Fantasy 5, and have appeared intermittently in games since. When unavailable, their trademark spells such as Haste and Stop will usually be split between Black Mage and White Mage.   Job icon is a gear, representing the inner workings of a clock if the holder of this asterisk was anything to go by. Job Command icon is a crescent moon, possibly referencing astronomy's role in some of the first and most basic methods of timekeeping.  If you want to bonk things on the head with your staff for ineffectual damage, look no further. Abysmal strength, vitality, and dexterity are balanced by high intellect, mind, and MP. Time Mage is a caster capable of doing both decent healing and magical damage when necessary.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Time Magic Lv.1: Quake, Regen, Slow Level 2 - Magic Attack 10% Up (Cost: 1) Level 3 - Slow Parry: When hit by single target physical attack, 50% chance to apply slow to attacker. (Cost: 1) Level 4 - Time Magic Lv.2: Haste, Quara, Teleport Level 5 - Time Slip: Allows other jobs to equip the time mage specialty. (Cost: 3) Level 6 - Time Magic Lv.3: Gravity, Slowga, Veil Level 7 - Stop Immunity (Cost: 1) Level 8 - Time Magic Lv.4: Comet, Hastega, Veilga Level 9 - Save TM MP: Lowers MP cost of time magic by 25%. (Cost: 2) Level 10 - Time Magic Lv.5: Quaga, Quicken, Stop Level 11 - Slow World: Lower BP of all by 1 every two turns. Affects K.O.'d targets. (Cost: 2) Level 12 - Time Magic Lv.6: Graviga, Meteor, Reraise Level 13 - Magic Attack 30% Up (Cost: 3) Level 14 - Hasten World: Raise BP of all by 1 every turn. Affects K.O.'d targets. (Cost: 2) Clever use of Time Mage supports Hasten/Slow World are the centerpiece of some endgame team setups. Time magic is useful throughout the game, with gems such as Haste (raise targets speed by 50% for 4 turns) and Reraise (target automatically recovers from K.O. once).  This specialty was demonstrated in the Miasma Woods. Note it can only be used once per battle, no matter how many people have it equipped. In other games, Time Mages wear robes and a distinctive, usually multi-colored brimless pointed hat. Bravely Default freshens things up with more on-the-nose, safety hazardous, clock-based headgear. As a guess based on the job's moon icon, their outfit is possibly also referencing the sky: the white dots on black can be seen as stars and the headgear could possibly represent the moon or sun, all ancient indicators of the passage of time.     The back features a giant gear behind the head, which cleverly encircles the longer hair of the gals. Edea's outfit also uses grey rather than black accents, which better complements the look. 
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Apr 12, 2017 04:09
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Entry 30: Where the Water Sleeps, Silenced You s-saaaaaaid it...Ringabel closes his eyes. Yeesh, what's got you two yawning first thing in the morning? Actually, don't answer that, Ringabel. I can guess. But Tiz, why are you tired? Isn't it obvious? Those darn neon signs were flickering all night long. Then as soon as I finally get to sleep, Mr. Night Owl here comes stumbling back to the room... And we already know you're a neurotic sleeper. Can't we call it a "light" sleeper? Look, here's some coffee. These are dire times, so I made it black. Thanks, that's great. Ha ha, look at this one. He fell asleep still holding his cup. Don't go drowning in your coffee, Ringabel.After breakfast, they return to the Matriarch's place.   The Matriarch is nice enough, but appears to be even less proactive than the marshmallow king of Caldisla.  This was tucked away behind her chair. Tengus are Japanese bird demon/god/spirits. It is recommended you not tangle with them unless you are very cunning. Florem's townspeople are the same whether night or day, so we're moving on to the next objective.  On the way to the Temple of Water, the party encounters some of the local flora.  The flora immediately tries to murder them.  These little guys and their later recolors are easy to kill, come in packs...  ...and award a larger than average amount of JP. The party takes its sweet time getting to the temple, allowing Ringabel to level White Mage enough to use lvl 3 white magic.  These moths are also around, but I never got a shot of them attacking because Agnès with a bow killed them instantly.  The Temple of Water is near the central edge of the plateau. Florem is just visible at the top of the screen, directly north of the temple.  Looks familiar.  Still, it's a relief to see the temple's unharmed. The Temple of Wind was torn apart. I was worried we'd find the same here. Indeed... At the very least, it seems the acolytes escaped harm. Or so I hope... ...... The smell of the air here is so nostalgic. I hear all four temples share a similar design. Perhaps they all feel this way. The construction is plain, just stone and simple windows. No ornamentation to speak of. But when the sun filters in, the prayer hall was suffused with a calm warmth... I used to love just watching the light pour through the windows. I can imagine how peaceful that would be. I'm certain it seems a dreadfully dull and monotonous life to outsiders. But to me...life in the temple was rich, and perfectly tranquil. Tranquility's great, in moderation. But didn't you ever get the urge to know what was going on in the outside world? It is not as if we completely forsook the world around us. The world within the temple was simply enough for us. That's all... Before going to the crystal chamber, let's look around. As Agnès said, it's the same layout as the Temple of Wind, though only a single floor. This time, however, everything is intact and there are no monsters. As in the Temple of Wind, we can examine a few of the rooms more closely.  The same as the Temple of Wind. No. It looks the same, but it's anything but. What do you mean? It isn't that no one is here. There is no sign of anyone ever having been here. Not in years... Detective Agnès and Assistants Tiz and Airy are on the case.  Next is the area below the garden.  There are no traces of damage from monster or miasma. This is...erosion. Time left these scars. Detective Ringabel weighs in.  Here's the equivalent of the room in the Temple of Wind with the ruined vestal garb.  They should be Olivia's... The design is a bit different from yours, Agnès. ...Not bad, I must say. That will be all, Detective Ringabel. Wait, Olivia has multiple vestal garbs? While Agnès just borrowed her predecessor's? Why did Agnès not know about the unique vestal garb thing? How many times did Olivia punch out a dragon? Or is Olivia just using those of her predecessors as well, not knowing they're ineffective? Somewhere, someone really dropped the ball on vestal education.  There are a few treasures around, including a relevant elemental charm.  A hidden chest is below the room south of the garden.  Wonder whose pictures the party members would choose?   The complete, unruined temple. All that's left is the crystal chamber. Let's go.  This is... No.  Then... Does that mean Olivia already awakened this one? But it's so dim... The water vestal is the only one who could have created it... And now only she can remove it. She must have sensed what was happening sooner than I. She managed this just before the crystal was lost. And then she hid... I can't say what her reasons were, but she handled the situation brilliantly. I'm impressed! There's no risk of the crystal being swallowed up like this, or of any humans meddling with it.Remember Airy's line here.  Uh-huh! Wherever she is, she's doing fine![img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] That's an enormous relief... So that means we need to find her if we want to awaken the Water Crystal. Right? That's the best way, certainly. But not the only one! These shields can only be invoked by the vestals of fire, water, wind and earth, and dismissed by the same. But that's not to say that the water vestal's shield can only be dismissed by the water vestal. You should be able to get past her shield, Agnès. And awaken the Water Crystal, too! Is that true? Yes, there are two such cases written of in the Crystalist scriptures. The whole world could fall into shadow if we don't hurry. We can search for Olivia as soon as we're done! ...... I cannot. If the Water Crystal is to be awakened, it ought to be at Olivia's hands. The Rite of Awakening has been performed only a handful of times in the history of the Crystal Orthodoxy. It's only right that Olivia be the one to release the prayers of the lineage of water vestals. Well, yes, but we don't know where she is. Where do we even start looking? ...Let us return and speak with the matriarch again.So, we learned Olivia's alive. Setting that aside, let's summarize the dramatic tension in this conversation: Only the missing water vestal can undo the barrier and awaken the crystal! Or Agnès can do it. Whichever. We risked our lives to get here for this express purpose, but eh, no rush.Agnès's desire to find her friend is understandable, and they do establish the crystal is safe enough to leave alone, but keep in mind the world's oceans are rotting in the meantime.  The party leaves the temple, but our view turns elsewhere...  We switch to an area nearby.   Keep hope alive. We have to make it to safety. Now, run! What was our crime? Is a quiet life of piety such a grave offense? That outfit and that animation sure look familiar. We return to the party.  Poor Airy is having a hard time getting her job done. Don't worry, we'll get to the crystal eventually. But first, the party returns to Florem and decides to buy snazzy new hats.  False advertising. Plus: wooden hat?  The god of light referred to is the Greek god Apollo. The laurel wreath has been used as a symbol of victory from ancient Greece to Rome and through to today in parts of the Western world.  ...Suddenly the wooden hat doesn't seem like a bad idea. The party continues on to the Matriarch, who listens to their story.  Still, it pains me to say I haven't a clue where the vestal of water may be. Tiz and Agnès turn back to the others.  What drove her into hiding to begin with? Were the Eternian Forces after her? If they wanted Agnès, it stands to reason. The Bloodrose Legion! Do we go pick a fight? I am a wanted criminal, and you a traitor. We could be marching to our own executions. ...Hm? I'm not certain this is terribly relevant, but I found a curious passage. Promise you won't get mad? Er, very well...? "The wind vestal entered the Sacred Flower Festival." ...And it ends there. What? ...Wait, what!? ...Huh. Well, I'll be. It really does say that. ...... Agnès? Hellooo? There's no call to panic here. Just because it says something in Ringabel's book doesn't mean you're forced to play along if you don't-- No. I'll do it. What!? Are you serious? Really!?  One girl was chosen for her purity of heart to serve as Flower Maiden until next year's festival. She would join the spirits in nurturing Florem's flowers. It was an honor, and a great responsibility. But recent years have seen it become a hollow shell. They compete by skin-deep beauty alone. Yet it still remains an important event, attended by all in Florem. Ah ha! Then we won't have to look for her because she'll find us! It's dangerous... That's a lot of attention you'll be calling to yourself. I understand the risks. But if it means I am able to see Olivia, I will enter. Then I'll help however I can. I'm not certain a man would get far in the competition, Tiz. I didn't say I would enter!Next: FASHIONAAABLUH! But first, I'm taking a short break for some preplanned RL stuff. Provided all goes well, we'll begin our descent into the world of beauty pageants at the start of May. Hope to see you guys then! -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Water Vestal's Whereabouts Persecution of the Faithful Entering the Festival Sub-Scenario: No Sign of Human Life Erosion Not Bad Party Chat: Two Tired Boys A Pious Life D's Journal: Airy posted:pg.4: Upon reaching the Temple of Water, we found the Water Crystal protected by a shield, though darkness was still slowly devouring it. Airy thinks the shield was put in place by the water vestal, Olivia. Though Tiz was eager to try and find Olivia, Airy said the shield of a vestal could be removed by another vestal, allowing the crystal to be awakened. D's Journal: Temple of Water posted:Greyarc fucked around with this message at 07:56 on May 8, 2017 |
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Apr 13, 2017 08:22
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Entry 31: Let's Risk Lives for the Prettiest Dress We're back and ready to save the world.  But first, beauty pageant time~! Are you listening? Hey! Airy, given the tasks that lie ahead, I think enlisting the aid of the other vestals must come first. I guess, but still... So, do you have any idea of how the new Sacred Flower Festival even works, Agnès? I do not... Given all the changes here, the mind boggles. Well, we did pick up that flyer. Let's have a look... Oh ho! "Entrants will flaunt their beauty on the stage for all to see," it says. Beauty contest, plain and simple, then. From the sound of it, competition will be fierce... I've no need to win. I need only alert Olivia to my presence. But--and I say this with love--you're rather plain, dear. You could get lost in the sea of color. A-am I...? Then...what do you propose? Huh? Wh-why are you asking me!? I'll take the game's word for it.  Then, tell me. What must I do? Hmm... I suppose step one is studying up on the trends here in Florem! Fashion...what? Fashionaaabluh. You know, fashionable? That's how the hip kids said it back home. Ooh, have a look at this. Tadaaah! An heirloom floral linen stole! That's lovely! And so fashionable! Not fashionable. Fashionaaabluh! F-fashionaaabluh, then... Edea, where did you find it? I'm envious. Aren't you!? It was a gift from my mother, years and years ago. If you wrap it around you like...this! It makes for the perfect accent. Absolutely fashionaaabluh! You're always fashionable, though, Edea. Not fashionable! FASHIONAAABLUH! Ha ha... Although you're nearly as fashion-minded as she is, Ringabel. You're always fussing over your hair, and your shoes are blinding. What can I say? I live my life in front of the mirror. A proper pompadour is a joy and a responsibility. Shoes and belt must match. But that's only the beginning. You don't know the half of it. Clothing I really like, I never wear. Don't want to get it dirty, do I? What use are clothes you can't wear? See, Tiz? You're the only country bumpkin in the group. Give this stole a try. Stoles on guys are in this season. But this season is warm. What's the point of wearing a scarf when it's not cold out? Scarf!? It's not a... Here, just try it. At times one must suffer to be fashionaaabluh. This has to look ridiculous... Oh, well, I'll think of it as a sweat towel. Tiz, you look very, er...f-fashionaaabluh...[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] You'd look right at home weeding a garden! I think the party needs help.   This woman near the matriarch's place looks like she spends most of her paycheck on fashion. Let's ask her.  Want one? Well, too bad! The traders don't stock them. Who does? ...Not telling! Why are the residents so comically terrible? Anyway, she mentioned the traders. Maybe someone at the item shop knows more?   There's a specialty merchant who comes into town every so often. Seems they're the only source. Though if you're hunting trends, all the girls are dyeing their hair these days. Like that girl, there. Though I'm afraid we don't carry dyes, either. Really, where do they get all this stuff?An underground fashion market? Souonds like something to check up o--  Let me guess. "I would dearly love to escort you..." Right? Without question. But I'm also just plain hungry. Aren't you? Now that you mention it... So, Agnès. Any recommendations? Hmm, let me think... Florem is known for stream noodles. Oh, and water jellies for dessert. Those sound lovely, but have you anything that sticks to the ribs a bit more? A bowl of eel wafers, perhaps? Hmm, or I believe queen perch is in season. Eel wafers...bowl? What in the world? It's a delicacy made by stacking thin slices of eel from Florem's marshlands. Quite famous. And what's a queen perch? A river fish, prized for their aroma. They swim upstream at this time of year, and are served salted or fried. I think some fried queen perch sounds good, then. Perhaps I'll try these eel wafers, then. Ooh, me too! Eel wafers, fried perch, and water jellies! Ha ha, what, one of everything?It must be hard to enjoy a leisurely gourmet meal with Airy yelling in your ear about saving the world. After the party stuff themselves, they find a girl with dyed blue hair.  For a moment there, she was almost likable. Petalhue, they call it. It's the biggest thing ever. Of course, I discovered it first. Other trends? Like I'm going to tell you! I'm all the beauty Florem needs, thank you very much. Gameplay tutorial man won't care. The guy on the other screen is too busy obsessing over the Festival. That leaves the man who's mistaken the town for a strip club.  An enlightened opinion. What a woman needs is boldness! It's settled. We're going sexy! ......Why is Ringabel of all people taking charge of this? Edea must be out of earshot. That lady there is on the right track. Get her to teach you a thing or two. Immediately after this, Edea appears and drags Ringabel off. When they return:  Tee hee. What can I say? I see these clothes and just can't help myself. That's abundantly clear, looking at all the bags in Ringabel's hands. My poor, numb hands... Wooorth iiit! I mean, just look at this adorable one piece! But Edea, you already own a dress that's practically identical to that! Whaaat? They're totally different! See? The length is shorter on this one. It's all the rage. If you go buying new dresses every time the hemlines change, you'll be broke in no time. Yes, and my purse is in no condition to support her little habit... Heh. Needless to say, mine is no fuller. I haven't got two coins to rub together... Heh. Don't tell me... Thank you sooo much, Tiz! Aaah! That's MY wallet!Edea's picking up some bad habits from the locals.  Luckily the sexy lady the guy was talking about is still around.  The old man of the woods comes a few times a year. He's a total pervert, but the clothes he sells are knockouts. The old man of which woods, exactly? Somewhere in the southeast. Down past Mt. Fragmentum, from what I hear. Whoever he is, he said he knew the matriarch and the vestal of water. He was leering when he said it...For being called "Ill-Natured Girl" she's quite helpful.  Southeast across a mountain range, old lecher, lives in woods, sews clothes. Wait, it couldn't be...  Ho ho ho! You'll be looking for the sage of Yulyana, then. He didn't even have to finish... How a man of his years manages the trip here from the Yulyana Woods on foot, I'll never know. What? There's a path connecting Florem and Yulyana by foot!? It's unsettling how eager you are about all this... Evidence of the man's tireless commitment to sexy clothes, my dear. I knew from the moment I saw him he was no ordinary grandpa. Sooo, I have no problem with the fact that we wound up out here, but... Do you two really plan to put Agnès in something s...sexy? I fear I am ignorant in such things. What makes a garment sexy, precisely? Er, goodness, how to put this... Hold that thought! Agnès, my dear, why spoil the surprise, hmm? Today's "black as pitch list," entry number one...Ringabel!  Now that we've spoken with the locals, we've triggered the first two side quests for chapter 2. We'll get to them eventually.  But first, we've got a deadline: hiking all the way to Yulyana and back again before the Flower Festival.   Through a monster-infested wildland, halfway across the continent...  Into a hostile cavern system...  ...which reuses the graphics of the game's tutorial dungeon. They could've at least recolored it.  All in the name of being fashionaaabluh.  Norende Ravine v.2, otherwise known as Mount Fragmentium, does have a varied group of new enemies.  A dryad is a wood nymph, typically depicted as a pretty, nude young woman. This game's dryad, with those attack names, looking not like a sexy lady but a tree is one of the game's best sex-related jokes.  Cait sith seem intelligent. They get along with the other monsters. Why are they attacking us?  Stop running! We're trying to murder you!  These guys give a large amount of JP as well, but the running away bit and large variety of mobs in the area to sort through makes them difficult to grind.  High five!  Hardest enemy in the dungeon. Just like Animorphs, all those fantasy monsters can't match up to the sheer physical strength of an ordinary grizzly bear.  The trail forked left and right from the entrance. This is at the end of the left path.  Likely a reference to infamous late 1800s London serial killer Jack the Ripper.  Map of the first screen.  The second screen contains another demihuman. Like his fellow in the Temple of Wind, he's not open to chatting.  Complete second screen. The layout is more complex than Norende Ravine, if only slightly.  Taking the northern path to the right leads to a dead end and a weapon. For being a tiny island that disappeared hundreds of years ago, Wa stuff sure does show up everywhere.  Taking the southern path to the right leads to our dear buddy, Adventurer.  The party continues on, oblivious.  Good. That was a harder hike than I'd thought.*CRASH* Wait! What is that!?  Next: What foe dares stand in the way of fashion? Nothing will keep us from one of the most uncomfortable cutscenes in the game! -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: A Gemstone in the Rough The Must-Have Item Asking the Trader A Huge Boom Sex Appeal is Mass Appeal The Old Man of the Woods Know Any Perverts? Terratoise Party Chat: Tres Fashionaaabluh Florem's Finest Food I Want This, and That, and... Sexy Clothes D's Journal: Yulyana Region posted:Route to Florem: Florem can be reached from Yulyana Woods via a canyon that cuts through Mount Fragmentium. The people of Florem say the old sage uses this route to come to trade. D's Journal: Mount Fragmentium posted:
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May 1, 2017 23:01
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Let's Learn Jobs: Spell Fencer Spell Fencer gives the best of both offensive worlds: a high physical damage job able to add extra magical damage to their weapons. On taking an action to add the magic, its effects last for several turns. With a bit of preparation, this allows them to target elemental weaknesses, giving their already hard-hitting attacks an extra punch. The job is successor to Final Fantasy 5's Mystic Knight.   Job icon is the men's hat. Job Command icon is a sword imbued with magic. Straightforward enough.  Stats are decent across the board but nothing outstanding. Spell Fencers are made to use swords, nothing but swords, which is luckily not too bad of a limitation given how many good swords the game throws at you. Use of heavier armor is a plus.  Blue are support abilities, red are skill abilities. Level 1 - Sword Magic Lv.1: Blizzard, Fire, Thunder Level 2 - Sword Magic Lv.2: Poison, Silence, Sleep Level 3 - Firewall: 50% chance to counterattack with fire damage when hit by single-target physical attack. (Cost: 1) Level 4 - Sword Magic Lv.3: Blizzara, Fira, Thundara Level 5 - Auto-Aspir Blade: Autocasts Aspir at start of battle. (Cost: 1) Level 6 - Magic Armor: Elemental damage of same type as sword magic is reduced. (Cost: 1) Level 7 - Sword Magic Lv.4: Aspir (drains MP), Drain (drains HP), Fear Level 8 - Memento: When user is K.O.'d, non-K.O.'d allies restore 50% of MP. (Cost: 3) Level 9 - Sword Magic Lv.5: Blizzaga, Firaga, Thundaga Level 10 - Anti-Magic: Allows other jobs to equip the Spell Fencer specialty. (Cost: 2) Level 11 - Sword Magic Amp: Sword Magic MP cost doubles, but damage increases by 1.25. (Cost: 1) Level 12 - Sword Magic Lv.6: Dark, Death, Holy Level 13 - M.Def Specialize: P.Def lowered by 25%, M.Def raised by 50%. (Cost: 1) Level 14 - Phantom Weapon: Damage from equipped weapon added to magic attacks. (Cost: 3) Though excellent at single-target damage, Spell Fencers lack multi-target abilities, so they're best paired with a more versatile physical damage job. Sword Magic lasts for ten turns before the effects wear off and it must be recast. Status effects have a 75% chance to be inflicted if target is not immune.  M.Def is raised by 50% when hit by magic attack, up to 150%. Spell Fencer is notable for having one of the biggest discrepencies in design between the sexes, which is really a shame, because who wouldn't want to see Ringabel sashay around in those shawls? The men are wearing outfits based on traditional clothing of the Bedouins, who built their culture up around being desert-dwelling nomads. The horns on the headpiece are an unusual decoration, perhaps meant to evoke a mystical or demonic image. The women are wearing an outfit in the bedlah style, originally used in the middle eastern folk dance known today in the West as bellydancing. Nowadays, it is perhaps best known for being a symbol as Exotic/"Oriental" sexuality, due to its use in erotic stories popularized in the West during the 1800s-1900s about Oriental harems, where women were stolen away and forced into being sex slaves in lush, exotic locales (from which western men could rescue them or take part, depending on the story's intentions).    
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 17:54 on May 3, 2017 |
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May 2, 2017 21:38
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Aces High posted:wait...what? Here's the wiki section on it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harem#Western_representations The clothing associated with this is also used in belly dancing -- that's probably the real origin of the outfit, but in modern usage I mostly see it used in the context of harem imagery, and I'm guessing that's the Bravely Default artist's inspiration.  I can try to clarify that section if it would help.
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May 3, 2017 03:33
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Okay! Just rewrote the Spell Fencer Job clothing segment. I rushed through it yesterday and the description wasn't as thorough as it should've been, especially concerning belly dancing's part.Epsilon Moonshade posted:Back at the beginning of the game, I wondered out loud about censorship, and why one outfit was censored but not the other. The Spell Fencer outfits for the ladies are one of the things that make me wonder why they censored "the other thing." See-through harem pants and tassels must make all the difference. It would be interesting to see the specifics for how they censor. I'd imagine they do have a set list of rules lying somewhere around the office.
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May 3, 2017 17:58
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Hobgoblin2099 posted:Speaking of censorship, will you be showing the uncensored outfits where relevant? I think one of the late-game jobs got censored in regards to the female characters. Nope. At best it'd be irrelevant to my focus, which is the game's story. At worst it'd be opening a creepy can of worms all over the thread. I'm staying out of the censorship debate and request others either keep the subject casual, respectful and relevant or not touch it at all.
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May 3, 2017 21:03
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Entry 32: A Scene Worthy of Florence Foster Jenkins Here's what you've all been waiting for:  Norende. The town's been progressing steadily and the item shop's finally ready for its final upgrade. The final prize there is something a bit special, which will be shown off much later. In the meantime, let's talk about turtles.  More accurately, this fellow. It foolishly decided to block the party's path to Yulyana. Like all fantasy tortoises/turtles, it has crazy high physical defense.  Its major weakness is water/ice, so no problem. Take a mage or two, use Blizzard...  And get the spell thrown back in your face. The boss almost constantly keeps up Reflection Angle, its own version of the Reflect spell. As in other Final Fantasy games, with reflect, any magic cast on the user will be redirected elsewhere/to the caster.  The solution is Sword Magic. A sword magic infused attack counts as physical rather than magical. Blizzara sword magic makes Tiz the champion this battle.  Tortoise friend also has a heavy-hitting multi-target attack, keeping subpar merchant healer Ringabel busy.  This is a quick filler fight, without so much as a cutscene afterwards.  There may be a translation error here. Though called Land Turtle in the data entry, the cutscene kicking off the battle is called Terratoise.  Not sure why a giant tortoise was carrying this. Or is it a section of the tortoise's shell the party carved off? Or... whatever, it makes sense gameplay-wise.  Here's what Agnès stole. Must've gotten stuck in the tortoise's side by some unlucky traveler. Come to think, how does the sage go through here every time he visits Florem? Tough little guy...  Last map for Mount Fragmentium.   The cave exit is a short walk west of the Needleworks. Let's go say hello.  First, allow me to thank you again for your earlier aid. [img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] It allowed us to successfully awaken the Crystal of Wind. I... I see. Yes, well. Glad to hear I didn't work through the night in vain. Now, what brings you to me this time?The party explains their situation, every ridiculous detail.  Master, the unparalleled glamor of your creations is the surest key to Agnès's victory! Honestly, of all the reasons to bring you out here...When even Sage Yulyana is baffled by your commitment to sexy clothes, you might have an issue. Very well! Any one piece from my collection of a thousand dresses strong is yours to take! Edea takes a look around.  Help yourself. Use anything you like. I feel like you two are starting to spiral out of hand. Remember why we're doing this... Let us defer to them this once. They are more knowledgeable in such things than I. Considering Ringabel's enthusiasm, it's going to be a very, very good thing Edea and Tiz are here to moderate the situation. A short while later, we rejoin the group, though Edea and Agnès aren't visible:   Ringabel takes the dress from the sage and hands it off to Agnès and Edea, who are out of sight in the dressing room above where the sage is standing.  There's a pause with a noise of clothing shuffling around. I've never worn anything quite so... extravagant. Veto. It's all wrong. Too showy! The outfit drowns her out. The idea is to draw out her natural beauty, not hide it. You're a stern critic, my dear. Master, I fear this outfit lacks conviction. It's lukewarm. Have you anything...hotter? You're a brave man, Ringabel. Perhaps too brave. The sage goes to his workshop room and brings something back out. So extreme was it that every girl to try it on instantly and irrevocably hated me without exception!Uh He shows it off to Ringabel.  Edea exits the dressing room and comes to look.  Tiz wanders forward to look. Avert your gaze, Tiz! You aren't ready! It's too much temptation! Uh... But if you did wear it... Your victory would be assured! Such is its terrible power! How did we end up in this situation, again?     ............ Um... Are you, uh... Sir, are you certain this is clothing? It's clothing! All I say is clothing becomes clothing! Yes, but it's... The fabric... There isn't any... Are you certain!?So welcome to the most dissonant scene in the game. There's cheery fun music playing, Ringabel and the Sage are feverishly over the top, but Agnès sounds like she's on the brink of crying. You spoke of the strength of your determination, vestal. Now, to action! I did, but that was... This isn't... If I wore this, I... I'd... I'd catch my death of cold! I'll also mention that my journal states, "Agnès worse sexy clothes. It was awesome." Agnès, he's lying. I saw his book earlier and it said nothing of the sort. Ahem. A word of advice? Don't choose the clothes, child. Let the clothes choose you! Going by her voice, Agnès has clearly started crying. Game's still playing cheery fun music. Someone being pressured into sex-related stuff they're not comfortable with! Ha ha... Alright, you two. That's enough. The poor girl's near her breaking point. But what of victory? Don't you want to win? No! I've said as much from the very beginning... You've no desire to claim the title of most beautiful for your own!? Vestal is the only title I require. If you don't want to wear it, don't wear it. ...There isn't? Then I don't... This is...unacceptable. They've become a single horny hivemind.  And you, Tiz! You're a teenaged boy! Have you no blood in your veins!? I feel fine? ...Here lie my dreams, broken. Hmm. Sex appeal is tricky.We skip forward in time to evening.  Empty-handed, for all our troubles. I blame myself for underestimating the beast that is sex appeal. And why try to tart you up or present you as someone you're not? I say show them you, as you are. I imagine Olivia is a lot more likely to recognize you that way, too. What if you... I don't know, why don't you wear the vestal garb? From the rite... But who around here knows about the vestal garb? Us four, the sage, Olivia...that's it. Plus, I think that dress looks very pretty on you, Agnès. Er, I mean... Me, as I am... As the Vestal of Wind.[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Thank you, Tiz. You are precisely right. I shall wear the vestal garb for the festival. I think that's the right choice. Well, look at you, Tiz! You little charmer! The vestal garb is no less a masterpiece of mine than any other. It ought serve you well enough.With the matter settled, the party rests for the night at the Needleworks.  They set out for the festival the next morning. As the party makes their way through Mount Fragmentium, our perspective shifts to what's going on in Florem...  You. Woman.  Oh, my! Now, whatever is a little girl like you doing out all by herself at this hour? I hear you're thought to be the likely winner of the upcoming Sacred Flower Festival. I am! Aren't I pretty? Now, if you want to grow up to be pretty like me, you need your beauty sleep! Ha. Idiotic plebe. Now, that's not very...   Like plucking a flower. And flowers so beg to be plucked... The ease of it all is a terrible bore. Don't you agree, Victor? Hm hmm, let us hope these vestals to the crystals are more entertaining. By my data, the likely runner-up ought to be strolling past soon. Shall we say hello, Victoria?Looks like some of our Eternian friends have come to add their own brand of flair to the festival. Forget winning -- will the party survive? Next: Agnès's charisma score is put to the test. Title reference: Florence Foster Jenkins - "Adele's Laughing Song" Die Fledermaus -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: Yulyana Once More The Legendary Bravo Bikini A Dream Dashed You, As You Are The Witch's Machinations D's Journal: Ringabel posted:pg.7: I can't believe it! The sage and I were on the verge of convincing her, but our plan was ruined by that spoilsport from Norende! To think we could have seen Agnès's sensuous form wrapped in the bravo bikini at the Sacred Flower Festival... You and that naive smile of yours don't know what you're missing! D's Journal: Agnès Oblige posted:pg.8: The Sacred Flower Festival was about to begin, when the bravo bikini plan the sage and I concocted was ruined by that stick-in-the-mud Tiz. "Show them you, as you are" he says... "Why don't you wear the vestal garb?" he says... Though his words brought a smile to Agnès's face that cast her in a beautiful light, the outcome was most frustrating! D's Journal: Sage Yulyana posted:pg.3: Agnès decided to take part in the Sacred Flower Festival. While researching the best apparel to wear, we heard word of a perverted old merchant, which we soon realized referred to Sage Yulyana. The sage had a costume that would assure her victory, but Tiz poured cold water on the idea, much to the chagrin of the sage and me. Greyarc fucked around with this message at 05:50 on May 4, 2017 |
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May 4, 2017 03:12
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Entry 33: A Bloody Beauty Contest So the party did.    And you've really decided not to go with this sexy swimsuit?Tiz turns to Edea. Wait, you still have that? I'm quite certain, thank you. I'll wear the vestal garb, as Tiz suggested. This is your last chance to rethink it. Agnès, I still think the world deserves to see the bravo--[img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Unacceptable.  No one who matters is sad, Ringabel. ...... But don't be scared. We'll be close by, keeping watch.Edea nods.  Good! Now, relax and go get 'em! All we need to do now is head to the second Florem area.  And no, we're not allowed get cold feet and exit town. The shops are closed, but there are more people out for the event.  Including the shopkeepers! This is the lady who runs the equipment shop.  And this is the item shop owner. The party continues to the Festival. After Agnès is registered and goes off to prepare, the other three shove their way to the front of the stage's crowd:  They missed the first few contestants, but I'm sure no one important was up there.  The crowd is going wild.     Wooo! Yaaa!   It's like the speech at Ancheim all over again. I nearly forgot to breathe. She'll do fine. And we're here, just in case. Stage fright isn't the only thing worrying me. So why is Agnès's entry number nine? Where are the other three, you mean? Maybe they panicked at the last minute? Hmm, I suppose it's possible... Just so you know, the announcer's voice actor perfectly captures someone saying a name he isn't sure how to pronounce (It's Ahn-nyes). Ah! Here she comes! Agnès? Agnès! Agnès! You're on! Go! Huh!? Oh! Right! Sorry! Agnès steps across the stage.  Boos start mixing in with the cheering. She's clearly delusional. I almost feel bad. ...Almost! Ha ha ha! I didn't come all the way here for this! Boo! Boooo!  The crowd is now nothing but loud booing.  At this, the crowd, all roused up by the festivities and sexy contestants, deigns to go silent. It's the most unrealistic moment of the game. In hopes that this may reach you. Though great distance has come between us, I consider you my friend, now as in childhood. You were a source of joy. A target of aspiration. Just to see your smile and hear you speak filled my days with warmth. Yet now, I do not even know where you are... The smile you wore as a girl is still so fresh in my mind. And yet... I feel my breast will be torn asunder from worry.  To be truthful, I am terrified without you, even now, as a grown woman. I force myself onward, but any confidence I show is hollow deception. Every pause, every quiet moment, I feel ready to fall to my knees and wail as I did back then... I cannot imagine completing my task without you there. Without your aid. For so long I'd swallowed back these doubts. Tried to be strong... But I fear old habits are not soon broken... ......I will wait for you. So, please...if you are watching, tell me. Let me know you are there. I will reach out my hand to you.  On that note, with the crowd either stunned into silence or asleep/passed out, the festival ends. We rejoin the party some time later.  Can't be helped. Hers was an appeal wholly out of keeping with the contest's theme. Perhaps I ought to have worn the bikini after all...Or you could have worn a giant duck costume. The goal was to get attention, not win. Which she did succeed at, in her own way. You were just fine. You said what you came to say. The idea was never to win the contest. If Olivia heard that, I'm certain your words will move her. I hope so...A bird flutters by overhead, dropping an item near Agnès. Hm? I wonder what... A letter? [img]https://lpix.org/2703269/agnes_happy.png[img][/img] Ah! Olivia! She wrote me a letter! See? You got through to her just fine! So, what does it say? "I heard about your appearance at the festival, though I was not able to attend. It puts my heart to ease knowing that you have also weathered this terrible crisis." "I wish to meet with you as well, Agnès, my one true friend. But I fear I am not free to move about." "Behind the ruins to the west lies the hidden village of the Crystal Orthodoxy. You will find me there. Do not allow this letter to be seen by any eyes but yours. Not even the matriarch can know." They must be after her, too, then. As we feared. Let us go. Straight away! West, to the ruins, and the hidden village beyond!The party nods and walks off. But we, the audience, turn another way, to a pair hidden nearby.  Most clearly, Victoria. Then we've little need for the wind vestal to continue living, hmm? Indeed. Though, if I may... It seems they make for the vestal of water's side. Yes, and?    Japan, no.It seems Victoria killing off beauty contestants wasn't part of any plan, but just for kicks. In case it wasn't drilled in how evil the Eternians are. Wouldn't you say, Victor? Just so, Victoria. Just so.Don't worry, things'll get worse.  Now that the festival's over, the townsfolk have new things to talk about. The festival's over for a whole year...It feels like forever. We are filthy casuals. Nothing makes a girl look cute like the right hairpin. I'm never taking mine off!Boy, these people sure are obsessive about their stuff.  This guy's a gem.  A common aesthetic miscalculation. I wish people would keep telling me I'm cute... Those last two are the saddest people in Florem. They should leave town and go on adventures together, a lady and kid team. Along the way they'd find adventure, action, and self-worth. If nothing else, the fresh air would do them some good. Speaking of fresh air, Norende.  Ooh, presents!? Yaaay! Ah, yes. Gifts are strategically important. So, which businesses are they? What do we build? The item shop, the combat item shop, and the compound shop. I see! And when will we get these presents? I expect they'll send them to us at regular intervals. Hee, I can't wait! What do you think we'll get? I imagine it'll be merchandise that each respective store stocks. When giving a gift to a lady, careful selection is key. My personal advice is to choose an article she'll wear every day. That way, she'll be forced to think of you around the clock. Where'd everyone go?At least one person in the thread said Ringabel's antics were getting tired. By this point, Edea, Tiz, and Agnès agree. Speaking of Norende, new equipment from their shops:  Here, Tiz.  Obligatory weapon that looks like a cartoon cat's paw.  With that, we're ready to move on. Victoria and Victor are going to be following Agnès and crew for quite some time, however, because... Next: We're turning our attention to the side quests. -- Event Viewer Main Scenario: The Festival Begins Entrant No. 9 Beneath A Broad Blue Sky I Am Here Party Chat: A Gift From Norende 
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 02:54 on May 6, 2017 |
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May 6, 2017 02:51
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Entry 34: Gotta Have Blue Hair In addition to the two sidequests opened earlier, one more opened after the Flower Festival. Starting in this chapter, there's a lot more cutscene variance depending on what side quests are done in what order. Alternate versions will be shown off when appropriate.  Maybe the woman who sells it will come today. Maybe today...What caused the shift in Florem's populace from devout Crystalists to all-consuming obsession with physical beauty? Is there more to this town than a ham-handed attempt to critique modern feminism?  Earlier, the party found out there were two major trends in Florem: hairpins and hair dye. Neither is stocked by the normal traders. Maybe we should check out these mystery sellers, see just how good their products are.  The hunger-weakened lady was right. The merchant's shown up at the entrance of town.  Today only, make it yours for just one million pg! But people are buying it. Have a look at that crowd.How are these women affording that? Wasn't Florem supposed to be poor until recently? Judging by the giant naked bunny statue, the most likely answer would make this place even more screwed up. Why not give it a try, Agnès? It's your chance to kick that plain-Jane image for good. And that's even if the party could remotely afford it. Ringabel's been patron saint of not-helping-the-situation this chapter. Hey, wait -- that starving lady from earlier was in the crowd at some point. Did she get her dye?  At least she's peppier now. It brings color to the world around you, my dear. Perhaps you'll bring some to my world next... Can't waste any time. Can't stop till I'm in fashion. Need a spirit hairpin... I need money... Can't blame her for ignoring that tired pickup line, but something about her seemed... off.  Did she seem a little...crazed? Seems fashionability is status here. We'll start our trend research at the trader's. Why? What possible need have you to research the trends? What sort of escort would I be to the ladies here if I were not abreast of their concerns? ...... The trader didn't know much about spirit hairpins when the party asked, but she might have a lead on petalhue.  The girls of Florem revere it as a part of the new holy trinity of fashion.I'm guessing the third item is Yulyana's dresses. Trouble is--and this is only a rumor--they say if you use it, it takes hold of you. Eats your soul!Oh.  The traveling merchant? I hear they come in from the east. When the petalhue vendors leave town later that day, the party follows.  They head east of Florem, north around the mountains, then east again through the forests...  Ringabel, Tiz, you guys might want to work on your stealth skills. At least take off the hat, or you'll get cau--  We're not following anyone. We're just headed east to the woods! Liar! You're out to spy on how the dye's made. Planning to cut in on my margin!? We were entranced, you see. The dye's beauty stole my breath away. Despite his terrible pickup lines, Ringabel does have luck with some ladies. Evidence throughout the game points to him being a fairly handsome guy. The name's Ringabel. If you've the time, I'd love to get to know you and your product...much...better. Well, I...I really shouldn't. It's a secret. But maybe, if you promise not to tell... It's extracted from the marrow of giant snakes. Orochi, they're called. The girls of Florem worship them as gods, yet they're too busy playing dress-up to notice.Orochi, by the way, was a multi-headed dragon from Japanese myth. The vain little monsters... Still, my organization appreciates their cooperation. That's our plan, see. The extract's full of nidaphyx. It's an addictive hallucinogen. And they're scratching and clawing to get their hands on it. Heh, Florem won't last a month. Oh, but I really must be going. Can't keep Artemia waiting! So, the odd, self-destructive behavior in Florem isn't natural.  What? Who are you? Ringabel's girlfriend!? Oh, you cad! You led me on!An Eternian soldier runs up alongside the dye seller.  One retching later:  In battle, the dye vendor is also revealed to be part of Eternia's Bloodrose Legion. Like the other common Eternian soldiers, they're not difficult to take out.   Ringabel: part-time fashion commentator.   The trail the Bloodrose Legion were taking leads back to a giant tree grove in the northeastern section of the continent. We were here earlier, before entering Florem.  These creatures are revered as Florem's guardians, and now... The forest stands at the edge of death. Who would do this? The party looks up.  This kid (17 here, aged up from 14 in the original Japanese version) was seen in a cutscene at the start of the chapter, alongside the Eternians.   Edea traitor. Traitors die.She does not sound sane. Was it you who killed the orochi? To make the dye? Artemia hunt. Hunt many orochi. And now you're poisoning human bodies and minds with the results. Has the Bloodrose Legion's purpose always been so pathetically base? Artemia obey. Only obey. Sister's orders only truth. Sister...? You mean Einheria is complicit in this madness!? That's not... She's a better woman than that! A noble woman! Not for you to decide. Sister not your possession. I never said she was! I asked you whether Einheria truly ordered you to do this! And if she did, why did you just mindlessly obey!? If she came to me so obviously not herself, I'd have stopped her. By force, if needed! You're her sister! You must have had the chance to dissuade her! Artemia not tell Sister how to think. How Sister think tell how Artemia live. Only Sister tell how Artemia live! That's no answer... You've just given up all thought! Become a puppet! Do you have any idea how many people are suffering for what you've done!? Don't care. Edea still tell Sister how to live? If what you've said is true, you and she and the whole legion are black as pitch. ......Artemia hunt. Hunt all prey... All in range Artemia's prey... Don't change the subject!Artemia jumps down, landing in front of the party.  She's sounding less sane by the second. As long as prey has pulse... Keep firing... Never miss... ...Never... Have you gone mad!?If the nidaphyx was so effective on adults, what would it do to a child exposed over an extended period?  And who knew going super saiyan would be a byproduct?  Grrrrrrarar... You... Edea...prey... What!? Prey...chase...hunt... Artemia...run...catch... Thrill...hunger...rrrrar... Heart...racing...fire...burn...! Hands...! Trembling...! Hunt...is...on! Congratulations, game. We've progressed to beating up mentally impaired children.  Granted, this girl's trying to kill us.  And doing a pretty good job of it. Her Multiburst attack hits the entire party for a generous amount. She comes with a Legion Impaler and Mage which should be gotten out of the way first. Otherwise, there's not much strategy to this battle.  Ringabel's been leveling White Mage behind the scenes. Higher level spells from Florem make the fight easier.  After a brief but intense fight, Artemia's brought down.  Sister... Morals aside -- we got a new job!  Agnès also stole these.  I know when I think feral, I think purple long-tailed bunny. The party returns to Florem, none too happy, to alert the ethical item merchant.  I'll work to spread the word. With luck, this lunacy will cease soon...With that sorted out, the party takes a look at the equipment used by the new job.  That's right. First time using one, Agnès? Yes. I have heard about them, but never had a chance to actually lay hands upon one. Would it be alright if I gave it a try over there?Agnès runs off.  Mm-hm, it has a major effect on your attack power, too. The knight's weapon of choice is the sword! The white mage's, a staff! And the black mage's, a rod! Ah! Agnès is back! What did you think of the bow? It seems to me I could do better with my bare hands. That doesn't make any sense. The bow is a powerful weapon, after all. I know! Show her by loosing an arrow at that fence over there. Alright, here goes! ......! Bull's-eye! What was that stick-like object that flew from the bow? And what is an arrow...? Eh? You're kidding...right?That cutscene would make much more sense if I hadn't had Agnès using a bow the entire chapter so far. Though it does make her pulverizing enemies in battle with it all the more impressive. Still, perhaps it'd be best if Ringabel took on the job. And that wraps up one sidequest. There is a slight variation to this quest depending on whether Twisted Treetop was visited earlier or not. Here's the version if the party had not visited Twisted Treetop earlier: Party walks in, area title displays. Ugh, the whole forest reeks of death... There are more that way, hung over tree branches. And over there... The sheer number of bodies is mind-boggling.From there, Agnès says her line, Artemia speaks up, and things continue as before. The mystery of petalhue has been solved, but Florem's problems are far from over. The party now knows Eternia's Bloodrose Legion is actively sabotaging the population, and Artemia was not likely working alone. Next: A grim meeting between sisters. -- Event Viewer Sub-Scenario: In Search of Petalhue Lust for Beauty A Devourer of Souls The Merchant Unmasked Fallen Guardians - B Ranger Artemia Petalhue's Secret Fallen Guardians - A Party Chat: Her First Bow D's Journal: Artemia the Ranger posted:
D's Journal: Twisted Treetop posted:
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 05:03 on May 9, 2017 |
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May 9, 2017 04:48
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Entry 35: The Other Hidden Village Here's a look at Norende's progress so far. As areas are upgraded, houses, windmills, and factories appear. It's a cute little touch. The party, in the meantime, has been searching for a lead to the Bloodrose Legion's activities.  That lady's sure running fast. Not even watching where she's goin--  *crash*  Tiz does a fantastic pinwheeling arms animation here, but it doesn't translate well into a gif.  The stranger backs away, not even responding, then takes off for the entrance of town.   As the others look after the woman, Agnès notices something on the ground.  Looks like they dropped something. Let's have a look.Ringabel yoinks it out of Agnès's hand.  No, I ought've. And good thing I did. Why, what does it say? "Rose to strike northern hideaway. Warn them to flee at once." Rose... The Bloodrose Legion! Let's hurry north. To the hidden village!Note: this hidden village is not the same one Olivia the water vestal is hiding out in. The Florem region is just littered with secret villages and old ruins. Also, I agree with folks that the ranger costumes are funny, but they're terrible for showing character animations. Later on I'll be switching Ringabel out of ranger for cutscenes.  This next location is the upper right blue icon, along the way to Twisted Treetop.  The area around here looks unhealthy. Is this what the Matriarch meant by lands turned to waste? Why is it only bad over in the eastern section? (we'll get an answer later.)  Being a hidden village, it's tucked past a maze of a forest.  While the previous sidequest was available before the Flower Festival, This sidequest only became available afterwards. As such, it's a higher level of difficulty.  Still, nothing we can't handle. First enemy of the region.  ...We're not handling it. That thing is one-shotting people.  Time for another grinding session.  Norende gifted this in the meantime. Even the database entry is confused by this one.  A short time later, the party returns to the forest newly buff and ready to take names. At least, Ringabel was trying to get a name. Stop trying to hit on the enemies, Ringabel.  Genetically modified dragons. The Eternians may be evil, but they're got style.  Although the party's current setup has no dedicated healer, they are now deadly enough to not need one. I never did get a chance to see this enemy attack.  These guys are the only ones fast enough to get a hit in before Agnès (using iron pole w/two-hands and stave proficiency) and Ringabel decimate everything.  The party should be levelled enough for the rest of the chapter.  Taking the upper right path...  Leads to a dead end with an upgrade for Tiz. Tiz will send enemies to sleep, all right. Forever.  Backtracking and taking the upper left path leads further in, with this along the way.  The word aeolian refers to Aeolus, a Greek god who ruled the winds.  Witherwood isn't a huge place. We're already over halfway through.  The design of this dungeon is similar to the eastern East Shroud area in Final Fantasy 14. CrashScreen's actually currently in the adjacent area in their LP at the time of this post if you want to see what I imagine a higher-res Florem region looks like.   A short stroll later and we've found the Adventurer. Meaning that beyond is...   Crystalists. That is some stark landscape change in the background.  Is something wrong? Gather your families and run! This place will soon be attacked! What!? No way! It's the truth! Now hurry! This is no time to be laughing! But it's too funny! How could you fall for it so easily?Uh-oh.   Hurry, girls! Send word to the valkyrie!The party is surrounded. In a short time:  In the party's defense, most Eternians so far have treated strategy like a foreign concept. What's become of the people of this village!? You didn't-- Gone, and not by my hand. This place was deserted. Though I cannot say whether the original inhabitants left alive or dead. ...... Agnès Oblige, Vestal of Wind, you will come with me. We won't let that happen. Einheria... Do not resist. Running is futile as well. You're perfectly surrounded. You've not been given leave to speak, Edea. Why are you doing this? This isn't-- I've warned you not to speak! I'm afraid I cannot keep silent. Agnès is my friend. ...... Alternis begged me to talk sense into you. He was beside himself. He's not... Alternis has nothing to do with this. You and I learned the sword under the same master. We shared a vision. A dream. We swore our blades to the service of Eternia, and pledged to fight for her future. ...... Yet here you stand, a traitor. I had to... To free mankind from thralldom before the crystals. To create a new world where all can live in peace! These are the tenets of the grand marshal's philosophy. The same that you denied when you betrayed your homeland and spat in the face of your father! We don't know too much about the state of the world before Eternia started taking over. It's a given Agnès has a rose-colored view of the Crystal Orthodoxy, but going by real world large-scale organized religions and hints in-game so far, the Orthodoxy was likely not all rainbows and sunshine. Don't worry, the game will cover it more later on.  But no longer. I've seen the world with my own eyes. Judged right from wrong for myself. And now I can say with all confidence, you are wrong. All of you. You burn cities down. Bleed people dry for money! One atrocity after another... You mean to deny your own father? Just like that!? ...Yes. I don't understand what he's thinking. I can't accept it. What have you been looking at this whole time? The vestal's illusions!? I know what I've seen. I'll let no one deny it. Not even you. ...This is my final warning. Return to your father's side, Edea. I cannot. I won't! I can never go back to the Eternian Forces. ...... The grand marshal's orders were... to eliminate any obstacle. Father...! I'll not hold back. Your treason ends now! That's a shame. Unlike most other Eternians we've met, Einheria seemed reasonable, but whatever propoganda they get in Eternia is just too effective.  Unlike Artemia, Einheria is a single opponent. She does not need help because she is significantly stronger, especially with use of the multi-target attack Crescent Moon. With the party's minimal healing, keeping track of both her and the party's BP is a must to know when to attack and when to Default.  Valkyries are Bravely Default's Dragoons. This includes their signature ability Jump, where the user jumps off the battlefield, then reappears with a large attack on a single opponent. The party's kept ready to Default whenever Einheria jumps.  With high physical attack, Agnès can more than take care of healing herself with Life Thief.  Partway through the fight, Einheria puts up Spirit Barrier, which redirects damage to her MP instead of HP until either her MP hits zero or ten turns pass.  It only delays the inevitable. Next: A fun-filled faerie adventure! Also, death. -- Event Viewer Sub-Scenario: A Preventable Tragedy At the Hidden Village Einheria Appears Cheerless Reunion - A/B Valkyrie Einheria - A D's Journal: Witherwood posted:
Greyarc fucked around with this message at 02:30 on May 11, 2017 |
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May 11, 2017 02:26
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| # ¿ May 9, 2024 04:07 |
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MonsterEnvy posted:I am a bit surprised you are doing Einheria before her other sister. Hey, we're not there quite yet, even if it is pretty obvious.  I did this order to not duplicate cutscenes I got during my first game. Like I said, I'll be showing off the variations later, so no worries about that.
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May 11, 2017 14:36
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