_____ ___ ____ _____ _ _ ___ __ _____ ___ / __ / / _ \ / __/ /_ _/ / /_/ / / __/ / / / __ / / \ / /_/ / / // / / /__ / / / __ / / __/ / /_ / /_/ / / /) / /_//__/ /_/ \_\ /____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /____/ /____/ /_//__/ /____/ _____ _ __ _ ____ _ _ _____ ____ ____ /_ _/ /\/\/\ / / / / / / / __/ / /_/ //_ _/ /_ / / ___/ / / / / / / / / / /_ / / / ( \ / _ / / / //_/ / / __/ /_/ /_____/ /_/ /____/ /_/ /____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ /____/ /_/ _____ _ __ ___ ____ ____ _ ___ __ _____ ____ /_ _/ / /_/ / / __/ / ___/ / _ ) / / / _ \ / / /_ _/ / ___/ / / / __ / / __/ /__ / / ___/ / / / // / / / / / /__ / /_/ /_/ /_/ /____/ /____/ /_/ /_/ /_/ \_\ /_/ /_/ /____/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- FAQ / WALKTHROUGH By: Shotgunnova (Patrick Summers) shotgunnova (at) gmail (.) com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This guide is intended for home, private use only. It may not be reproduced, hosted, distributed, edited, sold, or given away to a paid package as an add-in or gift. To do so is violative of federal and international copyright laws, to which jail time and a $250,000 fine may accompany if pursued (and it will be). Please respect FAQ authors' hard work and report plagiarizing wherever found. It really means a lot to us. =) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I N D E X -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 01) Control Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CSCH 02) The Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THST 03) The Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THCR 04) The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THBS 05) Gameplay Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GPTP 06) Main Walkthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MNWK i. Kharg - Ch. 1 - The First Battle..............................K1FS ii. Darc - Ch. 1 - Awakening......................................D1AK iii. Kharg - Ch. 2 - Setting Out...................................K2ST iv. Darc - Ch. 2 - Ambition.......................................D2MB v. Kharg - Ch. 3 - Conflict......................................K3CF vi. Darc - Ch. 3 - Love and Hate..................................D3LV vii. Kharg - Ch. 4 - Rage..........................................K4RG viii. Darc - Ch. 4 - Reunion........................................D4RN ix. Kharg - Ch. 5 - Truth.........................................K5TR x. Darc - Ch. 5 - Evolution......................................D5VL xi. Kharg - Ch. 6 - Rivalry.......................................K6RV xii. Ch. 7 - The Final Battle......................................C7TF 07) Shop Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHPL 08) Skill List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SKLS 09) Stat Increase Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STCD 10) Missable Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MSSB 11) Sidequests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SDQT 12) Arena Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARVR 13) Item Compendium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITCM 14) Bestiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSTR 15) FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ATLF 16) Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UPDT 17) Help Shotty! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HLST 18) Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPCT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 01. C O N T R O L S C H E M E CSHS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ____ | | ____ L2 BUTTON --> /____/\ | | /\____\ <-- R2 BUTTON L1 BUTTON --> /____/\ \_______| |_______/ /\____\ <-- R1 BUTTON / _ \________|__|________/ _ \ / _| |_ _ /_\ _\ <-- TRIANGLE BUTTON DIRECTIONAL --> | |_ _| [SELECT] [START] [_] (_)| <-- CIRCLE BUTTON PAD | |_| [ANALOG] (X) | <-- X BUTTON / ____ ____ \ / / \ __ / \ \ \ /\ \____/ / \ \____/ /\ / \ / \______/ \______/ \ / \_____/ LEFT ANALOG RIGHT ANALOG\_____/ (L3) (R3) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-MENU CONTROLS-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Triangle --> Display command menus Left Analog --> Highlight menu items Left Analog + X --> Select menu item O Button --> Previous screen / Close menu L1 / R1 Buttons --> Select characters on Item/Stats Screen -=-=-=-=-=-=CHARACTER MOVEMENT & BATTLE CONTROLS-=-=-=-=-=- Left Analog --> Run Left Analog + O --> Walk Left Analog Tilt --> Walk X Button --> Retrieve items (in-battle) Square + R1/L1 --> Switch targeted enemies (in-battle) R1 + Left Analog --> Manually aim character's weapon X Button/R1 + X --> Normal attack -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-TALKING CONTROLS=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- X Button --> Talk --> Advance dialogue text D-Pad + X Button --> Select response (when applicable) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 02. T H E S T O R Y THST -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- WAR OF THE SPIRIT STONES Chaos and suffering are close on the horizon...and powerful spirits are about to play their hand! For countless generations, Humans and Deimos have relied upon one natural resource -- Spirit Stones. Both races mine the gems from sites around the world. To the Humans, the Stones are an energy source supplying warmth, light and mechanical power. To the Deimos, Spirit Stones are the vital force empowering their magical abilities. Aside from Spirit Stones, the Humans and Deimos have almost nothing in common. Centuries ago both races decided to ignore the other's existence. Now each culture inhabits a different part of the world. On those rare occasions when Humans and Deimos clash, control of the Spirit Stones is the reason. To both Humans and Deimos, the most powerful treasures in the world are the five one-of-a-kind Great Spirit Stones, each representing one of the elemental powers of Water, Fire, Earth, Wind and Light. If one being--Humans or Deimos-- were to possess all five stones, he would wield limitless power. At this moment, a Human army is sweeping across the globe in an attempt to capture all five of these treasures and enslave every other being across the planet. But the Spirits inhabiting the Great Spirit Stones will not let the future be decided so swiftly. Instead, they will place the fate of both races in the hands of two young warriors. One, named Kharg, lives a princely existence in the Human world. The other, Darc, is a lowely slave in the harsh Deimos civilization. He has suffered great hardship and carries a troubled heart. Each has sworn to defend his own world, and neither knows the other exists. Both these brave souls are unaware of the incredible powers they might soon possess. Join the two young warriors as they carry out a solemn oath to defend their civilizations. Prepare your weapons, focus your magical powers and surround yourself with powerful allies. It is time to battle the intruding darkness. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 03. T H E C H A R A C T E R S THCR -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Main characters, that is. o-------o | Kharg | o-------o Kharg is the main character for the human side of the game. He is justice- -driven and kind-hearted, despite his prejudiced actions for the Deimos. More than once he goes out on a limb, putting his own team in danger, but his drive to succeed and his pleasant demeanor ultimately keep his party satisfied. His skills revolve around wind-elemental attacks and offensive, stat-down skills, although he does have a few buffs, too. Lord Kharg's stat growth is very balanced, but he still excels at head-on attacking. Initial Level : 3 Initial Equips: Hawk Eyes, Leather Armband GROWTH: HP: Medium ATT: High SPD: Medium HIT: High TRO: High DEF: Medium MNT: Medium AVO: Medium o----------o | Paulette | o----------o Paulette is Kharg's childhood friend and has a hard time disguising the torch she carries for him. If only Kharg would notice! She usually participates in the things Kharg likes, which isn't to say she's a yes-woman -- both of their missions simply synch up early on. She uses a knife-on-a-string as a long-range means of attacking, and most of her skills have to do with status effects and fire-elemental attacks. Stat-wise, she's easily outshined by other allies since she does not excel greatly at anything. Initial Level : 2 Initial Equips: Leather Armband GROWTH: HP: Medium ATT: Medium SPD: Medium HIT: Medium TRO: Low DEF: Medium MNT: Medium AVO: Medium o------o | Maru | o------o Maru is a self-proclaimed (?) prince of Chaos Forest, showing off his supposed family crown he carries around his neck. At times he can be a bit bratty and self-important, but his allies know he means well and is just looking for some friends. His skills walk the line between offensive, ailment-inducing and support skills, such as morale-boosting and theft. Stat-wise, his growth is very decent, and like his build, his stats reflect his high speed and avoidance rates. His DEF and HP could use a little work, though. Later on in the game, his Great Hunter skill becomes one of the most useful ways of mass-slaughter. Initial Level : 2 Initial Equips: Crystal Beads GROWTH: HP: Medium-low ATT: Medium-high SPD: High HIT: High TRO: Medium-high DEF: Low MNT: High AVO: High o------o | Ganz | o------o Ganz is a former mercenary turned forest protector. His life on the battlefield wore him down so he turned to taking care of nature. His tough countenance and rough, off-putting attitude are only one side of the coin -- he also retains a lot of advice and military know-how. His skills mostly have to do with brute strength, although some inflict stat-down ailments on the enemy. His stats show what most people could figure out by themselves: high ATT/HP, low speed & AVO. Initial Level : 9 Initial Equips: Earth Blade, Leather Armband GROWTH HP: High ATT: High SPD: Low HIT: Medium TRO: Medium DEF: Medium-low MNT: High AVO: Medium o---------o | Tatjana | o---------o The last mandatory character on Kharg's path, Tatjana is a Dilzweld operative loyal to the motherland...until a certain event shakes her beliefs up. In the fray, she acts mostly as a support unit, having skills that reduce elemental damage, heal, and inflict status abnormalities. Her special Sigma skills give some decent offense, though. Initial Level : 18 Initial Equips: Steel Brassard, Unit 64K GROWTH HP: Medium-high ATT: Medium-low SPD: Medium HIT: Medium-low TRO: Medium-high DEF: Medium MNT: High AVO: Low o------o | Darc | o------o Darc is the second main character in the game, a man caught between the races of human and Deimos. And, man, does he ever catch flak for it. He is bid to aid the Deimos race in the fight for survival by his father, which he reluctantly takes up after seeing the motley assortment of barbarians they actuall are. In battle, he is a mix between support unit and offensive fighter -- he is quite a capable attacker. Statistically speaking, he excels in the ways of HP, ATT, and AVO, and does rather decent at everything else. He's like Kharg but his Deimos blood gives him a minor advantage. Initial Level : 1 Initial Equips: --- GROWTH: HP: High ATT: High SPD: Medium HIT: High TRO: Medium-low DEF: Medium MTN: Medium-high AVO: Medium o-------o | Delma | o-------o Little sister to Densimo, this hot-tempered demon-girl from Orcoth constantly acts as a galvanizing force to get moving (or else!). Like Paulette on the flipside of things, she also has a crush on a main character and gets rather jealous over other women who come into his life. Although she can be used as a rather potent attacker, her skills dictate that she be more of a support unit, who party buffs. She's caught between the two fortes, but ends up a jill of all trades and a master of neither. Stat-wise, she is great at ATT, HIT, and MNT, but mediocre at most others (called "medium" here). Don't count her down yet, though, or she'll get her revenge some day... Initial Level : 3 Initial Equips: --- GROWTH: HP: Medium ATT: Medium SPD: Medium-low HIT: High TRO: Medium-low DEF: Low MNT: High AVO: Medium o------o | Volk | o------o This proud Lupine warrior lives by a code of "obey the strongest" and has a pack mentality to be sure. He also carries a need for revenge on some humans which consumes him throughout the game. After joining with Darc, he offers some nice one-liners and still manages to act like one of the mature, if not hasty, voices of reason. Sometimes. Like Delma, he acts as both a support unit and an attacker, except his support skills have to do with battle-use stat boosting so they perfectly complement his ability to kill. Later on, he'll get a vast array of weapon parts that can either make him a deadly mage or an up-close murdering beast! Regarding his stats, his HP, ATT, DEF, and MNT are all above-average, but the rest meet an impasse as they try to keep up. Initial Level : 10 Initial Equips: Blue Wolf Blade, Leather Armband GROWTH HP: High ATT: High SPD: Low HIT: Low TRO: Low DEF: Medium-high MNT: High AVO: Low o----------o | Camellia | o----------o The haughty Pianta sage joins the party in the early chapters, tagging along as a voice of reason and wisdom. She often vocalizes her distaste for Delma, which really lights the fire in the Orcon girl's blood. She also has a self-serving side, which the player finds out a few times in the game -- she means well, but often pushes pack ethics aside to help herself. Her skills are akin to healing mages, and she has few offensive magicks of her own. She really excels in party upkeep, and there's no reason for her to be good at everything, eh? Stat-wise, she is mediocre in all areas but MNT, although she gets a few specific equips further in the game that can help remedy her problematic stat un-growth. Initial Level : 14 Initial Equips: --- GROWTH: HP: Medium-low ATT: Medium-low SPD: Low HIT: Low TRO: Low DEF: Medium-low MNT: High AVO: Medium o----------o | Bebedora | o----------o This monster "created to destroy the world" takes form in a little girl with a coinpurse backpack and a rabbit doll. Often one of the odder, more complex characters, she reveals what's in people's souls by leaving cryptic clues that deal with colors. More than once she gets told to quit spying into people's hearts, but despite the fact that she is made to destroy the world, she has to learn things same as everyone else. Basically, she's still learning in the same way a third- or fourth-grader would. In battle, she is a very potent magic-user but her main draw is her Mind Control skill, which lets you "steal" an enemy and control his or her movements and ability use. Stat-wise, she excels at all but SPD, making her one of the more all-around allies. All-around ally? Who's that? She's Bebedora. Initial Level : 16 Initial Equips: Toy Heart GROWTH: HP: Medium-high ATT: Medium-high SPD: Low HIT: Medium-high TRO: Medium-high DEF: Medium-high MNT: High AVO: Medium-high -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 04. T H E B A S I C S THBS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-STATISTIC OVERVIEW=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- HP --> Characters' hit points. If they reach zero (0), character cannot act in battle any longer and is KO'd. Increase HP by gaining more battle experience to go up levels. EXP --> The "currency" used to go up levels. The more the character acts during a battle -- whether it's attacking, using items or skills, or dealing finishing blows -- the more EXP they get. Finishing an enemy is the main way to go. CLASS --> A character's star rating for their abilities. Gain more stars by gaining SP in battle, which in turn raises the character's class and opens up more abilities. ATT --> The character's attack rating. The higher it goes, the more damage is inflicted to the enemy. SPD --> Character's speed rating. The higher the number, the faster the character can act in battle (more turns). CNT --> Counterattack rating. The higher it goes, the more likely the chance of the character countering the enemy. Only works when receiving normal attacks, not skills. MOV --> Movement rating. The higher it is, the farther the character's movement radius in battle. DEF --> Defense rating. The higher it is, the less HP damage taken. HIT --> Accuracy rating. The higher it is, the more likely an attack will succeed. GRD --> Guard rating. The higher it is, the more likely the character will "guard" the attack and minimize (halve) damage taken. Only works on standard attacks, not skills. TNS --> Tension rating. Raise it by taking damage from enemies. Once it peaks, the character will be surrounded by an aura and can launch a dual, extra-strength attack on an enemy. The second character that helps out is determined by the attack range on the enemy. MNT --> Mental gauge. Affects magic and special attacks' power rises. SP --> Stands for "Spell Casting," and is the "currency" used to learn new skills. Get SP by taking actions in battle, and "buy" skills determined by your Class rating. AVO --> Avoidance rating. The higher it is, the more you can dodge regular attacks and avoid damage completely. TRO --> Throw rating. The higher it is, the farther items can be thrown. CRI --> Critical-hit rating. The higher it is, the more often critical hit attacks (those that inflict more damage than usual) occur. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-ELEMENTAL OVERVIEW=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Elements can be used to increase damage against the enemy, and reduce damage taken from elemental attacks. Accessories and weapon add-ons can be imbued with these powers, and some characters even have inherent elemental defences that always stay! You can check elemental defense on the status screens: FIRE --> Icon: Flame WATER --> Icon: Droplet Weak: Water Weak: Fire WIND --> Icon: Tornado EARTH --> Icon: Tree Weak: Earth Weak: Wind LIGHT --> Icon: Light Burst DARK --> Icon: Dark Vortex Weak: Dark Weak: Light -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-STATUS AILMENTS OVERVIEW=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * - Antidote Treatment can be used to cure all status effects SILENCE --> Does: Silences character, cannot use magic abilities --> Cure: Refresh skill, Painful Needle, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Falcon Statuette, Angel Earrings, Clivis's Book Substitute Johnny SLEEP --> Does: Unit falls asleep for a period of time --> Cure: Refresh, Mint, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Sleepless Guard, Leila's Mirror, Clivis's Book Substitute Johnny STICKY --> Does: Unit's MOV rating is heavily decreased --> Cure: Refresh, Soap, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: King-Size Soap, Angel Earrings, Clivis's Book, Substitute Johnny POISON --> Does: Character loses HP after each action --> Cure: Refresh, Antitoxic Nut, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Anti-Poison Ring, Leila's Mirror, Clivis's Book, Substitute Johnny CONFUSION --> Does: Character attacks ally and enemy indiscriminantly --> Cure: Refresh, Green Memory Grass, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Leila's Mirror, Clivis's Book Substitute Johnny I. DEATH --> Does: Automatically KO's an ally --> Cure: Revival Medicine, Resurrection --> Prvnt: Angel Statuette, Clivis's Book, Substitute Johnny PARALYSIS --> Does: Character cannot act --> Cure: Refresh, Nerve Stimulant, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Lark Coat of Arms, Angel Earrings, Clivis's Book, Substitute Johnny SLOTHIAN --> Does: Character becomes a Slothian/Can't pick up dropped items --> Cure: Refresh, Energy Snack, Elixir, self-alleviates --> Prvnt: Anti-Slothian, Clivis's Book, Substitute Johnny -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-MENU OVERVIEW=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- o------------o | PRE-BATTLE | o------------o START --> Begin battle with chosen character(s) SIT OUT --> Selected character does not participate (when applicable) SKILLS --> Inspect character's skills ITEMS --> Inspect item inventory EQUIP --> Inspect/change character's equipment STATUS --> Overview of character's stats, level, elem. defenses, etcetera o---------------o | DURING BATTLE | o---------------o ATTACK --> Attack enemy(s) in range (when applicable) PICK UP --> Pick up dropped items/Spirit Stones/gold (when applicable) SPECIAL MOVES --> Change to skills menu for battle use MAGIC --> Change to magics menu for battle use ITEMS --> Change to character's held items END --> End turn without action [By pressing left/right...] EQUIP --> Change character's equipment STATUS --> Overview of character's stats, level, elem. defenses, etcetera CONDITIONS --> View conditions for victory/defeat RETREAT --> Retreat from battle (when applicable) o--------------o | ON THE FIELD | o--------------o PARTY ITEMS --> Allocate items to allies/send held items to Party Items AIRSHIP --> Inspect airship, charge w/ Spirit Stones, change lenses PYRON --> Inspect Pyron, charge w/ Spirit Stones, feed foodstuffs OPTIONS --> Toggled Sound, Vibration, Message Speed, Battle Voices -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-WALKTHROUGH LEGEND=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ABBREVIATIONS: HP - Health Point(s) SS - Spirit Stones Lv - Level TERMS: Party-buffing - Use stat-raising skills FORMAT: The following format is used throughout the guide for enemy encounters: o-----------------------o---------------o----------------o o----------------o | Level Monster Name | Health Points | Spirit Stone # | | Breakable Item | | -Skill name | ------------> | Skill SS Cost | | and Difficulty | o-----------------------o---------------o----------------o o----------------o -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 05. G A M E P L A Y T I P S GPTP -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- <> SAVE OFTEN! <> Refill your Spirit Stone counts before battle or, rather, after the battle you use them heavily in. You'd be surprised how things like that can slip the mind, leading you to a swift Game Over. <> Don't forget that you can change equipment mid-battle! This has no impact on your turn whatsoever. Another thing to remember: you can't change KO'd persons' equipment. If you want to switch something before they are knocked out, remember to do so on their turn! <> Spreading out is often a good idea, as single enemies can hit both of your characters if they are standing in a close proximity. Use the battlefield's twists and curves to your advantage! <> Random battles are OPTIONAL. As long as you're not too heavily outclassed by the enemy, you can flee with a high probability. Conserve your Spirit Stones and items by not bothering with those pesky ambushes. Mandatory battles do not give you the option to flee, however. <> Experience is gained by taking action. If you can't attack an enemy, heal yourself; if you don't have enough Spirit Stones, use an item -- it all adds up. Don't let yourself wasting time! <> Some weapons' ranges can go through natural obstacles to hit enemies. This is a very good way of operating, as it has no bearing on how the attack succeeds. Also take advantage of how enemies go around breakable obstacles to get to you -- sometimes not breaking an obstacle increases your ability to do damage. <> Never buy Spirit Stones for more than 2/per 1. It pays to go out of your way to get the cheaper goods in this case. <> In Mt. Quina, the Deimos battles there are mandatory (inescapable). This is good because the battles reset and you can loot them over and over for Red Charms, Aquamarines, and Phoenix Tail Feathers! <> Check the Missable Items section to make sure you get everything! Do it as you go or as you start new chapters for the best effect. There are minor spoilers there, but nothing that ruins the plot. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 06. M A I N W A L K T H R O U G H MNWK -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Kharg - Ch. 1 - The First Battle K1FS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Click on "New Game" to start, then watch the scenes. This guide will be as spoiler-free as I can help it, as I know many people hate having plot details and surprises spoiled. o-------------------------------------------------------o | YEWBELL | | Items: 200G, Knuckle Guard | | Enemies: None | o-------------------------------------------------------o After the scenes, you'll find yourself in Yewbell, and will be introduced to Lloyd, your fencing instructor, and Paulette, his daughter and your friend -- she joins your party. Talk to Banjo, the factory worker, when he comes to tell Lloyd about the suspicious character on Scrappe Plateau. Lloyd will give you [200G] for you to go look. Go back to Kharg's house (by where the swordfight took place) and go into the bedroom when you can. Inspect the bookshelf, watch the scenes, then leave. Yewbell has an Item Shop, Weapon Parts Shop, and the bar has a save point, as well as a girl in white who will heal you (10G). It's a sleepy little town, so there isn't much to do, expectedly. A good idea is selling Paulette's Bomb item (which you'll never use, probably) and sell it to make 260G, which you can then buy a Thorn of Revenge for. Before you go, go down to the path by the river and take a left, which goes to the refinery. Talk to Butch to find out it's still closed, and that Banjo needs to open it still. You can find Banjo in the Item Shop, and he'll give Kharg a [KNUCKLE GUARD] for his trouble. You have to do this before you leave for the Plateau, or you'll miss it forever (and it is a unique item). Go out to the world map when you're done and head to Scrappe Plateau. o-------------------------------------------------------o | SCRAPPE PLATEAU | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Suskle Squirrel x 6 | o-------------------------------------------------------o An old man will be getting a whippin' by some Suskle Squirrels. Naturally, Kharg and Paulette can't just stand by idly. o-----------------------------------o o----------------------o |Lv. 3 SUSKLE SQUIRREL (x3) | HP: 20| | DIFFICULTY: 1 of 5 | |Lv. 4 SUSKLE SQUIRREL (x3) | HP: 23| o----------------------o o-----------------------------------o Lv. 3 Kharg Lv. 2 Paulette This isn't supposed to be a hard battle, and you'll be unable to level-up beforehand, but it shouldn't be too trying. Kharg's Fang-Breaker Blade can pretty much kill any enemy at this point (Cost: 14/70) while Paulette can use First Aid to heal when necessary. Use Manual Aim (R1+Left Analog) to get as far away from the enemy as you can while still being able to attack them. Remember: attacking from behind reduces the chance of counterattacks and lets you do more damage; Paulette's extra range is good for this. To boot, you get a "fire aura" pretty early that lets you do a double attack if Paulette is near. Very easy stuff. It only takes 60 SP for Paulette to learn Sling Knife, and if you let her kill most of the creatures, she should be able to learn it after battle. Drops: Healing Herb (x), 6 Spirit Stones (x5), 37 G, 55 G, 46 G --- Afterwards, the old man will introduce himself as Zev. Finish out the rounds, and head back to Yewbell, although you'll find that The Garagne Hills is now available on the map for battle purposes. Note: You won't use Paulette for a short while, so if you want to level her up, now would be the time. o-------------------------------------------------------o | YEWBELL | | Items: Gate Key | | Enemies: None | o-------------------------------------------------------o Go back to Kharg's house to find Lloyd and Nafia, his mother. After giving the report, Lloyd will drop a hint that Deimos have been sighted at Plumb Canyon, and that he will go investigate personally. Once you can leave, watch a few scenes at the refinery. Back at the town square, Lloyd will return with a wounded soldier...oh, dear. View the following scenes at Kharg's house, then watch the rest at the town square. Kharg will now be left behind in town, but doesn't plan to comply. Go back and talk to Nafia, then talk to Morth (the wounded soldier) in Nafia's room. Walk back outside to find Zev behind the castle ruins' locked gate. You'll need to get the key before you can make your escape, so get on it by talking to the kid gang leader by the bar (if you haven't already). Choose that you'll talk to Duncan about opening the gate, and then go talk to Duncan in the bar. After a little coercing, you'll get the [GATE KEY]. Open up the gate and let Zev back in, and you'll be free to pursue Lloyd to Plumb Canyon. Go up the castle steps and leave to the world map. You'll have to stop at Chaos Forest whether you like it or not. =p o-------------------------------------------------------o | CHAOS FOREST | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Wild Slothian, Suskle Squirrel x 5 | o-------------------------------------------------------o After a few scenes, Kharg will be attacked by the "wild monkey monster," that turns out to be a boy in an ugly, green mask. Fortunately, you don't have to fight it out; the boy (Maru) will join up with you when you're attacked by an ACTUAL monkey monster. o---------------------------o-------o o-----------o----------o |Lv. 5 WILD SLOTHIAN | HP: 72| | DAMP TREE | HP: ~30 | | o-------o o-----------o----------o |Lv. 3 SUSKLE SQUIRREL (x4) | HP: 20| o----------------------o |Lv. 2 SUSKLE SQUIRREL | HP: 16| | DIFFICULTY: 1 of 5 | o---------------------------o-------o o----------------------o Lv. 4 Kharg Lv. 2 Maru The battle isn't too hard, although you'll probably kick yourself if you had not healed from the last storyline battle. Maru comes into battle with the superb Venom Arrow skill already learned, as well as an Elixir, Poison Drug, and Sleeping Pill items -- all of which are kind of useless. Take out the Wild Slothian first so it can't use its breath attack which turns one of your allies into a Slothian as well. The Suskle Squirrels are nothing to worry about, and one Venom Arrow will be able to kill them all. Wait for them to bunch together and rain the pain down on 'em. Maru also has the longest range of all characters you've encountered thus far, so manual aim (R1+Left Analog) to thread as many hits together as you can. Like most of these annoying battles, you lose if all of your party is disabled. Drops: Good Herb, 6 Spirit Stones (x3), 33 G, 72 G, Energy Snack, 34 G --- Maru will join your party afterwards, and you can continue on to Plumb Canyon. If you've been going skill-happy and wasted a bunch of Spirit Stones, go back to town and restock 'cause the next few fights can get tougher. Building a heavy reliance on skills, at least early on, isn't a good idea. If you have extra dough to spend, think about giving Maru a Thorn of Revenge, too, while you're at it. After the preparations are complete, you'll have to detour to The Edge of a Sea of Trees. o-------------------------------------------------------o | THE EDGE OF A SEA OF TREES | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Kuskle, Suskle Squirrel x 6 | o-------------------------------------------------------o As soon as you enter, you'll have to fight a battle. However, it's optional and you can use the Retreat option to leave if you want. Make note of this location though, 'cause you'll have to revisit it in the second chapter. It's not nice to leave the monster population to gain so much strength... =p Anyway, Plumb Canyon is just to the south. o-------------------------------------------------------o | PLUMB CANYON | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Drakyr x 3, Wyvern x 2 | o-------------------------------------------------------o Enter to find some carnage and you'll run to Paulette's aid. This is also the first introduction with your friendly neighborhood Deimos patrols. :) o-------------------------o--------o o----------------o--------o | Lv. 6 DRAKYR (x2) | HP: 54 | | WOODEN BOX (x2)| ~30 HP | | -Skill: Wind Slasher o--------o o----------------o--------o | Lv. 5 DRAKYR | HP: 47 | | -Skill: Wind Slasher o--------o o-------------------------o | Lv. 6 WYVERN (x2) | HP: 44 | | DIFFICULTY: 2 of 5 | | -Skill: Wind Slasher | | o-------------------------o o-------------------------o--------o Lv. 3 Maru Lv. 4 Kharg Lv. 3 Paulette This time, the enemies will be able to use skills against you, and will often do so, sometimes even two or three times in a row. Usually you would want to stay away from them, but you can balk their physical attacks and, strangely, this makes them less likely to use Wind Slasher (wind-elemental). Paulette starts off the battle by the two Wyvern creatures, so she should be your designated healer, even if Maru's learned First Aid already. Although you're fighting quite a few creatures this time, Venom Arrow is a great way to thin the ranks, and since the Wyvern have crappy MOV range, take out the Drakyr first, since their skill can do upwards of 30+ damage. Don't forget to break open those boxes, too! One of the Drakyr also drops a Crystal Beads, so pick those up for later on. Drops: 100 G, 69 G, 90 G, 8 Spirit Stones, Crystal Beads, Revival Medicine, Stone Coating OR Leather Armband --- When the scenes are done, Lloyd will leave with Paulette to the Garagne Hills. Talk to Maru and choose "Going back." to get him back into your party. You can leave to the world map after talking with the Defense Corps members by the exit gate. o-------------------------------------------------------o | THE GARAGNE HILLS | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o The way back to Chaos Forest is now closed off, and you'll have to take the long way around (yes, you took the short way last time!). Go to Garagne Hills and watch the automatic scenes. You'll go back to Yewbell for more scenes, and Kharg's first chapter will draw to a close. Save your game when asked to, if you've done everything you wanted to do. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Darc - Ch. 1 - Awakening D1AK -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- o-------------------------------------------------------o | GEEDO'S HOUSE | | Items: 100G | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o After some flashback scenes, you'll meet the other hero in this game, a Human- -Deimos halfbreed named Darc. As the screen pans down to Geedo's house, you can hear him getting a beating from his slaveowner master. She will command you to go to Orcoth to buy Phoenix Blood, and give you 100G to buy it with. Better get out onto the world map and familiarize yourself. Since you'll be having a tussle in a little while, raise Darc up a few levels so that he's got some meat on his bones -- you'll be at a disadvantage during said fight. Darc has _no_ skills, but is able to use magic, including our ol' Wind Slasher and Cure. o-------------------------------------------------------o | ORCOTH | | Items: Phoenix Blood | | Enemies: Zoram, Zugalo | o-------------------------------------------------------o As you enter, a red female Orcon named Delma makes fun of Darc before running off. Grr! Well, at least she left you in peace. This town is nothing more than Orcons living in an abandoned subway terminal, but it does have an Item Shop. If you want to heal yourself, talk to the Quorop (pudgy, crocodile-faced thing in white hat) who'll do the honors for 10G. The red Quorop, the one who sells the Phoenix Blood, isn't around just yet so go to the arena to watch a scene with the leader of the Orcon, Densimo, and Gorma. Go back to the booth to find the red-hatted Quorup who'll sell you the Phoenix Blood for 100G, but only after heckling you. As you try to leave town, two of the Orcon stop you and redirect you to the arena, where they fight you. Can't catch a break... o--------------o--------o o---------------------o | Lv. 5 ZORAM | HP: 67 | | DIFFICULTY: 2 of 5 | | Lv. 4 ZUGALO | HP: 52 | o---------------------o o--------------o--------o Lv. 3 Darc Zugalo may be able to hit for about 20 damage, and you'll only be able to use Cure to heal 25-ish, so take him out first. He also has the least amount of HP so that's basically a no-brainer. Once the main threat is out of the way, pick at Zoram with Wind Slasher and go to town when he gets in closer. Outnumbered, yeah, but these guys are chumps. No drops, either. Delma will watch the fight and come over, then leave once you show you're not interested in what she has to say. Save if you want and go back to Geedo's House with your newly-won pride and Phoenix Blood. o-------------------------------------------------------o | GEEDO'S HOUSE | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o Back at home, Geedo will lock her Phoenix Blood in a chest. She'll then ask you about firbles, and you can learn more about them at this point. You'll then be sent off on a wild goose chase for the lizards...sheesh. Go back to Orcoth. o-------------------------------------------------------o | ORCOTH | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o Enter Gorma's subway-car-slash-house to hear him ranting about them. Talk to him and ask him about firbles, and he'll say that they like water and water plants. Go back to the world map. o-------------------------------------------------------o | HAYSTIR MARSH | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o You'll find a lot of new places on the world map this time, but you only need to go to Haystir Marsh -- the rest don't have firbles. Once you enter, you'll see a white lizard and will have to catch it. Many people have trouble with doing this, but it's easy enough if you remember a few things: approach slowly, approach from behind, and approach from the grass. Walking on the large rocks and running signal the firble to your presence. You'll have to press X to catch the sucker, too. Afterwards, some scenes insue with another Deimos search party, but there is nothing else to do here. You'll automatically bring the firble to The Church Ruins. o-------------------------------------------------------o | THE CHURCH RUINS | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Drakyr x 4 | o-------------------------------------------------------o Delma will have tailed you here, and after a few scenes, an invading band of those filthy Drakyr arrives, ready to kill you. Stick it to 'em! o------------------------------------o o----------------------o | Lv. 5 DRAKYR (x4) | HP: 47 | | DIFFICULTY: 2 of 5 | | -Skill: Wind Slasher | | o----------------------o o---------------------------o--------o Lv. 4 Darc Lv. 3 Delma It's a four-on-two battle this time, and it can be hard too what with four potential Wind Slashers. Delma comes into battle with two Healing Herbs in her inventory, so use them if you plan to clog the stairwell with Darc so the other three Drakyr can't get in. I suggest backing away with Darc for the 1st turn so you can concentrate on the lone Drakyr behind you. Delma's Flaming Arrow skill has range but is pretty ineffectual (~10 damage) at the moment, so Speed Up will be useful. Either way, after a few turns of banging on the Drakyr, they should fall. If you get low on HP, Delma will tell you about healing and you'll both get a "fire aura" for dual attacks -- sweet! Drops: 73G, 14 Spirit Stones (x2) --- Ensuing scenes will direct you back to Geedo's House. o-------------------------------------------------------o | GEEDO'S HOUSE | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o After Geedo whoops up on you, you'll awaken the next morning without her ugly presence. Save and go back to The Church Ruins after picking up Delma on the doorstep. o-------------------------------------------------------o | THE CHURCH RUINS | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Ludhi, Rapier, Shotgun Hunter x 2 | o-------------------------------------------------------o Once you check up on the firble, you'll find a band of marauding humans intent on defiling the sanctuary. They just don't have any manners... o---------------------------------o o-----------------------o | Lv. 7 RAPIER | HP: 64 | | DIFFICULTY: 2 of 5 | | Lv. 6 LUDHI | HP: 50 | o-----------------------o | Lv. 6 SHOTGUN HUNTER | HP: 40 | o---------------------------------o Lv. 5 Darc Lv. 4 Delma The battle starts by the stairway, meaning it'll quickly be congested. Have Delma use Speed Up to begin with, and try to keep your distance from one another since the Shotgun Hunters have a long-range explosion-type skill that isn't fun to incur. That said, since all enemies do minor damage up close (except for Rapier, who does medium damage), it's a good idea to let them swarm you so the Shotgun Hunters can't use their skill. Killing Ludhi and Rapier first and foremost gets all of the possible drops here. Drops: 80G, 88G, 14 Spirit Stones, Confusion Firecracker, Revival Medicine --- Delma suggests using the humans' weapons that are left behind, but Darc doesn't bite at the offer. She then offers to make Densimo help Darc, which piques his interest a bit. To Orcoth! o-------------------------------------------------------o | ORCOTH | | Items: --- | | Enemies: --- | o-------------------------------------------------------o Heal at the Quorop and go see Densimo. After a little banter, Delma tricks her bonehead brother into joining Darc's journey. There are humans at Zedora Abyss that need to be kicked off the mortal coil... It would make sense to buy a few Good Herbs before you go. o-------------------------------------------------------o | ZEDORA ABYSS | | Items: --- | | Enemies: Spear Hunter x 2, Cathena Soldier x 3 | o-------------------------------------------------------o Soldiers can be found here plundering the Spirit Stones in the rocks. Densimo won't have this and waltzes in without making any plans. What the...? o----------------------------o--------o o-----------------o---------o | Lv. 7 SPEAR HUNTER (x2) | HP: 44 | | WOODEN BOX (x2) | HP: ~20 | | o--------o | DAMP STUMP | HP: ~20 | | Lv. 7 CATHENA SOLDIER (x2) | HP: 32 | o-----------------o---------o | Lv. 8 CATHENA SOLDIER | HP: 35 | o---------------------------o o----------------------------o--------o | DIFFICULTY: 2 of 5 | o---------------------------o Lv. 6 Darc Lv. 5 Delma Lv. 7 Densimo The Spear Hunters are annoying and are at the forefront, while the Cathena Soldiers are behind and can shoot at you, long-range stylin'. Since Densimo is a powerhouse, this battle isn't that hard, but using Guard Field is still a good idea so you can get time to break open the wooden boxes. Kill off all the spearmen because they have an attack that can do 30-40+ damage. There isn't much for drops besides what's in the wooden boxes. Drops: 110 G (x2), 14 Spirit Stones, First-aid Kit, Bomb, Reiki Leaf --- Densimo suggests going back to Orcoth, which you should do. o-------------------------------------------------------o | ORCOTH | | Items: Healing Herb (x10) |