Board 8 > Bartz plays through Final Fantsy Tactics! [FFT] [playthrough] (gradual SPOILERS)

(+) Yeah! (+)

To be fair I got up to chapter 4 on an earlier playthrough in 2004 or so, so it's not it's my first time technically. I don't remember much of the game though so I can't really count it.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Now the truth comes out...!

--
Support Seifer Almasy (Final Fantasy VIII) for Character Battle IX!
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9342/banner3seifer.jpg

The truth was in the opening post...!

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

You should try Straight Character Challenges after this. Fun is killing things with an army of five Archers

--
We are thought, and reality, and concept, and the unimaginable

I have a file on my memory card of a Lancer SCC I started back when I used to play. I think I made it when I got frustrated at some point during the game. So yeah, I'm sure to try it out again in the future.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

I can't stand SCCs... my favorite part of FFT is the job system, and removing all the customization options from the game and making your entire party only capable of a handful of actions kills it for me. I'm surprised at how popular they are.

--
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.

At the Gate of Lionel Castle

This battle took two tries, as I didn't realize the first time until too late that I could open the gate to let Bartz escape from Gafgarion. I guess I could have made him a knight or monk and gone that route to make the fight a little easier, but I didn't.

Anyway, the second time I had Bartz run down to pull the lever as soon as possible, while having the others prepare a way for him to escape. Belmont got lucky with the placement of the knights after the first round, and was able to scorch two of them with Fire 3 early on. Heinlein took more of a support role with Chakra but still was good for beating archers. Evelyn was useful for hitting enemies during charge time.

Once the gates opened, Bartz got a chance to run from Gafgarion and help finish off the enemies outside. Once we had Gafgarion all to ourselves there wasn't much left bother us. Poor old man.

Inside Lionel Castle

Once we got inside, Draclau tried to get Bartz to join him, but yeah right. Draclau then turns into a monster thing using the power of the Zodiac Stone. First time around, we got beat with lots of death sentences and put to sleep till we died. Only got a few hits in. Second try I put defense ring on Heinlein and deployed my people in rows to avoid his sleep/death sentence attack as well as possible.

Bartz spammed Yell on Heinlein and Heinlein attacked Queklain non-stop while the others offered support. Eventually, a Fire 3 from Belmont put the monster out of his misery.

Meanwhile, Delita delivered Ovelia to Goltana because he's a scheming bastard/warmonger. He frames some guy name Gelwyn for the kidnapping plot, and then kills him before he can be proven innocent. I would applaud Delita for his master planning if I didn't dislike him so. Then again, he's probably being led by someone to do all this, so I can't even give him credit there.

3 months later, Goltana's generals are discussing the war, and Orlandu wants to talk peace because he's not stupid. The serfs or peasants or whoever are upset and dying or starving from the war. Of course this war is stupid, Delita told you start it!

Ugh, anyway, about 1/3 - 1/2 through the game now, I reckon. I'm having a lot of fun here.

My current party at chapter's end:

Bartz Lv 16 Chemist
guts
Counter Tackle
JP+
move+1
---Romanda gun
Green Beret
Brigandine
Battle boots

Belmont Lv 16 Wizard
+ item
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Flame Rod
Triange Hat
Wizard Robe
Wizard Mantle

Heinlein Lv 16 Monk
+ basic skill
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Outfit
Defense Ring

Reeve Lv 16 Thief
+ basic skill
counter tackle
JP+
Move+2
---Platina Dagger
Headgear
Adaman Vest
Power Wrist

Evelyn Lv 11 Archer
+ basic skill
Auto Potion
JP+
Jump+1
---Lightning Bow
Headgear
Mythril Vest
Spike Boots

June Lv 6 Chemist
+ basic skill
Auto Potion
Equip Change
Move-Find Item
---Blind Knife
Red Hood
Mythril Vest
Battle Boots

Scarlet Lv 5 Wizard
+ item
auto potion
JP+
move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Feather Hat
Silk Robe
Battle Boots

I included the girls in there because believe it or not I do plan on using them sooner or later. Don't really care about the others.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Both Lionel Castle fights can be spoiled. At the Gate of Lionel all of the enemies have Lightning elemental weapons, so if you equip the party with Rubber Shoes none of them can hurt you except for the Summoner (unless he gets Ramuh, in which case lol). And, as you discovered, Defense Ring makes Queklain a joke.

--
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.

Yeah, I only had one so I had to use it strategically

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

It can actually make it more difficult if you go in loaded with Rings, since if he can't hit Death Sentence on anyone, he'll start using Bio, his spell that actually does damage

--
We are thought, and reality, and concept, and the unimaginable

Goland Coal City

Olan is on top of a house and I guess that's a thieves hideout. This fight was ridiculously easy, with Olan's help. I'm pretty sure he won't be a playable character, because he is just too powerful. He made everyone stuck with Don't Act status, and we just had to finish them off.

I'm sure his help was necessary, however, as I took this battle to try out some new class choices that did not turn out that well. Heinlein as a Geomancer has more HP than monk but his power was reduced greatly, or it felt that way. Lancer was ok for Reeve so no complaints there, but I missed having item on Belmont. Haste was alright, I guess.

After we beat them, Olan went the other way. This battle was unremarkable.

After Goland Coal City:

Bartz Lv 16 Chemist
Guts
Counter Tackle
JP+
move+1
---Romanda gun
twist headband
Brigandine
Battle boots

Belmont Lv 17 Time Mage
Black Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Staff
Triange Hat
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 16 Geomancer
Punch Art
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Coral Sword
Flame Shield
Green Beret
Wizard Outfit
Power Wrist

Reeve Lv 16 Thief
Basic Skill
counter tackle
JP+
Move+2
---Spear
Mythril Shield
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Diamond Armlet

Evelyn Lv 12 Archer
Item
Auto Potion
JP+
Jump+1
---Lightning Bow
Headgear
Adaman Vest
Battle Boots

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

won't get to play until tonight, probably.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Last night was crazy, sorry. I will try to play some today

--
Black Turtle won the Guru Contest.

Come to think of it, Ness, are we having an AI tournament sometime soon? Last one was fun.

--
GT: peril1337
I bet sakurai will beg final fantasy to put Cloud in the game. -CloudXSoldier talking about Brawl

From: Blairville | #114
Come to think of it, Ness, are we having an AI tournament sometime soon? Last one was fun.

No promises. =[

I have a job during the summer now, unfortunately. I'd be happy to help someone else set things up! It just takes surprisingly long to do, and I don't want to make that commitment if I can't keep it.

--
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.

Imperial City Lesalia

Bartz tries to tell Zalbag about the bad stuff Dycedarg is up to, but he'll have none of it and storms out. He tries to sneak out of the city but Alma stops him. Oh look! Bartz is now 'Heretic Bartz.' The sweet sibling reunion is interrupted by this Zalmo guy who is kind of old and fat, but still a worthy adversary.

I realized pretty quickly that the bad guys would go away if I killed Zalmo, so I focused my efforts on him. It didn't take long to scare him away, and the enemies with him.

After Imperial City Lesalia:

Bartz Lv 17 Chemist
Guts
Counter Tackle
JP+
move+1
---Romanda gun
twist headband
Brigandine
Battle boots

Belmont Lv 17 Time Mage
Black Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Staff
Triange Hat
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 17 Geomancer
Punch Art
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Coral Sword
Flame Shield
Green Beret
Wizard Outfit
Power Wrist

Reeve Lv 17 Thief
Basic Skill
counter tackle
JP+
Move+2
---Spear
Mythril Shield
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Diamond Armlet

Evelyn Lv 12 Archer
Item
Auto Potion
JP+
Jump+1
---Lightning Bow
Headgear
Adaman Vest
Battle Boots

--
Black Turtle won the Guru Contest.

From: KingBartz | #116
I realized pretty quickly that the bad guys would go away if I killed Zalmo, so I focused my efforts on him. It didn't take long to scare him away, and the enemies with him.

I guess the whole "Defeat Zalmo!" thing that pops up kinda gives it away, huh?

--
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.

To be honest I never quite looked at the objective on that one.

--
Black Turtle won the Guru Contest.

This week I am in the process of moving so updates may be few and far between. I will play when I can.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

You're still listing "Thief" for Reeve (even though he's wearing Lancer equipment in the loadout).

--
Cats land on their feet. Toast lands peanut butter side down. A cat with toast strapped to its back will hover above the ground in a state of quantum indecision

dammit, I thought I fixed that. Thanks for pointing it out.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

This topic inspired me to start playing again.

I love this game.

--
(Maniac64 at work) [Browncoat] ~Board 570901~
All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.

saving this. I promise I will finish this sooner or later.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Underground Book Storage Second Floor

Alma told Bartz that there would be a Zodiac stone at Orbonne, and forced herself to come along. Silly girl. Once they got there, they found a dying Simon there who revealed that the church is using Goltana and Larg so the kingdom will hate the royal family. Bartz vows to stop them from stealing the stone, and, in an act of stupidity, gives the stones he has now to Alma for safekeeping, in case he dies. BARTZ YOU ARE THE HERO YOU CAN'T DIE NOW! But down he goes, leaving Alma all alone and unprotected. Well, maybe June and Scarlet are staying with her.

A knight, Izlude goes downstairs to get the stone, and leaves some mages, chemists, and lancers to fight. This battle took two tries. I took my main 5 with me, and Evelyn took advantage of the height to fire down on the mages while they charged. I think the first try I had bad luck, I'm not really sure. The lancers were able to land multiple hits and take out Belmont and Evelyn pretty swiftly. Bartz couldn't revive them quickly enough to keep up, and was killed too. I don't think I even took out all 3 of the lancers before I was put out of commission. The time mages got lucky with Don't Move and managed to make Reeve useless(he doesn't yet have more than level 2 jump).

The second try, I took advantage of Heinlein's Geomancy to put Don't Act on one of the enemy lancers, making him a sitting duck. I also got lucky with the first round, with all my attacks landing on the first lancer to kill him before he could hit. Belmont used Time Magic and hasted most of the party to start out, making Evelyn an arrow-flinging machine (attack + wait). The bad guys were taken down pretty quickly this way. Once the Lancers were dealt with the rest of the group folded pretty easily.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Underground Book Storage Third Floor

Bartz and crew chase Izlude down to the third floor and the battle begins. Both want the other's stone. Bartz tries to convince him that the stones have evil power, but Izlude doesn't believe him. This fight was pretty manageable, but I used a lot of phoenix downs. Izlude jumping from across the room was the main hazard, as I was able to use Don't Act on enough of the other units to stagger the fighting. The bookshelves and walls also proved an annoyance, as Izlude wouldn't do anything but walk on the walls, making it a little difficult to access him. Still, jump from Reeve prevailed, and the battle was won. Of course, like every bad guy in this game, Izlude possesses magical escape powers.

Underground Book Storage First Floor

Back up on the first floor, Wiegraf of all people asks Izlude to take off with Alma(and I'm assuming the stones). Wiegraf joined the church to get power that he needs to avenge his sister or do something like that. The battle starts with Wiegraf making the first move to use Stasis Sword. After inflicting some marginal damage, I then have every single one of my people attack him, which is enough to kill him, especially with Heinlein's axe. Wiegraf runs, but Bartz chases him outside and watches as a dying Wiegraf uses the stone to transform into Velius, an ugly goat beast thing. Then he vanishes, and old man Simon crawls out and dies. Bartz gets a book from him that will expose the church. I think. I wouldn't know because I don't get to read it!

After Orbonne monastery:

Bartz Lv 20 Knight
Guts
Weapon Guard
JP+
move+1
---Ancient Sword
Flame Shield
Diamond Helmet
Diamond Armor
Diamond Armlet

Belmont Lv 20 Time Mage
Black Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Staff
Holy Miter
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 20 Geomancer
Basic Skill
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Slasher
Twist Headband
Judo Outfit
Power Wrist

Reeve Lv 20 Lancer
Basic Skill
counter tackle
JP+
Ignore Height
---Mythril Spear
Mythril Shield
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Battle Boots

Evelyn Lv 17 Thief
Item
Auto Potion
JP+
Move+1
---Main Gauche
Green Beret
Brigandine
Germinas Boots

June Lv 9 Priest
+ Item
Auto Potion
Throw Item
Move-Find Item
---Healing Staff
Triangle Hat
Chameleon Robe
Red Shoes

Scarlet Lv 8 Wizard
+ item
auto potion
JP+
move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Red Hood
Wizard Outfit
Wizard Mantle

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

You can read it from the Treasures thing in the menu (or whatever it's called. Where your prizes are listed from doing the bar jobs)

--
We are thought, and reality, and concept, and the unimaginable

Oh cool! I'll have to check that out.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Grog Hill

On our way out Bartz is stopped in Dorter Trade City by an "Exotic Wizard"(I remember him as a****** Malak) who tells him to bring the Germonik Scriptures to Riovanes Castle in exchange for Alma. Looks like that's the next destination. Meanwhile, Delita the bastard is being mean to Ovelia or not being mean, I guess. He then is like dramatic and says "I'll make your life shine! Let me guide you!" like some dramatic kid.

Anyway, Bartz and the gang run into a band of Nanten deserters who want to kill him for money or something. This fight was perhaps the most frustrating fight I've had so far in this play-through. I didn't count how many tries it took, but probably around 7 or 8. I didn't have trouble winning the battle, just winning without someone dying and being unable to revive them.

It's the chemists. They have guns which can sometimes hit for up to 70HP and NEVER MISS. I would bring either Evelyn or June as support/healing and every time they would die second or third round because of those damn chemists and the archer. In hindsight, I should have just given a couple more people item, but I didn't do that. A couple times I would literally have one enemy with <50HP left when I would see June crystallize.

Finally, I won and everyone lived to tell the tale. Fun times. Olan(who the poor translation cannot decide if he is Orlandu's son, adopted son, or son-in-law) shows up and claims that he would try to stop the war if he had proof. Bartz was going to give him the book but I think that he remembered he needed it to get Alma, so he didn't do it. Olan says he's a friend and takes off.

After Grog Hill:

Bartz Lv 21 Knight
Guts
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Diamond Sword
Diamond Shield
Diamond Helmet
Diamond Armor
Diamond Armlet

Belmont Lv 21 Summoner
Black Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Staff
Holy Miter
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 21 Archer
Punch Art
Counter
JP+
Jump+1
---Mythril Bow
Twist Headband
Judo Outfit
Germinas Boots

Reeve Lv 21 Knight
Basic Skill
counter tackle
JP+
Ignore Height
---Ancient Sword
Mythril Shield
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Battle Boots

Evelyn Lv 17 Thief
Item
Auto Potion
JP+
Move+1
---Main Gauche
Green Beret
Brigandine
Power Wrist

June Lv 9 Priest
+ Item
Auto Potion
Throw Item
Move-Find Item
---Healing Staff
Triangle Hat
Chameleon Robe
Red Shoes

Scarlet Lv 9 Wizard
+ item
auto potion
JP+
move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Red Hood
Wizard Outfit
Wizard Mantle

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

I doubt I will be playing today, but I will update if I do!

--
Black Turtle won the Guru Contest.

Yardow Fort City

Ok, forget about any complaints I had about Grog Hill. This battle is a b**** more than Grog Hill could ever aspire to be. I think I was trying on this one for 15 tries or so before I finally conquered it. Damn Ninjas.

Malak and Rafa are arguing about their "father," the Duke Barington. I guess he burned down their village, killed their parents, and did other things to get his hands on their powers. Oh, and he raped/molested Rafa. Sounds like a great guy. Well, Malak wants to kill her now because of the shame(or something), which means I have another rescue mission.

Like other rescue missions, Rafa managed to get killed before I could do anything a couple of the tries I did. I took Belmont off Summoner for a while to get his speed up, but that didn't help much, so I put him back. I am certain that Ninjas are the broken class of the game, having extra extra speed and two weapons... who thought that would be balanced? You bet I am using that class as soon as I figure out the requirements(don't tell me though).

I tried all sorts of things, like having my people use +jump skills to go around to the back(over the wall) or having them sit in a corner and accumulate, but nothing could stop those Ninjas. That should have naturally given me a clue on what to do, but I still tried in vain to fight them head on. Malak was always the easy one to take care of, using his escape teleport a la Mega Man X to flee.

Finally, I found the key to beating this: charm. I'm sure I could have used other abilities or classes or so on to take care of this, but this one proved the only one I found. I had Evelyn Steal Heart on the ninja that always climbed on the wall, and then on anyone she could. Luck with me, she was able to charm without fail, which distracted the enemies into throwing stuff at each other(them seem to prioritze attacking charmed teammates) and gave me the edge needed to succeed. Evelyn died, but not before I had Reeve, Heinlein, and Bartz take care of the last of those pesky summoners. What a success.

Afterward, Malak appeared as a frog and told Rafa that she has to come with Bartz or Alma will die. Who cares about her(jk).

After Yardow Fort City:

Bartz Lv 22 Knight
Guts
Counter
JP+
move+1
---Diamond Sword
Diamond Shield
Diamond Helmet
Diamond Armor
Diamond Armlet

Belmont Lv 22 Summoner
Time Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Rod
Golden Hairpin
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 22 Archer
Punch Art
Counter
JP+
Jump+1
---Windslash Bow
Black Hood
Power Sleeve
Germinas Boots

Reeve Lv 22 Knight
Basic Skill
counter tackle
JP+
Ignore Height
---Ancient Sword
Gold Shield
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Battle Boots

Evelyn Lv 18 Thief
Item
Auto Potion
JP+
Move+1
---Orichalcum
Twist Headband
Judo Outfit
Power Wrist

June Lv 10 Priest
+ Item
Auto Potion
Throw Item
Move-Find Item
---Gold Staff
Holy Miter
White Robe
Red Shoes

Scarlet Lv 9 Wizard
+ item
auto potion
JP+
move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Holy Miter
Wizard Robe
Wizard Mantle

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

That mission is a pain, yes. Easiest way I've found to do it is taking advantage of how the ninjas (usually) stack themselves up in the doorway to start. Hit em with an AoE spell and hope they die before the summoners move in

--
We are thought, and reality, and concept, and the unimaginable

Also, I believe the level after the next one is Riovanes, so be careful with your saves

--
We are thought, and reality, and concept, and the unimaginable

Yeah, I keep 2 saves and make sure to only save on a certain one while in those situations.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Yuguo Woods

This was a fight with undead in a tree place. It was fairly standard and no difficulty in the least. Time for the Castle!

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Yeah Yugioh- I mean Yuguo Woods is pretty much just a reprieve before Riovanes.

--
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2664/7b7aaa038007832d461b28c.jpg

bump

--
From his looks Magus is Macho Man Randy Savage as an anime zombie. The black wind howls, and one of you will snap into a Slim Jim ooh yeeeah! -sonicblastpunch

most castles will have multiple fights in a row, just be careful of all of them

--
Don't worry guys, I have all the clubs

At the gate of Riovanes Castle

Barinten invited Vormav and Wiegraf to his castle and tries to negotiate with them, then blackmail them. lol Barinten. Malak had captured Izlude and obtained the holy stones from him. Vormav won't take any of that, so he transforms and kills everyone.

Outside, Bartz and co. are met by Malak who still is loyal to Barinten. Another somewhat tough battle here, but I managed after a few tries. It splits up your party, but the key seemed to just get them all together again and avoid the moat. The first couple times I went down into the water and got massacred by archers. Rafa was good to get hurt and leave, so I took off her clothes and injured her to get rid of Malak. Belmont focused on his summon magic for the archers, and Reeve, now a knight, went to battle with the knights. Eventually I took everyone up top and took the knights out one by one.

At the end, a knight crawls out through the front gate and dies. Apparently dying knights are good for opening doors, because Alma's cell door is opened as well. Alma hears screaming and the knight warns her of a monster, so of course her first instinct is to leave the cell all alone and unprotected. No wonder she was captured.


Inside of Riovanes Castle

Ah, yes, the battle with Wiegraf. I recall in the past I used Ninja or something to take him out, but I'm not so lucky this time. I think this battle took me 4 or 5 tries. At first I tried to fight him head on, but would be killed, even with auto-potion. 140 damage from each attack won't last me long. There's not much room for an archer or mage to run here, either. The idea I finally got was to have Bartz be a thief with sprint shoes and guts, auto-potion, concentrate, and move+2 as his abilities. He got to move first, so I took him away from Wiegraf and had him spam Yell. It was risky at first and I took some damage trying to escape, but eventually Bartz was quick enough to get 2 moves for every 1 of Wiegraf's, and could outrun his attack range. I got Bartz to about 35 speed, then had him start accumulating and throwing stones, then backing off when Wiegraf got a move. Eventually, He got around 17 or 18 attack, and I had him attack Wiegraf for around 200 damage each time. Took that bastard down.

But the fight continues! Wiegraf transforms into Velius and the rest of the party arrives to help out. Velius summons some beasts and the fight starts again. Lucky for me, Bartz retains all his stat buffs and is able to slay all 3 of the monsters before Velius could even make a move. It decided to go attack the other party members, who all only got one turn before Bartz cut the monster down with his knife. What a badass. Alma is heard screaming, and Bartz shouts her name.

Turns out that Alma found Izlude alive and he manages to give her a holy stone. He realized his dad is a monster but too late. Vormav appears and is about to kill Alma when his stone shines and he says something about how he's been looking 100 years for "the one." He kidnaps Alma but she drops the stone.

Next fight is the roof fight. Stupid Rafa keeps dying before I can act. I'll try this one later.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Roof of Riovanes Castle

lol Barinten. After Rafa confronts him with the truth, he pulls out his gun and threatens Rafa. Then he pulls out creepy rapist line, "Hya, ha! You can't... And do you know why? Because your body recalls the terror... Don't worry...that terror will gradually subside. Hya, ha, ha."

Malak appears out of nowhere to block his gunshot and is killed. Barinten backs off but is grabbed by some girl and thrown off the castle. lol Barinten. Elmdor shows up(I guess not so dead after all) and demands the stone for Alma's life. No way. The fight begins.

The objective here is to protect Rafa, which sucks. She tends to run up to Celia and get killed before I can act. After several tries, I figured that I just have to make someone else a more attractive target for the girls. I took Heinlein's clothing away and the girls started attacking him instead of Rafa. Reeve hit Celia for massive damage while she was charging her Ultima attack, and Belmont used Titan for more success. Celia went critical, and I guess that was enough to scare Elmdor off.

It appears that the stones may be used for good as well, as Rafa used one of the stones to bring Malak back to life(although arguably that could be seen as an evil action, f*** Malak). Well, Malak and Rafa join the team, though I will not ever use them.

Bartz then gives his best line of the game: "I didn't think the God made holy stones but...more evil... Well... Lucavi made them to hand in this world..." WTF translators. Anyway Bartz gets the stone Alma dropped and is on his way.

After Riovanes Castle:

Bartz Lv 30 Squire
Item
Counter
JP+
move+2
---Ice Brand
Diamond Shield
Diamond Helmet
Diamond Armor
Diamond Armlet

Belmont Lv 23 Summoner
Time Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+1
---Wizard Rod
Golden Hairpin
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 24 Archer
Punch Art
Counter
JP+
Jump+1
---Heaven's Cloud
Cross Helmet
Gold Armor
Germinas Boots

Reeve Lv 24 Monk
Jump
counter tackle
JP+
Move +2
---Power Sleeve
Power Wrist

Evelyn Lv 21 Thief
Item
Arrow Guard
JP+
Move+1
---Assassin Dagger
Black Hood
Judo Outfit
Sprint Shoes

June Lv 10 Priest
+ Item
Auto Potion
Throw Item
Move-Find Item
---Gold Staff
Holy Miter
Black Robe
Red Shoes

Scarlet Lv 9 Wizard
+ item
auto potion
JP+
move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Holy Miter
Wizard Robe
Wizard Mantle

Bartz gained a ton of levels from his fight with Wiegraf, which means the others will have to play catch-up. Bartz is always in story battles, but I may get some opportunities with random battles along the way.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

My PS2 is currently in a box in my new residence. I will be able to play as soon as the move is over.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

ah moves are rough

--
It doesn't interest me. - TenkoStar17

You can also delevel Bartz, if you want. Might not want to get into that murky world, though!

--
James - Board 8's Resident Warm And Safe, Slipper-Wearing User
& The Cream of Porcupine Tree Fanboyism

I don't mind him being such a high level, actually. From just that one battle he nearly mastered thief though lol.

Also, this might make random monster battles an actual challenge now! Anyway, I will probably get to play again tomorrow or Saturday. Still gotta unpack my stuff and get my new place set up before any playtime.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Argh, still haven't been able to pick the game up! I know I'm coming up on the climax so it's not because I don't want to finish! Been so busy this week. I want to finish this game before school starts.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

turns out I'm going to be out of the country for most of today! Maybe I can play tomorrow.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

You're leaving the country for one day?

--
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.

Mexico, actually. I'll be back late tonight.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

bump

--
From his looks Magus is Macho Man Randy Savage as an anime zombie. The black wind howls, and one of you will snap into a Slim Jim ooh yeeeah! -sonicblastpunch

Time to get started again!

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.

Chapter 4: Somebody to Love

Doguola Pass

Ah, good to be playing again. After Riovanes, I took the time to do a few propositions, got into a few random fights. Ran into a random cutscene in Goug Machine City with some little sphere thing with Mustadio and his dad. I was wondering if they would ever show up again. I used the random fights to catch everyone up to Bartz some, but still have a long way to go. I'm not particularly concerned that everyone is equally leveled, and I like Bartz anyway, so I don't care if he's stronger than everyone else.

Speaking of strength, Reeve is kicking ass as a Ninja. He does lack some of the tank functions of other classes like Knight and Samurai, but I think it more than makes up for that in attack power. Reeve was able to OHKO the enemy black mages, and I'm sure he can do the same to other magic units and some light armors as well(archers, thieves, etc.). Very useful.

I gave Heinlein Elemental to give him a ranged attack beyond Draw Out. He's not particularly strong, but I don't want to give him a power wrist as he needs those boots for mobility. Still useful for tanking. Bartz makes good use of Wish for healing in a pinch, and his armor gives him a ton of HP to draw from. Belmont is so slow; I'll be taking him out of Summoner soon so he can get some more utility. Probably Mediator so he can use ranged attacks. I also want to use Preach to increase the faith of the other magic users.

I haven't really figured out what I want to do with Evelyn. Maybe I will make her a knight or ninja for extra attack. I don't really need any more magic users. Anyway, when I finally go to Doguola Pass we run into some Nanten knights who want to kill us, don't really know why. I guess my people are still dressed like Hokuten or something. Really easy fight, used Summon magic to thrash the Lancers, and Bartz took the high road to take care of the archer. Piece of cake, but still entertaining.

After Doguola Pass:

Bartz Lv 31 Knight
Guts
Counter
JP+
move+2
---Ice Brand
Platina Shield
Circlet
Carabini Mail
Diamond Armlet

Belmont Lv 25 Summoner
Time Magic
Auto potion
JP+
move+2
---Wizard Rod
Golden Hairpin
Wizard Robe
Magic Gauntlet

Heinlein Lv 25 Samurai
Elemental
Counter
JP+
Move+1
---Muramasa
Platina Helmet
Platina Armor
Germinas Boots

Reeve Lv 27 Ninja
Jump
counter tackle
JP+
Move +2
---Spell Edge
Ninja Edge
Black Hood
Power Sleeve
Power Wrist

Evelyn Lv 22 Thief
Item
Arrow Guard
JP+
Move+2
---Assassin Dagger
Twist Headband
Earth Clothes
Sprint Shoes

June Lv 11 Oracle
White Magic
Auto Potion
Maintenance
Move-Find Item
---Gokuu Rod
Holy Miter
Black Robe
Red Shoes

Scarlet Lv 12 Wizard
Item
Auto potion
JP+
Move-find item
---Thunder Rod
Holy Miter
Wizard Robe
Wizard Mantle

I think I will be taking JP+ off soon, my guys have most of the abilities that I want them to know.

--
My Japanese alter-ego.
Hey all this is Bartz btw.