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Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
Hey there! Today, we're gonna do some side stuff, then go visit Phaeroh.

While I was gathering synth materials, Raven learned a new Arte:







It's not bad!


First thing on our list today, we're gonna return to Egothor Forest to gather some treasure chests I missed the last time. I think all of them were technically available, but at the time a real annoying background music was playing due to events, so I didn't grab them. Anyway.





Nothing new until we get to the save point, so let's skip over there. On the way, I trigger a skit though:


Skit: Poor, Little, Helpless Men
Judith, we're always making you do the cooking for us... You don't mind?
Would you like us to help out every now and then?
No, that's okay. Cooking's fun.
Of course, we can switch if you don't like my cooking...
No, we love your cooking!
I could never get tired of it!
Indeed. It brings back memories of long ago... It's the sorta cookin' I could eat every day.
Heh heh, that makes me so happy! That's the sort of cooking I've been trying for.
It be nice if someday you thought to yourself, "Gee, I sure would like some of Judith's cooking."
Yeah, I wouldn't mind having this again.
...Careful, boys. Just in case you haven't caught on, she's taming you.
What?!
Oh my, looks like I've been found out.
Heh, heh... Bein' tamed, huh?
I'm not sure I can resist...



Alright, over here, there's a path to the right into the forest that we ignored last time.







It's mostly uneventful except for this guy, who I decide to save for later.



While gathering treasure, Rita and Judith learn stuff:









Rita alteres Spiral Flare (with Crucible and Alembic) into Flame Dragon, a long-range fire spell.












And Judith learns Luna Havoc, which is kinda like Rising Falcon: A jump into the air, then a diagonal downwards kick.

Treasure:



















With that done, let's do some actual sidequests.



First is in Dahngrest, when resting at the inn.




Do I really look that depressed?
You look like...you've been worried about the blastia in your heart.
Looks like I can't keep anything from ya, kid... Sorry I tried. ...drat it. Why do I have to let somethin' like this get me all torn up after so long...
You want to keep on living, don't you? It's only natural.
...Oh yeah... I guess that would be only natural, wouldn't it...
Did you just now remember? You should go talk with Rita as soon as possible, then.
Yeah... I don't much fancy bein' indebted to that girl... Well, I'll think about it.



Hah hah. My life belongs ta Brave Vesperia. I won't go dyin' an' leavin' ya all high and dry. I promised the boy, too. Now, isn't it past yer bedtime, kid?
Okay. I'll leave you be, old man.




We can find more in Myorzo.



There's this kid to the right of the town entrance.








He's my friend! His name is Ba'ul.
Cool... He's pretty big, but he's still a small fry compared to Krones!
Krones? Who's that? Where?
He's right here, silly! Krones is the Entelexeia who protects our city!
Ya mean this big ol' jellyfish?
He's not a jellyfish, Mister! Show some respect!
Krones is so big! I can't believe an entire city could fit inside an Entelexeia.
Yeah, cool, huh? Even your Ball can fit inside!
His name is Ba'ul...



You know, you've got a pretty smart mouth, kid. Just who do you think you are?
Whaddaya mean? I'm just telling the truth.
Judith, say something to him!
All Entelexeia have their roles to play. There's no such thing as one of them being better than another.
Ha! You're just saying that because you don't wanna admit that your Entelexeia's already lost!
Ba'ul hasn't lost anything! If you're so eager, let's settle this right now!
My pleasure! You'd better not cry once you get beaten!
Judith! Let's do it!
Oh, so I have to back up your challenges? What a pain in the rear...



Give it your best shot!




Oh boy, another minigame!



The goal of this game is to collect all rings within the time limit. You use the normal world map controls.



Three rings are red: Collect them to decrease your time.



You get additional time reduction by collecting multiple red rings in a row: 1 second for one, 2 seconds for two, 3.5 seconds for three.



The placement of the rings is set per level. Which three rings are red is random, however.

The rings are marked on the map, but are kind of hard to see most of the time! If you're playing on a SDTV, you're more or less hosed, because they're more or less impossible to make out. Otherwise, this game is fine, but nothing special.

After clearing course one:


Whaddaya think? Cool, huh? That's not all there is, either! I've got even better courses to show you!

Stage 2:




Stage 3:




After clearing that:



What now, kid? Admit defeat!
No way! I've still got more for you!
Geez, this kid doesn't know when ta give up!
That reminds me of someone...
But I admit, you did well to come this far.
Hey, you said something nice for once!





What's this?
It's condensed dew from Krones's bodily fluids. You can give it to Ball to drink.
It's Ba'ul.
What'll happen when he drinks it?
If your dragon is weak against the cold, drinking that will make him strong against it! He'll be able to land on top of ice drifts, too.
Wow! You don't mind giving us something so useful?
Just don't go off running away because you got a nice prize! Cause I'm going to make you an even harder course!
Hah! Do your worst!
Why's Rita actin' as the go-between, again?


Krones' Dew is actually more useful than the description suggests; you can not only land on ice, but also on other areas you previously couldn't as well. Some of these areas contain monsters and materials that can't be found anywhere else, so it pays off to check around.


Skit: A Long, Long Time Ago
A book in the warehouse said this city rose into the air at the end of the Geraios civilization.
Hmm, so that would mean it was on land before that happened?
That part wasn't clear, but I think the city was probably floating on the ocean until then.
Oh, so that's why it got eaten by a giant jellyfish...
I don't think that's quite what happened...


There's two more courses to go, though!


Stage 4:




Stage 5:




After beating all five:



Give up already! We're just going to beat anything you throw at us!
Not that you had anythin' ta do with it, Rita...
Darn it...
Are you convinced yet? Both Krones and Ba'ul have their strong points.
That's right. There's no need for them to compete with each other.
You should've stuck to that argument in the first place...
All right. I admit defeat.
Really? You finally get it!
Actually...
What?



How childish of ya... But I guess yer a child, after all...
I mean, it's, it's so cool! Soaring up high through the air!
Ahh, I know how you feel...
Hey, come back and play again soon! I want to see Ball again!
It's Ba'ul.
All right. After things settle down a bit, I'll let you fly around on top of Ba'ul.
Really truly? Awesome! I'll be waiting! Don't forget! I'll be waiting here, "Super Dragon Rider!"

Doing this gets us a title for Judith and an accessory:




Skit: Ba'ul's Still Young
...
*Howl*
Heh heh!
So what's Ba'ul saying?
It seems that even he can tell he's bursting with power.
Awesome... Even Entelexeia grow up, huh?
Ba'ul's still very young, so he probably has a lot of growing left in him.
So young and already this big? Ol' Raven sure is jealous!
I think it'd be better if you grew up in a different way, old man.
Huh?


While we're in Myorzo, we can also talk to the elder again:






Y-you make it sound so bad...
We've been getting Entelexeia to change into a different form, called elemental spirits. This lets us borrow their power, which will help us to break up the Adephagos.
Oh ho, I see...it is as I thought. Indeed, I suspected that you would be working to defeat the Adephagos.
Again with the impressive claims...
I am correct, am I not?



Going down to the surface...?
The time may soon come for Krones, the Entelexeia who carries Myorzo through the air, to turn into an elemental spirit and help your cause. Do you not think that likely?
I'll admit it's certainly a possibility.
The less patient among us have already gone down to the surface.
...? Where did they go?
I do not know. Though I would imagine they'd be hard to miss.
I wonder where they went.
You can already find Krityans in just about any city in the world.
Krityans can live anywhere. They're a very practical people.
Mmph.


And that's it for sidequesting. Now, let's check with Phaeroh and ask him about this spirit conversion stuff.



Watch the cutscene!



Phaeroh!
He's hurt! Why's he flying?!
Any idiot could come along and take him out. He couldn't put up a fight like this.
It's probably so humans won't get his apatheia.
Phaeroh...
Hey, he's landing!
It looks like he's...calling us.
Let's go.






I'm sorry. It was all for us...
What do you mean?
Phaeroh was a decoy for us at Zaude.



You give up pretty fast for someone who fought for so long. Sorry, but things aren't over yet.
Zaude is lost. The Adephagos has returned. Neither humans nor we possess the power of old. What more can be done?



We would like you to become a spirit...a being that can control aer even more.
But to do that...we need your apatheia.
...You ask me to hand over my life. ... Your heart alone cannot save the world, but you must have the heart to save it...

















Shall we?
But the aer krene here is all dried up.
If I follow the flow of the aer back, I should be able to pull it from within the world.
Can you really do that?
Undine is...telling me that.
Okay.











Hey hey hey hey! Hot! Hot! Hot!
...The spirit of fire.





It has been a long time, hasn't it, my leader. I congratulate you on your conversion.
...Such consideration...Belius? So you too have...
I am now called Undine, the ruler of the waters.
I have changed form, so I, too, require a new name. You who have reincarnated me. Give me a name.
The Fearsome Fiery Fireball Ki--




I am now connected strongly to the world, and all seems new again. Even this wasteland is filled with power. Hah hah hah hah! Wonderful!
Hey, he flew away!
Fear not. We are bound to you. Wherever you go, we are with you. The Entelexeia and the Child of the Full Moon bear spirits. ...Nature's providence is great indeed.



They have totally different points of view! It's like... Imagine if a fish became a bird!
This is better for them than being some sage, always worrying about the world.




Skit: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Y'know, we're up to our eyeballs in problems.
Savin' the world sure keeps a guy busy.
Well, the problems we're dealing with are a lot bigger than they used to be...
What... Why's everybody looking at me...? I got something on my face?
Problems like you, Yuri. A lot.
I hear that.
Fate is definitely out to get you.
Hmm... After everything that's happened, I'm starting to wonder myself.
But hey, I've done a pretty good job of getting us out of whatever mess we're in, right?
You gotta at least give me some credit there.
See, for Yuri, the end of the world's just one more problem that needs solvin'.
Maybe that attitude's what's kept us seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Gotta love the power of positive thinkin'...


Well that worked out nicely. Next stop are the Erealumen Crystallands, but not before heading over to a shop and synthesizing/buying tons of equipment:



TP Condition: Increases physical defense slightly when TP is more than 75% of the max amount.
TP Condition 3: Increases magic defense slightly when TP is more than 75% of the max amount.


Ability Plus: Follow a base arte with a second base arte once per combo.
OVL Bonus: Occasionally fully restores HP during Over Limit.
OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit.


O.L. Boost: Increases the duration of Over Limit.


Taunt: Taunt with the right stick to fill the Over Limit gauge. Action differs from Taunt 2.
Taunt 2: Taunt with the right stick to fill the Over Limit gauge. Action differs from Taunt.
Lucky End: Occasionally allow character movement right after casting a spell.


Combo Plus: Adds 1 more hit to a regular attack combo.
Chain: Altered Arte Skill.
Hell Fire: Altered Arte Skill.


Gale: Altered Arte Skill.
Spirits 3: Increases Max TP by 100.
OVL Taunt 2: Taunt during Over Limit to recover TP.


Crucible: Altered Arte Skill.
Status Guard: Reduces the effect of magical ailments.
Guard All: Occasionally auto-guard against attacks from the rear.


Vitality 2: Increases Max HP by 400.
Life Up: Occasionally increase Max HP after a battle.
OVL Bonus: Occasionally fully restores HP during Over Limit.


Spirits 2: Increases Max TP by 50.
Mental Up: Occasionally increase Max TP after a battle.
OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit.


Super Chain 4: Able to link base to altered artes.
Stat Boost: Increases the effect of magical stat boosts.


Super Chain 4: Able to link base to altered artes.
Stat Boost: Increases the effect of magical stat boosts.
O.L. Boost: Increases the duration of Over Limit.


Break Down: Hit a stunned enemy to extend Stun once.
Strength 3: Increases physical attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.
Magic 3: Increases spell attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


Item Thrower: Able to use items on an ally.
Mental Up: Occasionally increase Max TP after a battle.
Taunt 2: Taunt with the right stick to fill the Over Limit gauge. Action differs from Taunt.


Super Chain 4: Able to link base to altered artes.
Immunity: Reduces the chance of receiving status effects.


Spirit Healer: Increases TP recovered after battle.
TP Condition 4: Increases magic defense when TP is less than 25% of the max amount.
Gale: Altered Arte Skill.


OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit.
Evade 2: Increases agility by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


Revenge Spell: No casting time if a novice spell is used while staggering.
Crucible: Altered Arte Skill.
Status Guard: Reduces the effect of magical ailments.


Light Magic: Decreases TP consumption and cast time, but also decreases power of spells.
Dispersion: Altered Arte Skill.
HP Recover: Increases the amount of HP recovered.


Light Magic: Decreases TP consumption and cast time, but also decreases power of spells.
Great Deluge: Altered Arte Skill.
TP Recover: Increases the amount of TP recovered.


Convert Absorption: When finishing off an enemy with a spell, occasionally absorb the enemy's remaining HP as TP.
Rebirth 2: Gradually recover HP equal to 1/4 of the amount of the last combo damage received.


Combo Plus: Adds 1 more hit to a regular attack combo.
FS Bonus: Recover HP every time a Fatal Strike hits an enemy.
Combo Force: Mitigates damage from a basic combo attack.


Item Pro: Decreases the amount of time a character is unable to move after using items.
Strength 2: Increases physical attack by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.
TP Condition 4: Increases magic defense when TP is less than 25% of the max amount.


In Step: Increases the advancing distance during a Critical Guard.
Alembic: Altered Arte Skill.
Gale: Altered Arte Skill.


Aerial OVL: Able to use Over Limits in mid-air.
Endure: Decreases amount of time needed to recover from a stagger hit.


Aerial Combo 2: Adds 2 more hits to an aerial attack.
Strength 3: Increases physical attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes.


Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes.
Resurrect: Occasionally revive from KO automatically.


Steal Plus: Increase the success rate of Thievery.
Rebirth 2: Gradually recover HP equal to 1/4 of the amount of the last combo damage received.
Condition Guard: Reduces the effects of certain physical ailments.


OVL Bonus: Occasionally fully restores HP during Over Limit.
OVL Taunt: Taunt during Over Limit to recover HP.
TP Condition 3: Increases magic defense slightly when TP is more than 75% of the max amount.


OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit.
OVL Taunt 2: Taunt during Over Limit to recover TP.
TP Condition 4: Increases magic defense when TP is less than 25% of the max amount.



High Tension: Enter Over Limit Lv. 1 with a 28-hit combo. Duration of the Over Limit only lasts half the normal time.
Hyper Tension: Enter Over Limit Lv. 2 with a 50-hit combo. Duration of the Over Limit only lasts half the normal time.
Ultimate Tension: Enter Over Limit Lv. 3 with a 72-hit combo. Duration of the Over Limit only lasts half the normal time.


Strength 2: Increases physical attack by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.
Magic 2: Increases spell attack by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.
Reflect: Reflect a certain amount of damage from an attack.


Void Attack: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a physical attack.
Void Magic: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a magic attack.





Skit: It All Comes Back One Day
Hey... That change we got for what we bought, it had Rita's name written on it...
What...? ...Rita! Rita!!
What's all the commotion?
Our money came back to us with that last purchase we made! Look!
...! Didn't I tell you? Our money comes back, and it brings its friends!
Huh? You mean that wasn't just a fairy tale?
"Rita Mordio." It has your full name... How embarrassing...
I thought Estelle was spending more money than usual... So that was your doing.
Money is one thing, but what were ya thinkin', writin' yer name on all the tools?
Say someone buys one of our tools and likes it. Maybe they'll give us a little something in return!
...Talk about greedy...
All right, but would you at least quit writing your name on all the gels?
Rita... We have to eat those...
But...but...!


Sheesh, that was a lot! And as it turns out, some of this stuff I didn't even have to synth, because it shows up in chests in one of the next two dungeons. Oh well!




Skit: The Birth of the Spirits
This world is changing.
What's wrong, Judith?
One wrong choice could have led to far greater destruction, but instead the spirits were born.
...Sometimes we have to make difficult choices for change to occur... The spirits are proof of that.
Maybe their current forms show us the future the Entelexeia hoped to create.
Yes... I think you might be right.
...
...One day, Ba'ul might also face the decision of becoming a spirit.
If the spirits represent evolution for the Entelexeia, then...




Next time: The Erealumen Crystallands!

Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:25 on Oct 9, 2016

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SweaterGear
Jan 4, 2010

There's a Monopenguin! :swoon:
Oh man, does that new title come with a costume? I sure hope it does because I think it is pretty awesome! And the tyrant fist is great, I don't know if you can do it yet, but are you going to showoff what you can do with it?

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
No costume, sadly. And yeah the * Tension skills are great, but I don't have all the Super Chains and Ability Plus (or enough SP to equip them all, for that matter) yet to properly pull off a combo that big with Yuri alone.

RareAcumen
Dec 28, 2012






Repede continues to be the best character. :allears:


Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

No costume, sadly. And yeah the * Tension skills are great, but I don't have all the Super Chains and Ability Plus (or enough SP to equip them all, for that matter) yet to properly pull off a combo that big with Yuri alone.

Really? I could have sworn that was where you got the Into the Sky costume from.

Regarding skills though is Light Magic worth the power for speed trade-off? Or is it better to just use Rhythm instead?

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.

RareAcumen posted:

Really? I could have sworn that was where you got the Into the Sky costume from.

You do, but that title has other requirements.

RareAcumen posted:

Regarding skills though is Light Magic worth the power for speed trade-off? Or is it better to just use Rhythm instead?

No idea honestly, I've never timed or calculated it. I assume it's better to use Heavy Magic combined with over limit instacast.

Gaz-L
Jan 28, 2009

Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

Yeeeah... the series really doesn't have a good track record with bonus dungeons, does it? I think the worst one is still Symphonia's evil book though.

I dunno, Graces' one is pretty solid, because of how it's randomly generated. You only spend 10-20 minutes before being wiped or hitting the boss on each floor, and then you can take a break.

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"
I haven't calculated it either, but I feel like casting more slightly weaker spells is more damage than casting fewer slightly stronger spells.

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.

Some Numbers posted:

I haven't calculated it either, but I feel like casting more slightly weaker spells is more damage than casting fewer slightly stronger spells.

Spells (and certain artes) do become stronger the more you use them. For instance, Yuri's Azure Edge would go faster and for a longer distance and Rita's Fireball would add more and more Fireballs per cast (to a total of 8, I think), so it could make earlier spells as worthwhile as newer ones.

Mind you, while I don't know if this is the case on the Xbox version, on the PS3 version Rita learns a skill that allows her to insta-cast an altered spell after casting the one it originated from, which can make for some really broken combos.

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"

Brunom1 posted:

Spells (and certain artes) do become stronger the more you use them. For instance, Yuri's Azure Edge would go faster and for a longer distance and Rita's Fireball would add more and more Fireballs per cast (to a total of 8, I think), so it could make earlier spells as worthwhile as newer ones.

Mind you, while I don't know if this is the case on the Xbox version, on the PS3 version Rita learns a skill that allows her to insta-cast an altered spell after casting the one it originated from, which can make for some really broken combos.

Oh, I absolutely know that. Fireball gets up to 10 at 3500 uses and I think that skill is in the XBox version too, though I never really used it.

Psion
Dec 13, 2002

eVeN I KnOw wHaT CoRnEr gAs iS

Some Numbers posted:

Oh, I absolutely know that. Fireball gets up to 10 at 3500 uses and I think that skill is in the XBox version too, though I never really used it.

It is and I didn't use it either. Maybe if I did a NG+ where I had Rita do nothing but perma-Fireball spam, but ... nah.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
For people who can't get enough of Tales LPs and don't check the Sandcastle, I'll note here that a Tales of Graces LP just started. On a similar note, you might want to check out Keroro RPG, a Tales spinoff based on the Sgt. Frog franchise.


Also if you haven't seen the Tales of Eternia LP yet you really should!

Glazius
Jul 22, 2007

Hail all those who are able,
any mouse can,
any mouse will,
but the Guard prevail.

Clapping Larry
Phaeroh was flying around this entire time? drat, we should have checked up on him earlier, let him know he didn't have to be a distraction anymore.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.



Watch the cutscene!





It's beautiful... Like we're in a dream.
It's aer that crystalized at low density... Is this mana? I have to take a sample.
Just how do they come up with such different reactions...?



You're so stupid. Nature didn't make this, you know.
Huh? What do you mean?
The center of a new land that just crystalized... Somewhere around here is the one who made that happen.
And an aer krene.
Woof!
What's up, Repede? Find something?
This is...



Looks like someone got here before us. Watch out.



Erealumen is an alright dungeon, if a bit long. It also, for some reason, has its own unique variation of the battle theme.



Very quickly we run into some familiar human enemies. Looks like the Hunting Blades are here!


Skit: How Phaeroh Feels
We're lucky Phaeroh decided to help us out.
He's a little extreme, but there's no doubt he cares for this world, just like Judy said.
I've been hard on him in the past, but he has helped us out all this time.
We must defeat the Adephagos and save the world for Phaeroh, and his love of the world!
Agh, no cheesy lines.
Yeah, come on...
Honestly, you two should learn to show your feelings.




Here's the gimmick of the dungeon: There's a lot of those crystals here.



Some of them can be destroyed by shooting them with the Sorcerer's Ring.



We can find treasure, paths to continue, or occasionally just plain nothing this way.


And of course, what would a dungeon update be without new artes? Here's Rita's Ivy Rush, altered from Stone Blast with Great Deluge.













This giant crystal here can be toppled over to build a bridge.






Skit: The Invincible!

Ya let yer guard down any more, ya'll trip over it!
C-come on! I was in such a good mood, too...
You drop your guard more than any of us, old man...
Oh? Isn't that just acting?
Oh my dear Judith, how very perceptive. I guess it takes an adult!
Things like this just whizz right over these young'uns heads, ya see.
*Woof woof!*
You ever notice how the old man's ears wiggle when he's lying?
Oh, look! Raven's ears are wiggling!
I never heard anythin' more ridiculous in my life.
Ya never met anyone as calm and careful as ol' Raven!
Look at those ears go...
A-anyway, the important thing is to proceed with caution, right?

This skit triggers for getting everyone to Level 60, I believe.




Right around the next corner...


Watch the cutscene!




Huh!



Nan!







These wounds are terrible...
Come on, Nan!
Karol...
What are you doing alone!? Where's the boss and Tison?
Master and the others went on...



The boss is one thing but I can't believe Tison wouldn't take you... What happened?
We wound up fighting our target here.
I-I couldn't do anything, just like always... Master said it's because I had doubts.
Doubts?
I hate monsters. They shouldn't be alive. I still feel that way. But now, at a time like this, hunting monsters isn't that important. There are other things we should be doing... When I told him that...



Fools. With everything the way it is, how can they not take another look at their lives.
That's terrible! I mean Nan's right!
Relax Karol. Hey, the Hunting Blades are after entelexeia, right?
We should hurry.
Yeah.
Nan, can you walk?
Huh? Yeah, but...
It's too dangerous to be alone here.
Come with us Nan.
Karol... OK.


It would be incredibly cool if Nan actually joined the party here, even just temporarily, because her weapon is awesome, but nope. Oh well.






There's another mimic chest here that gives
a ton of money.







Pretty great. Shortly after that, we reach our target destination:





...But instead of going up here we can go further into the dungeon for more treasure and a giganto.







Watch the battle!





Fenrir is actually incredibly easy. Enjoy the all-out damage and stun fest.









Skit: Karol's Sidekick
...Good work... Yeah... Get some rest, you did well...
Who are you talking to, Karol?
Waaah...!
Aaaah...!! ...D-don't startle me like that...
I-I'm sorry. Did you hear that just now...?
Yeah, we heard it.
You talk to your sword?!
It cuts better when I do that.
Actually, we just won this battle because I gave my sword lots of encouragement before.
Really...?
...Whatever floats your boat.
Well that was unexpected.
What?
Nothing... Thank you for all the work you do. We can't wait to see how well you perform next time!
It must be tough having such an unreliable owner! You're the only one we can count on.
Umm, err... Good luck next time...
Wow, thanks, guys! I'll bet my attack power will double in the next battle!
Don't get carried away!


Anyway, let's actually do what we're here for.



Watch the cutscene!



Gusios!
That's Gusios?! Back at Caer Bocram...
So the Hunting Blades have a history with him.
Judith, wait. Something's wrong!









Ugh! ...Why? Why won't anything hurt it?!



It's eating the aer. But this is...





You don't know what you're doing! I told you you'd just get in the way!
Run! There's nothing you can do here!
No. The guild is my family. I can't just leave you to die!
drat it!



You...



Gusios, calm down! Tell me what happened!











Undine!
Wh-what is that...?
A spirit.
A spirit...
...Gusios. You...
Undine. What happened to him?
It doesn't look like he's in the mood for talking!
Even Entelexeia cannot ingest limitless amounts of aer.



And...
No!
Become Adephagos themselves.
What?!
So he got like this by trying to protect the world.
Gusios...
...Save him. While he is still Gusios...
...Right.
...Okay.

Video: Jump to battle



Listen to the full conversation!

Guess this is how it has to be.
I can't believe we have to... kill him...
Isn't there some other way besides fighting?
Looks like we don't have any other choice.
If there's no other way, then... then we'll do it.
For Gusios' sake too. Before he becomes an Adephagos.
Woof woof woof!
There's no way to save him if he becomes an Adephagos.
You're right.
Let's get this over with.



Remember the Dreaded Giant in Caer Bocram?



This is more or less a redo of that fight.



Gusios is stronger and has a few more attacks and artes this time, but otherwise he's pretty much the same.



His breath attacks are pretty annoying because they can inflict various status effects, so try to avoid those.



Even his Secret Mission is the same as last time! Attack him when he's preparing for an attack while standing on his hind legs.













Estelle learns Holy Lance during this battle, a high-tier light elemental spell that's fairly common in the Tales series.












And that's that.

Achievement/Trophy:

Secret Mission 19 (360) / Secret Mission 21 (PS3)


Video: Jump to after battle







...That's the soul of that monster. I've got to crush it.
He's not a monster! They were trying to protect the world!
I don't care what the Entelexeia were for!
...You knew. All this time, you knew what the Entelexeia were.
You knew and you still hunted them?! With the world like it is?!



And it's not just me. Most of the Hunting Blades have lost something important to monsters... No matter what happens to the world, my feelings for these...things...will never change!
...But you're wrong.
What?



You aren't the only ones who lost loved ones in the war.
But some try to be positive, and keep living.
I think it's admirable to protect a city from monsters. But...
Don't just be pig-headed about it. Do it when the world is, you know, OK.
...It's too late for me to change.












Get up, you maggots! We're withdrawing!





...Who knows.
So, let's make a spirit.





I...guess it worked?
His consciousness itself was nearly taken. He will not wake for a while. Now, give him a name.
...What's his element?
A power rooted deep within the world... Earth itself.



The spirit of earth, Gnome...
Let us tell him once he awakens.



Humph. People can't understand anything except what they see with their own eyes.
So after all that happened, it turns out the worst thing in the world is people.
Which means we have to work that much harder.
...Yeah, you're right.





Skit: The Hunting Blades
So his family was killed by the Entelexeia...
Clint was it? The grudge he's got against them won't fade anytime soon.
Maybe he has his reasons, but I think just hunting monsters has been his purpose for a while.
I was like him once... I only lived to destroy blastia.
Then maybe he can still change. Like you did, Judith.
I don't know... Either way, we've got our own goals to worry about.
Right, Karol?
Huh...?
...Yeah, you're right!


Alright, we're done here. Let's get out. Yes, they actually make you run the entire way back, sadly. There's a way to skip the way back but it involves doing this spirit last.




Skit: So Sparkly
It feels so mysterious here, almost like a fantasy novel... I like it here...
Are you serious...?
It'd be even nicer if these sparkling crystals weren't hurting my eyes so much.
Oh, I've already gotten used to that.
...Hmm? Now that you mention it, it's not really bothering me, either.
I guess I'm okay with it.
Huh? Yeah, me too...
What? You mean I'm the only one who's still getting blinded here...?
All right, let's get back to the task at hand. I don't wanna be here any longer than we have to.
Hee hee, I'm ready for more!

Yuri, Estelle, Rita, and Raven leave.

...I feel so left out...
...



Loot:

This is a really good accessory! There's also a blue version you can synthesize from it that doubles gald gain.








Hit Plus: Tap the attack button repeatedly during a mystic arte to add hits to the attack.
O.L. Boost: Increases the duration of Over Limit.


Extra Combo I: Press the attack button at just the right time at the end of a combo to inflict an extra hit on the enemy.
Extra Combo II: Press the attack button at just the right time at the end of Extra Combo I to inflict another hit on your enemy.
Evade 3: Increases agility by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes.
Resurrect: Occasionally revive from KO automatically.


Aerial Combo 2: Adds 2 more hits to an aerial attack.
Strength 3: Increases physical attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


High Tension: Increases rate at which Over Limit gauge fills.
(translation note: This (ハイテンション "High Tension") is a different Skill than Yuri's High Tension (ハイパーコンボ "Hyper Combo").)
Hunter 2: Increases EXP earned after defeating an aerial enemy. (Applies to all allies in party.)


Break Down: Hit a stunned enemy to extend Stun once.
Strength 3: Increases physical attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.
Magic 3: Increases spell attack by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.


OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit.
Evade 2: Increases agility by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.










Skit: Gusios to Gnome
Whew. Old Goosie turned into Gnome, safe and sound. That's a load off.
Yes... It would have been tragic if he'd transformed into an Adephagos...
Yeah. He's just fulfilling the role he was meant to play.
I doubt he ever thought that his transformation might have caused the cataclysm itself.
...I feel for the poor Entelexeia who became Adephagos in the past...
If only they'd had the option of spirit conversion...
Young lady, don't dwell too much on all the "what ifs."
Maybe they didn't have a choice. But those who became Adephagos are trying to devour this world.
That is the reality.
I know... But it's just so sad...




Skit: Gusios' Crystals
So Erealumen is something Gusios created.
Right. I remember seeing a similar crystal back at Caer Bocram.
Yeah, you were pretty absorbed in that thing.
The Rita radar never lets any objects of interest go undetected.
...Oh...I forgot... If Gusios undergoes spirit conversion, I won't be able to investigate him...!
There goes the Rita radar.
Don't get carried away, now.




Skit: Gusios' Sacrifice
Was Gusios in Caer Bocram in order to feed on the aer?
Yes. That's how the Hunting Blades managed to trap him in their reverse barrier.
So is that what you and Ba'ul were doing there, Judy? Did you go to save Gusios?
Not originally. We went there to destroy the hermes blastia creating the reverse barrier.
Besides...in the end I was unable to save Gusios.
...!
He wasn't allowed to decide whether he was for or against becoming a spirit.
It's not your fault... There was nothing else you could've done.
We won't let his sacrifice be for nothing. We'll use the spirits well, and defeat the Adephagos.
Right...
...!
Yes... Ba'ul says that aside from spirit conversion, he will do everything in his power to aid us.
I'm glad he's on our side.



Before we head to Relewiese for the last spirit, let's take a little side trip to the Yumanju hot springs.









Hey, are you done cleaning the baths?
Yes, sir! The open-air baths are sparkling clean, and ready for your enjoyment!
Heeey! Sounds nice, sounds nice!
Well then, can we go into the baths, then?



F-fifty thousand Gald?!
T-that's highway robbery!
The principal customers of our establishment are well-to-do nobility. Our prices are merely the result of our sincere desire to meet every conceivable need of our esteemed clientele. I believe that once you experience our services, you won't feel that the prices are too high for the level of satisfaction you receive.
What should we do, Yuri?
We don't need to pay for Repede, so that's six people, right? Here you go.
Thank you very much! The ladies' bath is on the right, and the men's bath is on the left. Enjoy!




Patience is a virtue, young'un. Grown-ups move at a slower pace than you do.
This resort seems to have a very peaceful feeling to it. Don't you think?
Ya, check out that bamboo fountain over there. This place is pretty zen.
Come on, we can talk about all of that once we get in the water! Let's go!



Okay, sure! See you outside!



Yeah, that's what I like most about Captain Karol.
But is it really okay if your chest gets wet, old man?
Hmmm... I don't think there'll be any problem. 'Sides, a little electrocution is good fer ya! ♥
...Stay out of the water when I'm in there.



What's all the fuss, young'un? Yer not gonna tell me something fantastic like we can see inta the women's baths, right?
That's exactly what it is! There's a hole in the middle of the wall separating the two baths!



Hurry, hurry! The water's-a waitin'!











Yes. That was so refreshing!



Heh. Why are you so mad, Rita?
We overheard what Karol was going on about. That's why we got out of the water so soon.
I don't see what the problem would've been with giving the boys a little show, myself... We could've gotten Karol and Raven wrapped around our little fingers...
What are you talking about?! You realized that they could see us from their side, didn't you?! That's why you got out so quickly!
Well, I wouldn't have minded staying in.



Judith... You're mean.
Oh, I'm sorry.





I never really got the appeal of hot spring scenes in anime and anime-inspired media. This one isn't too bad, thankfully, but I still have to wonder why it's in so many things.


Anyway, next time: Relewiese Hollow.




Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 16:54 on Oct 15, 2016

wdarkk
Oct 26, 2007

Friends: Protected
World: Saved
Crablettes: Eaten
I'm surprised there aren't additional hot springs scenes.

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.

wdarkk posted:

I'm surprised there aren't additional hot springs scenes.

Give it time; they didn't add that area in just for that one scene. :ssh:

Last Transmission
Aug 10, 2011

I'm more interested in knowing if 300.000 Gald for the privilege of seeing this was really worth it. And if that amount is just pocket change this late in the game.

Stabbey_the_Clown
Sep 21, 2002

Are... are you quite sure you really want to say that?
Taco Defender

Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

We must defeat the Adephagos and save the world for Phaeroh, and his love of the world!
Agh, no cheesy lines.
Yeah, come on...

Okay this is officially the best Tales game.

[Hot Springs Episode]

Uh... maybe I should take that back. Although Judith's reaction was what I've come to expect from her.

Senerio
Oct 19, 2009

Ooh! Are we messing with Adora?



Last Transmission posted:

I'm more interested in knowing if 300.000 Gald for the privilege of seeing this was really worth it. And if that amount is just pocket change this late in the game.

Well it's not yet but then Kaufman comes through for you and you basically get infinite money. :allears:

Wild Knight
Mar 27, 2010

Foul villain! I do not flee. I will never turn my back on you and run away!

[he says, running away]
Eh, I thought this hot springs episode was less offensive than most Tales games.

This one.

Now that I think about it the breadth of Judith's character ranging from "tragically mourning the Entelexeia we're being forced to murder for the good of the world" to "teehee I like making boys swoon over my boobies" is...really fuckin' weird.

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"
Do you not have to make Gusios retract his tail before knocking him over?

Senerio posted:

Well it's not yet but then Kaufman comes through for you and you basically get infinite money. :allears:

Why do I not know what you're referring to?

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.

Wild Knight posted:

Eh, I thought this hot springs episode was less offensive than most Tales games.

This one.
Eh, the rest isn't really bad either.

Some Numbers posted:

Do you not have to make Gusios retract his tail before knocking him over?
Uuh not sure, if so then I always did it accidentally!

Junkozeyne
Feb 13, 2012
if I remember correctly you have to attack his tail a few times until he retracts it and then you can knock him over for the secret mission

KDavisJr
Jul 17, 2010

A real avatar never dies, even when it's replaced!

Wild Knight posted:

Now that I think about it the breadth of Judith's character ranging from "tragically mourning the Entelexeia we're being forced to murder for the good of the world" to "teehee I like making boys swoon over my boobies" is...really fuckin' weird.

Judith doesn't seem to dwell on the past for long. Guess that's makes her so lovable.

Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

Eh, the rest isn't really bad either.

Dawn of a New World's was pretty bad IMO.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.

KDavisJr posted:

Dawn of a New World's was pretty bad IMO.

Oh no that's not what I meant, I read his "this one" comment as him referring to another Yumanju event in Vesperia, which does exist, and replied saying that I don't think it's bad either.

AnotherGamer
Jan 12, 2007
Please change my name to "The Guff Machine"
This Secret Mission was such a goddamned pain in the rear end for me, even moreso than the one with Yeager. Why? Because of the loving tail that would not retract completely no matter how many Fang variations I threw at it. In the end I just gave up and let the AI take over and got the drat thing without even trying.

This and the Yeager missions are the ones that really show off how stupid the whole concept was to begin with since out of all of them, you can reliably figure out probably 5 of them without outside help if you're hopelessly OCD and do MAYBE as many by accident if you purposely take time to gently caress around as long as possible in each boss battle.

Glazius
Jul 22, 2007

Hail all those who are able,
any mouse can,
any mouse will,
but the Guard prevail.

Clapping Larry
So what's 300000 gald now? Like ten, twenty battles tops?

slyphin
Jan 12, 2013
I'm quite sad. I recently got the PS3 version of ToV and am just about to get Estelle back from Zaphias and almost caught up to your LP :( The translations and everything have been amazing to follow along with.

Thanks for all of your hard work Admiral.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.

Glazius posted:

So what's 300000 gald now? Like ten, twenty battles tops?
More than that, I just barely had enough for that scene and I got a ton of money from a mimic in that dungeon. Skimming through my footage I got between 2k and 10k Gald per battle depending on the enemies, and I believe I had the Sephira equipped too.

slyphin posted:

I'm quite sad. I recently got the PS3 version of ToV and am just about to get Estelle back from Zaphias and almost caught up to your LP :( The translations and everything have been amazing to follow along with.

Thanks for all of your hard work Admiral.
Why thank you. There's not a whole lot in terms of story content left (especially not much PS3 exclusive story content) so with any luck you'll don't have to guess too much.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
Today, it's time for the worst dungeon in Tales of Vesperia.



Watch the cutscene!



So this is Relewiese?
Yes, Ba'ul says it is.
But...I don't see any aer krene or Entelexeia.





Yes, it is.
Let's get going.
Yes. It looks like that's all we can do.



No, it's narrow, and the wind is all over the place. It's a little too dangerous.
I can see a river way down at the bottom!
This is what happens when a river wears away at the earth for years and years.



Whoa! I get all dizzy when I look straight down...
Idiot.
Hah hah, just make sure you don't slip and fall.




This dungeon is awful. It's a huge net of samey-looking thin brown corridors.







I mean just look at this.



And it goes on forever.



Even worse, some treasure chests are behind stuff you need a level 4 Sorcerer's Ring to destroy -- which we don't have yet. Which means we gotta come back here again later to get everything.



Let's just skip ahead to the next cutscene.





Watch the cutscene!





Come on, old man.
Yeah. You're gonna have to climb back up when we're done.





Someone's coming!
A person? Here?



You...!



...What are you doing here?
We heard there was an Entelexeia here. We came to ask it to become a spirit.
A "spirit"?
A being that comes from reincarnating an Entelexeia through an apatheia.
We might be able to solve the aer problem completely with the spirits' power.
By converting aer into mana.



Duke...?
...Reincarnation...converting aer... You are trying to remake the world itself. All to solve a problem that humans themselves brought about. Such arrogance.



Belius understood. She became Undine, and is lending us her power.
Phaeroh, as well. He was reborn as Efreet.
The proper form of Terca Lumireis...



You understand that as well.



But then he took too much and became really dangerous!
Yeah. I don't want to think what would have happened if we hadn't reincarnated him as Gnome.
...Even so, I do not accept it.



You said that before. So just how do you plan to protect the world?



Ahead lies one of the oldest springs in the world. Pay it due respect.
So you won't answer the main question?



...Farewell. I doubt we shall meet again.
Uh, hey! ...He's gone.
Such a...warm and fun-loving little fellow...
...I wonder what he's trying to do?



Rita, is something wrong?
Well...



Should we chase him down and ask him to lend it to us?
Yeah, I don't think he's in much of a giving mood right now.
Me neither...
Well, whatever we do, we have to get all the spirits first. Let's focus on that for now.


It's a bit further than halfway actually, but still.



Instead of watching this dungeon more, let's check out some altered artes I got.

Splash turns into Aqua Laser with Dispersion:











Violent Pain turns into Bloody Howling with Disperson and Crucible:











And here we are.


Notable Loot:


Rebirth: Gradually recover HP equal to half the amount of the last damage received.
Lucky Soul: Occasionally recover TP when knocked to the ground.


Eternal Support: Effects of support magic occasionally lasts for duration of battle.
This skill is broken as hell. If it activates, whatever buffs Estelle casted will last for the entire rest of the battle, and you can abuse this in pretty special ways.


Runners: Recovers HP gradually during free run.
Runners 2: Recovers TP gradually during free run.


Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes.
FS Bonus 2: Recover TP every time a Fatal Strike hits an enemy.


Touch Down: Press down on the control stick to land immediately while in mid-air.
Rod: Reduces artes TP consumption when a rod is equipped.
















Thankfully, this cave is just one fairly small room with nothing but a cutscene and boss battle. Although I would have preferred it if the whole dungeon looked like this instead.



Watch the cutscene!



Wow...
So this is the oldest spring in the world...
It's so quiet... The air is so clear... It feels holy.
Never would have thought a place like this was at the bottom of the mountain.



You came.
Hey, that's...?!





It doesn't look like you're trying to avenge Alexei.
...Duke didn't listen to you, did he? He is trying to protect the world in his own way.
So what is Duke trying to do?!



What?!
Why would Duke do something like that?!
He doesn't trust humans.
But Duke helped us?! He even lent us his precious sword...
I assume he saw some of himself in you. Or perhaps he thought he wouldn't have to get his hands dirty as long as you were around.
What do you...?
Why are you telling us about Duke?



Huh?!







That form...!





If you can truly save the world, then I will not refuse to help. However, you have chosen a different path. You will likely confront each other.
Yeah...maybe.
If he is beyond your power, then nothing in this world can stop him. I will test your strength!
Here she comes!








Listen to the full conversation!

If you cannot defeat me, then there's no point in facing Duke!
Fine, we will test our strength.
Man, you can just feel the power!
Guess that's what we get for taking on an Entelexeia.



*scream*
Come on guys, stay sharp!
Like that would scare any of us!
I dunno, I might be shaken a little.



I'm not finished with you yet!
So bring it!
We'll keep playing with you 'till you die!
We will win and make your wish come true!



This is my wager. Will you win, or will I? Nothing more than that. Come!
And we will not lose that bet!
We might look weak, but fate is on our side!
Hmph. Leave it to us.



Khroma has a fairly wide variety of close range attacks and hits fairly hard.



It's a pretty fun fight, but doesn't really stand out in any way.



Occasionally she shoots some fire balls or jumps into the air for a shockwave, but for the most part, she just sticks to claw, tail, and breath attacks.















The Secret Mission appears to be hitting her right after the shockwave while she's on the ground, but it's pretty easy to get by just going all-out on her.









She drops a Rainbow Lens and, if you got the Secret Mission, a Hunter's Monocle.





This is a really good accessory for getting synth materials.



Achievement/Trophy:

Secret Mission 20 (360) / Secret Mission 22 (PS3)





Khroma...



...Do as you wish.





Estelle...come on. Judith...
...Right.
Do it.














It's the same as with Gnome.



...One who controls the winds. At times calm, at times violent.
She is not taken by aer as was Gnome. She should wake before long.
Thank you, Undine.



Indeed. Maybe we can ask her more when she's awake.



Right. We don't have time to just hang around here.
Oh... Not that path again... These old bones of mine are tired...



And with that, we have all four spirits! Yay!



And yes, the game actually makes you walk back up.





Skit: Negative Zone?
This sure is a lonely place...
It's just rocks and mountains, and the wind just sounds so lonely...
It feels more desolate the longer we're here...
Let's finish up here and get out soon.
But the sun is so warm, and feels so nice...
Well, aren't you optimistic...
Oh? But, this is the perfect time for a picnic.
Maybe we are lucky ta have sunshine. I mean, it looks like there could be a sandstorm any moment...
I guess we were letting the atmosphere get to us. Come on, it's not so bad.
Yes, let's keep going!
They sure cheered up quick.


Along the way, Judith learns Moon Glare, a pretty neat three-hit combo.











We get another cutscene back where we met Duke before.

Watch the cutscene!



If the air were a little more stable, I could get Ba'ul down here...





...Oh, to think of all the things that were hidden from me...



So...would you still prefer to be called Khroma?
No... I am no longer the Entelexeia known as Khroma. You should give me a new name.
Well... How about Sylph? It means the binder of winds.
Sylph... Very well, that shall be my name.
OK, Sylph. Nice to meet you...again.
A pleasure to meet you too.
...Sylph, would you tell us why Duke hates humans?



...You know about the Great War, right? There were Entelexeia who chose to live with humans, and those who chose to oppose them. The Great War was between humans who broke an ancient prohibition and the Entelexeia who opposed them.



Duke's a hero?!
Really...?
That's one of the truths the empire's hiding.
Humans alone could not have won that war. Elucifur-the leader of the Entelexeia advocating living with humans-fought alongside them, and granted them victory.
Are you serious? ...Even I never heard that... But...what does this have to do with Duke not trusting humans?
Elucifur was Duke's friend. Duke fought with Elucifur against the leader of the ones who opposed humans, and defeated him. However, once the war ended, the empire feared Elucifur's power.



He had promised Duke that he would merely watch. But it didn't matter.
No...
Now I get it. Anyone would stop trusting humans after that.
I had no idea that was going on during the war.
...But it doesn't matter how badly he was betrayed.



If you do not destroy the Adephagos before Duke, in the end...humanity will be destroyed. Hurry. I have calmed the winds. I believe Ba'ul can reach you now.



So the spirits are working out all right, but...
Duke isn't.
...Yeah.



Yes please! This is a one-time offer though, so if you refuse, you have to walk the rest of the way.


On that note, refusing the offer is the only way to get this skit, as far as I'm aware:


Skit: What Sylph Said
...
Are you angry, Yuri?
...Yeah. A little.
Is it about the events of Duke's past that Sylph shared with us?
...So basically, Duke's doing what he's doing to clean up the mess made by an idiot.
The whole thing is just so stupid.
Even though Duke and Elucifur were both fighting for humanity's sake... It's so sad...
Like the hero who shined so bright that people couldn't look at him, and got scared.
...The overwhelming power caused people to fear him.
It's all so stupid...


Back outside, we immediately get a cutscene on our ship, because we have all spirits now.


Watch the cutscene!



Yeah. Now...
We have to convert the world's blastia cores to spirits.
...Right. If we could control the Adephagos with just those four, then we wouldn't need the others...
That thing is not exactly something you want to take on lightly.



I know, I know...
Just by creating the spirits, we've already changed Terca Lumireis. Even if it is to save the world.
We've been making these decisions all on our own.



Yeah, you're right...
If we can't get them to understand what we're trying to do...



But we don't have time...
But we can still talk to the Imperial Knights and the Guilds, right?
But if they don't approve of how we're doing things, we will become the great evil.



...I can't stand by and watch the world be destroyed. Even if Duke manages to save the world his way, it doesn't mean anything if there's no one left to live in it.





I'm going. My life belongs to Brave Vesperia anyway.
Me too. Phaeroh and Belius left it to us. And I don't like leaving things half-finished.
I know what it feels like to regret what you didn't do. If I stop now, I'll really regret it.
Yeah, me too. I don't want to feel like that.
No matter what path I choose, I can take whatever happens... I've learned that on this journey.
...And the people of the world will understand! They're strong enough to take a changing world!



Woof woof! Woof!



So let's get ready and then go talk to His Majesty Ioder and the people in the Union.
So what exactly do you need to get ready?
Leave it to me. I want to stop by a city somewhere. I need to pick up some stuff.
How about port Nor? It's at the edge of Ilyccia.
I want to find out what's happened at Ehmead Hill since the road was blocked, too. Let's go.






Skit: All Four Spirits
Undine, Efreet, Gnome, Sylph...
The spirits of the four great elements have been born!
The Entelexeia were thinking of the planet after all.
I was worried there for a little bit, but that wasn't too bad.
You call surviving by the skin of our teeth not too bad?
Ha!
Ow!
A-anyway,
we can defeat the Adephagos for sure now, right?
Not yet. There are still too many unknown variables.
Hypothesize, test, evaluate, then prove... We have to follow the proper steps to ensure success.
I'm not even sure how effective the four elements will be in converting aer to mana, yet.
Wait... Could the mana from the loss in materialized aer created by the spirits be maintaining the balance...?
If so, then I shouldn't be measuring the actual value, but...
No, that's not right... I mean...
Okay... She's gone...
Yep. I'd say there's nothing to worry about. ♪


And that's it for today! Next time, a short update regarding sidequest stuff that unlocked, and after that we're off to Capua Nor!

Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 16:59 on Oct 15, 2016

Stabbey_the_Clown
Sep 21, 2002

Are... are you quite sure you really want to say that?
Taco Defender
Is anyone else getting a bit tired of some of the special costumes?

Khroma was a pretty minor character. There was a bit of dialogue in the Khroma fight, which you left out of the screenshot version, Admiral.

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
We're gonna get new ones fairly soon.

And yeah, guess I did. Gonna add that in a bit.

Magil of Shadow
Dec 28, 2009

Proposal: Form a friendly relationship immediately.

"You have GOT to be kidding me"

Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

We're gonna get new ones fairly soon.

And yeah, guess I did. Gonna add that in a bit.

More importantly, why is Yuri not in his Dark Enforcer outfit?

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
There's a good reason for that, actually! It obscures Yuri's mouth in cutscenes, which is surprisingly annoying when trying to assign portraits to each line. This goes for the Black Hat too; it obscures his eyes in many shots.

Magil of Shadow
Dec 28, 2009

Proposal: Form a friendly relationship immediately.

"You have GOT to be kidding me"

Admiral H. Curtiss posted:

There's a good reason for that, actually! It obscures Yuri's mouth in cutscenes, which is surprisingly annoying when trying to assign portraits to each line. This goes for the Black Hat too; it obscures his eyes in many shots.

I had forgotten all about that! Should I assume he'll be wearing a certain outfit once you unlock it that is rather close to the Enforcer, appearance wise?

BrightWing
Apr 27, 2012

Yes, he is quite mad.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the PS3 version expand a bit on the whole Duke/Elucifer thing a bit?

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.

BrightWing posted:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the PS3 version expand a bit on the whole Duke/Elucifer thing a bit?

I don't think so? I can't remember anything of the sort, and a global search for Elucifur only brings up lines that were in the 360 version.

e: Nevermind, found something, apparently our translator made the same typo you just did haha. That's a sidequest scene though.

Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 13:23 on Feb 3, 2013

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.


After getting all four spirits, this scene automatically triggers when flying around on the world map:

Watch the cutscene!



No, he's fine... But he's uneasy.
What's wrong?
The apatheia within him isn't enough to undergo spirit conversion yet. But he knows that someday, he will need to give up his current form and become a spirit...
Well, humans are all going to die sometime, but we don't spend every day worrying about it.
I imagine some people do.
Are you saying Ba'ul is that weak?
He's far more delicate than you, Yuri.
Dying, in his case, isn't exactly death like we normally think of it though, right?
But it does mean that his consciousness will disappear, and be replaced by something new.
So, it's basically a fear of the unknown. That part of it is actually not too different from us.



They feel it is their duty to maintain the stability of this planet.
Ba'ul's got a mission of his own though, doesn't he? I mean, what about his commitment to destroy all of the hermes blastia?
The determination necessary for destroying blastia and becoming a spirit are very different. Ba'ul...still lacks the resolve to give up his identity as an Entelexeia.
I think lacking it is a lot healthier, if you ask me. And I certainly understand.
He seems pleased that you understand him. Still, I worry about him going on like this...



No, not in the least. But, I wonder what the Entelexeia... What the spirits themselves must think...







I'm not sure... Ba'ul and the spirits are communicating. ...Or something like that...but without using their voices.



What happened?
He says we shouldn't worry about him.
But what was all that?
Hmm... The spirits said something to calm him down.
Maybe they told him how easy they've got it.
Yeah, probably. At any rate, it's impossible for him to become a spirit now.
We're going to have to go on depending on you until the journey's over, Ba'ul.
He wants you to know you can count on him.


Now for something that... doesn't really make sense that it unlocks now and wasn't available earlier.



There are four of these structures scattered around the world, I believe I showed one of them earlier in the LP.



We have to go to this one.




What's this...?
Some sort of ruins? Maybe?
But it doesn't look like humans built anything here.
Judy, do you know anything about this place?
No. To me, it looks like it was formed naturally, rather than made by human hands.
There's not anythin' here, from the looks of it.
Well, let's have a look around, at least.



Now, if we went here earlier, the following scene wouldn't trigger:



It looks like it's been pretty worn down by wind.



That's the sword we got from the Elder in Myorzo.





...A spear came from inside the rock...?


No skills.

Its shape... It looks like this is a fell arm, too.
Yes, I think so.
It seems like there's some sort of strange power linking these two weapons together.
Hey, I think we can get inside from here!




I like these inside areas. They're pretty, even if there's barely anything actually here.





Hm, it looks like there's something in the back there, doesn't it? No way to get there though.



If we go to the middle of the area, though:




It looks like it's an aer krene.
Wow, who would've thought a natural aer krene would be left here...
With that giant rock sealin' it up, it makes sense that nobody'd get inta here until now.
What's up, Yuri?









What...what do you think will happen if you use it?
Why don't you give it a try?



Whoa... The orb's color is different from last time...W-what is it?
...The difference in color is due to an increase in fire attributes..
Fire...I wonder if it could burn anything you wanted.
I think...that's probably not the case. It seems beyond the Sorcerer's Ring's capabilities.
What was it? The two types of aer are reacting to each other, or something?
On a basic level, that's pretty much right.
I seeee. So the ring can burn a tree or a vine, since they've got aer runnin' through 'em.
Not all material has aer flowing through it, so there are a lot of things the Sorcerer's Ring wouldn't be able to ignite.
So depending on what's hit by the blast, some things will break, and other things will burn?
I'd think most objects wouldn't even react at all.
Yes, that's right. Normally, aer mixes with the surrounding atmosphere, and nothing happens at all. But if you take a mass of aer and collide it with a material that already contains aer... The violence of the sudden confluence of aer can destroy or ignite the original object that was struck.
Mmm, that makes sense.
That's all a bit too complicated for me to wrap my head around. But at least it's clear that we can put this ring to good use.



Yeah, we can go places we couldn't before. Let's go around and see!

Yeah, let's do that!



Before we do, though, let's check out the other Aer Krenes on the world map.



This one is south of Zaphias. We could have gone here earlier but would not have been able to enter it, but now that we have the level 4 ring, we can!


















But... there's nothing here at all. Hm. Let's try another?



This one is north of Caer Bocram.















...Nothing in here either. But surely the last one must have something, right?



It's between Dahngrest and Yumanju. This is the one I showed off earlier, I believe.















Nothing here either. Huh.


Alright, I'll solve it. I was actually expecting something to happen in here, but I guess that one needs an arbitrary story trigger that I haven't reached yet. The other two Aer Krenes, though? Completely useless. There's absolutely nothing in them, despite the obvious paths and doorways to go further inside.

I guess they originally planned to have stuff in them but ran out of time during development. In fact, I'm very sure that's what happened, since in the PS3 version there actually is something in them that makes a lot of sense. We'll get to that some other time though.




Instead, let's go back to some older dungeons with our new shiny fire-shooting sorcerer's ring.



In the Quoi Woods, we can shoot this huge bush near the end of the dungeon.





Behind it, we can find a couple chests and a giganto monster. We're gonna leave the monster for later, but grab the chests:









Yay, another doll for Repede!


No skills.

And another Fell Arm! That makes three out of seven. (Nine in PS3.)




Last area of the day: Keiv Moc.



There is a
ton of stuff to burn in here.









Since all of the enemies in these old dungeons are really easy, I trigger two skits about them.

Skit: No Mercy!
That last battle went by in the blink of an eye. You guys are merciless!
Hit before the enemy has a chance to. The only certain victory is a preemptive one.
We can't show our enemies any mercy!
If we take it too easy, then we're just playin' with 'em. Makes me feel sorta bad fer 'em, ya know?
But still, I think a little bit of mercy would have been okay, just to be fair.
You're prolly the most cold-blooded, merciless killer of us all, Judith darlin'.
Oh? You really think that?!
Looks like she doesn't even realize it.
I think she's just pretending not to.







Skit: Exquisite Battles
This is amazing! We've been through so many battles without a scratch!
Yeah! We are soooo tough!
Yes, it's not fun at all to get hurt, even if we can heal wounds.
Though I have to say, it's unusually exhilarating to see enemies in pain.
You're...scary...
*Woof!*
Battle scars are the true mark of a man.
What's the point of a battle if you don't get hurt?
Oh? You like getting hurt?
That's not what I'm saying...
I don't get you at all.
I get the feelin' Rita likes dolin' out pain more than she likes receivin' it! ♥
I do.
Yer pretty scary, yerself...





And what do we get for our arson spree? Quite a bit actually.




























No skills.

That's four!



As soon as we board our ship with four or more fell arms, we get a short scene regarding them:


Watch the cutscene!



Now we've found most of the fell arms.
They don't seem really powerful to me...
Maybe there's something we have to do to awaken them fully.
We'd be gettin' a big boost to our own strength if we could manage that.
Though it wouldn't be good to depend upon them too much.
That's right... Just like an over-reliance on blastia led to severe repercussions. If we rely on the power of the fell arms, we might be repeating the same mistakes.
Well, just don't use 'em then. We're just gathering them up to make sure the wrong type of people don't get them.
Right.



Before we end for today, there's a small PS3 sidequest scene we can activate:






We get a couple random synth materials here, then...



You mean the item that fortune teller we met mentioned? But... I'm hard pressed to find a use for these items.
Estelle, what would you do in my shoes?
Huh? Me? Let me think... Perhaps you could use them as material to make a dress?
Aye, that's it! It's mentioned in Sea Doctrine No. 53! "A man of the sea needs some sex appeal! Diligence will only get you so far!" All right, now that that's decided, let's make some irresistibly cute clothes!





Oh, wow... It's so cute! ♪
Now I'm ready to go ask Yuri on a date!



Different?
Yeah. What happened to that black outfit you usually have on?
Yuri! She tried really hard to make these cute clothes! It's mean to call them weird!
I didn't call them weird.
Really, you shouldn't talk about a girl's clothes that way. Couldn't you have found something better to say?
Wait, aren't you forgetting something?
Don't try to change the subject! How could you call her clothes weird?
I just said, I never called them weird!
Estelle and Yuri get along so well...



And yeah, this is a costume for Patty.






And that's it for today! Next time: More PS3 content in Capua Nor.

Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:30 on Oct 9, 2016

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.
Did you already start the Collector's Book sidequest? I believe you're right at the deadline to get the first part or you'll be unable to complete it. Ah, I think I missed that update.

Also, I've sort of mixed opinions about Patty's in-game costumes - there's only one that I actually like.

Still, she does have some nice ones available from DLC, expensive as it is:






I hope this isn't considered a spoiler but, if it is, I'll take them down.

Brunom1 fucked around with this message at 22:15 on Feb 3, 2013

Admiral H. Curtiss
May 11, 2010

I think there are a bunch of people who can create trailing images. I know some who could do this as if they were just going out for a stroll.
Note: I just edited in a short scene I missed near the end of the update, in case you've already read it before that.

e: ^ Yes, I have.

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wdarkk
Oct 26, 2007

Friends: Protected
World: Saved
Crablettes: Eaten

Is it weird that I'm annoyed there's nobody I can put a Martel costume on?

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