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Walkthrough

by Damage_dealer

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               FAQ/Walkthrough for Star Ocean: Second Evolution
                          for Playstation Portable
                              Region: NTSC/PAL

==============================================================================
FAQ/Walkthrough made by Damage_dealer (Igor Sheludko)
E-mail: [email protected]
Version 0.75
This entire document is (C) 2008-2009 Igor Sheludko.
All trademarks are property of their respective owners. No section of 
this guide can be used without my permission. This includes, but is not 
limited to posting on your website, making links to my guide, including 
parts of my guide in your own, or making reference to any material 
contained within. Only GameFAQs has permission to post this guide.

==============================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
==============================================================================
I. BEGINNING & BASICS
  IA. STORY INTRODUCTION
  IB. MAIN CHARACTERS
  IC. PRIVATE ACTIONS
  ID. BATTLE SYSTEM BASICS
  IE. CONTROLS
II. WALKTHROUGH
  IIA. CLAUDE WALKTHROUGH
  IIB. RENA WALKTHROUGH
III. SIDE-QUESTS, SECRETS AND POST-GAME STUFF
IV. ITEM LIST
V. EQUIPMENT LIST
VI. SHOP LIST
VII. SKILL SYSTEM, SPECIALTIES AND ITEM CREATION
VIII. SPECIAL ARTS/SYMBOLOGY
IX. RECRUITMENT GUIDE
X. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
XI. VERSION HISTORY
XII. CREDITS
XIII. CONTACT INFO

Use Ctrl+F feature for easier navigation.

==============================================================================
I.                          BEGINNING & BASICS
==============================================================================

Following the exploits of humankind�s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN
saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution,
exclusively for the PSP system. Now with a revised game engine, an improved 
battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 
widescreen, players can experience their journey through the rich STAR OCEAN
universe like never before.

==============================================================================
IA.                         STORY INTRODUCTION
==============================================================================

Space Date 366
A young man transported by accident to an uncharted world during a survey 
of an underdeveloped planet. The son of a hero, with much to prove, he 
finds himself on the path to greatness.
A young girl watches disasters befalling her worls and the arrival of a 
mysterious meteorite. She waits for the arrival of a legendary hero. Child 
with a good heart and the ability to use powerful magic, she waits for the 
savior of her world.
What twist of fate brought these two together?

==============================================================================
IB.                          MAIN CHARACTERS
==============================================================================

Claude C. Kenny
Age: 19
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Race: Human
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 1.23

A Galactic Federation Junior Officer who has a hero for a father. At his 
young age, he has already achieved the rank of ensign. However, due to 
great expectations from his father, Admiral Ronyx J. Kenny, and the envy 
from his peers, he is unable to believe in his abilities and is becoming 
rebellious.
Favorite Food : Steak

Rena Lanford
Age: 18
Height: 161 cm
Weight: 45 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Symbologist
Date of Birth: 5.13

A young girl with healing powers whose origin is unknown. She lives in the 
village of Arlia. However, due to her unusual appearance and the fact that 
she possesses healing powers, she has suspicions regarding her birth.
Favorite Food: Shortcake

Celine Jules
Age: 23
Height: 167 cm
Weight: 50 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Symbologist
Date of Birth: 9.18

A princess symbologist who enjoys treasure hunting, she chooses money and 
training over romance. She likes revealing clothes but her sense of style 
is rather eccentric.
Favorite Food: Baby Rabbit Risotto

Ashton Anchors
Age: 20
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 9.28

A young swordsman whose innate cowardice brought him misfortune; as a 
result, he became haunted by a double-headed dragon. Despite his humble 
personality his sword skills are first class, and he fights using sword 
arts that integrate symbology with his two swords.
(Weight includes the double-headed dragon.)
Favorite Food: Hamburger

Dias Flac
Age: 25
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 8.5

He was a childhood friend of Rena, but a certain incident has left a deep 
scar within him. Traveling in search of strenght, he became a vagrant sword 
fighter. Cool-headed and unable to trust others , his skills as a swordsman 
are considered to be the greatest.
Favorite Food: Chicken Skewers

Precis F. Neumann
Age: 16
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 43 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 2.29

A cheerful and perky expelian, descendent of the large dynasty of inventors 
who a desire to travel and explore the world, finding new friends along the 
way. She joins the party because of a little crush on Claude and a strong 
will to journey through Expel.
Favorite Food: Chocolate Crepe

Opera Vectra
Age: 23
Height: 160 cm
Weight: 50 kg
Race: Tegragenesian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 8.24

A three-eyed woman who lands on Expel in search of her boyfriend, Ernest. 
She has a strong personality which aids her in finding the one she loves - 
that nasty archaeologist.
Favorite Food: Apple Cider

Bowman Jeane
Age: 27
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 78 kg
Race: Expelian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 12.30

Bowman is a pharmacist, a man of science. But, despite his calm appearance 
sleeps a spirit of a true hero who is longing for a real life adventure. He 
is also a friend of Keith, the translator, who lives near the university of 
Linga.
Favorite Food: Daikon Miso Soup

Leon D.S. Gehste
Age: 12
Height: 135 cm
Weight: 36 kg
Race: Fellpool
Type: Symbologist
Date of Birth: 11.25

This is a truly mysterious character, who is said to be a child prodigy, 
who creates powerful weapons from rare materials. He works in the labs of 
Lacour Castle, and eventually joins the party to find rare materials for 
his weapon research.
Favorite Food: Carrot Juice

Noel Chandler
Age: 24
Height: 173 cm
Weight: 74 kg
Race: Nedian
Type: Symbologist
Date of Birth: 2.16

Noel is from planet Nede, and he joins the party in the Cavern of the Red 
Crystal on the journey to tame the last living Synard. He is fully opposite 
to what Chisato is.
Favorite Food: Big Tuna

Chisato Madison
Age: 22
Height: 164 cm
Weight: 52 kg
Race: Nedian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 10.22

Chisato is a nosy female reporter who is said to have outstanding stealth 
abilities, but it proves to be wrong after the team learns more about her. 
Chisato joins the party in Nede itself, and decides to write a chronicle 
about Claude's travels.

Ernest Raviede
Age: 35
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Race: Tetragenesian
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: 8.31

An archaeologist from Tetragenes, boyfriend of Opera. He arrives at planet 
Expel to do particular research, but eventually joins the party after Opera 
convinces him to do so.
Favorite Food: Hassaku Tea

Welch Vineyard
Age: 16
Height: ???
Weight: ???
Race: It's a secret!
Type: Warrior
Date of Birth: ???

A cheerful inventor girl, who enters planet Expel at unknown circumstances. 
She is a clever chatter-box, and says that she runs an Inventor Guild at 
some faraway planet, supposedly named Elicoor II.

==============================================================================
IC.                            PRIVATE ACTIONS
==============================================================================

Private Actions (PA)feature is a trademark of tri-Ace's Star Ocean series. 
PAs are mini side stories starring certain characters.
During PA sequences, the party splits up for a time, and the characters go 
off individually. You control your main character alone, and special events 
will occur, triggered by talikng to a certain character or going to a 
certain location. PAs give you the chance to befriend certain characters to 
recruit them into your party.
Depending on where you are in the story, the PA may be very different. 
Sometimes your characters split up and you can see the scenes between some 
of them
I advice you to try to explore this feature with differnt setups 
of characters. The system of PA's is quite complex, so obviously more 
than one playthrough is needed to trigger them all. Note that you can 
complete the game without doing a single PA, but it will be your mistake, 
as you'll miss out on so many things. I advice to do as much PA's as you 
can.

However, I will not include the contents of the PA's in this FAQ, as they 
may contain huge spoilers. I will only mark some plot points where they 
can be triggered. In the near future I am going to make a Private Action 
FAQ of this game.

(About Degrees of Feelings)
How other characters feel about you is important. This Degree of Feelings 
is affected by choices you make during Private Actions and the way you 
treat your fellow team members. Another character's degree of feelings for 
you will affect how they act towards you, how they assist you in battle, 
and can even alter the ending of the game.

==============================================================================
ID.                         BATTLE SYSTEM BASICS
==============================================================================

SO:SE features a real-time combat system which will be familiar to SO2
veterans. In battle, player can individually control any character in the 
party. You can move characters around with the control 
pad, and perform different types of attacks. Basic attacks are easy to 
perform, and do damage with your equipped weapon. Multiple hits can 
result in a combo. Basic attacks get the job done, but they are not the 
strongest techniques which you can get. There are actually more advanced
moves and skills out there to master.
Another thing to take note of is a "Special Arts" feature. Special Arts 
are powerful melee attacks that require MP to use. The more the certain 
Special Art is used, the more powerful it becomes.
Casting spells is done by symbologists and, like Special Art attacks, 
these use up MP. However, spell-casting is timed, and can be easily 
interrupted, so if you're controlling a magic user, be careful with 
close enemies.
A key to winning is having an organised group of characters with 
properly set tactics. Strategy commands can be pre-set before any battle 
starts, and also changed in the middle of the battle. All characters in
the party fight according to the set strategy. Keep in mind that there 
will be many different situations in the game which will require a whole 
different strategy plan to use. Experimenting is the way to go.

==============================================================================
IE.                            CONTROLS
==============================================================================

       _____________________________________________________________
     ,' L  ,'                                                 `.  R `.
    /-----'     .-----------------------------------------.     `-----\
   /            |                                         |            \
  /     __      |                                         |      .-.    \
 /     |  |     |                                         |     (/_\)    \
|   __  \/  __  |                                         |  .-. `-' .-.  |
|  |__ >  < __| |                                         | ([ ])   ( O ) | 
|       /\      |                                         |  `-' .-. `-'  |
|      |__|     |                                         |     ( X )     |
|               |                                         |      `-'      |
|      .--.     |                                         |               |
 \    (    )    |                                         |              /
  \    `--'     '-----------------------------------------'             /
   \-----.       [Home]                    [Select] [Start]      ,-----'
   `.____`.___________________________________________________,'____,


       L Button  -  Rotate Camera (while on World Map)

       R Button  -  Rotate Camera (while on World Map)

       D-pad     -  Move
 
       Thumbstick  -  Move

       Select    -  N/A
       
       Start     -  Switch Map (while on World Map)
 
       X Button  -  Confirm (Menu)/Examine/Hit (Battle)

       O Button  -  Back (Menu)/Change member (Battle)
      
       Square Button  -  Private Action (while on World Map)/Pickpocket

       Triangle Button  -  Menu/Battle Menu
       
==============================================================================
II.                               WALKTHROUGH
==============================================================================

==============================================================================
IIA.                          CLAUDE WALKTHROUGH
==============================================================================

==============================================================================  
                                SPOILER WARNING
      This walkthrough of Star Ocean: SE may contains some spoilers which 
     can ruin the game experience for you. I will try to cut their number 
          to minimum, although I'm not the one to blame if you see 
                 something you don't want to see (yet).
         Nevertheless, I will try to cut down the spoilers to minimum.
==============================================================================

Space, the realm of infinite possibility.
It has long inspired the dreams of
billions. These dreams, countless in number, spread infinitely throughout 
the universe...though some of these dreams are nightmares.

A race of sentient being from Planet Lezonia discovered in Sector Gamma,
declared war on the Terran Alliance, igniting the flames of ferocious warfare
across the galaxy.

S.D. 342. The battleship Calnus received a commendation for excellence in
command for its victory in the battle against Lezonia.

S.D. 346. The captain of the Calnus and his second-in-command successfully
contained a mysterious virus outbreak on the underdeveloped frontier planet
Roak. They were also able to prevent the tyrannical Jie Revorse's diabolical
plan to conquer Earth.

Thanks to his achievements, my father was promoted to admiral at the
unprecedented young age of 38. I respected him more than anybody else in my
life. I know that being a Federation officer is among the greatest accomplish-
ments anyone can hope to achieve in this universe. But I am my own man. I'm no
puppet; I'm not just the son of Admiral Ronyx J. Kenny, hero of the 
Pangalactic Federation. So what am I doing here, of all places?

S.D. 366. The gears of the universe continue to turn...

 - Ensign Claude C. Kenny

And now the story begins...

After watching the introduction scene in Milokeenia, you'll find yourself in
the Sacred Forset of Arlia, trying to save some girl's life. Fight a pretty
easy battle and get yourself familiar with the battle system. You'll jump to
level 2 immediately :) Anyway, you have to go to the village of Arlia.

==============================================================================
Arlia Village

Recommended level: 2
Items: Strawberry Jam, Blueberries, Rose Hip, Leather Armor, 200 Fol, 
Blackberries, Resurrection Elixir
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After the scene, go to NE house to find STRAWBERRY JAM. The north-westernmost
house has BLUEBERRIES and ROSE HIP. Near the item shop you can find 3 chests
with LEATHER ARMOR, 200 FOL, and a RESURRECTION ELIXIR. After exploring the
town (talking with everyone) go to Rena's house. Scene follows. Wander around
the room to wait for Rean to come. After a long scene go to Rena's house, 2nd
floor to open the chest with BLACKBERRIES. Buy some Spectacle from the shop.
Afterwards, exit the village via north exit.

You'll be in the overworld map. A few words about it - you can save anywhere
you want here, and sometimes use to level up. Now I'd suggest you to level up
to at least level 5 here. The town of Salva is just north of Arlia.

==============================================================================
Salva

Recommended level: 5
Items: Hefty Ring, Portrait B, Rena's Hairpin
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Find a HEFTY RING between the two shops. Go to the mayor's house and open the
chest on the 2nd floor to find PORTRAIT B. Explore the town a little bit, talk
to everyone. Note that you can't go to the Salva Mines yet. Go back to Arlia.
A scene follows. Return to Salva. Approach the mayor's house for another 
scene. Enter Allen's mansion AKA mayor's house, go to the east room on the 1st
floor to find RENA'S HAIRPIN. Touch the golden thingie in the NE corner to 
open a secret passageway.

==============================================================================
Salva Mines

Recommended level: 5
Items: Rose Hip, Blackberries, Iron, Spectacles, Blueberries, Gold, Gold
Enemies: Lizard Axman, Kobold, Vorpal Bunny, Thieving Scum

==============================================================================

After talking with a worker, save at the savepoint. Go north. Get ROSE HIP and
BLACKBERRIES. Go norht for IRON. Keep on keeping on west, then go north to 
save again. Do not go east yet, go west instead to find SPECTACLES, then
return to the savepoint and go south a little and them west again for some
BLUEBERRIES and GOLD. South and west again to the nest screen. Get GOLD from 
the chest. Read the sign. This is where you'll be able to get a secret party
member later in the game. Turn back for now and head to the savepoint. Save
and finally head east.

=================
BOSS: Allen Tucks
=================

HP: 400 MP: 0
Difficulty: Very Easy
75 EXP, 300 Fol

This boss is a joke. Just keep on mashing him while Rena heals you when needed
and he'll go down in 20 seconds or less.

Scene follows. You'll be back at the mayor's mansion. Back in Arlia, talk to
the mayor before bedtime. After the scene go outside and to the left screem to
find Rena standing on the bridge. After the scene, you can now go to Krosse.
Private Actions also become available now. To reach Krosse City, go to Salva,
and use the NW exit out of the town.

==============================================================================
Krosse City

Recommended level: 8
Items: Wooden Shield, Leather Helmet, 500 Fol
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

First, go sleep at the inn. When the next day comes, go to Krosse West, to
the Skill guild "Wisdom of Kings". This is the first skill guild you'll find
in the game. Buy all the skill sets, they cost almost nothing. Afterwards, go
to Krosse castle, which is to the north. At the castle, talk to the left 
receptionist. Go downstirs to the armory to find WOODEN SHIELD and LEATHER 
HELMET. Go to Prince's Chamber to find 500 FOL in the chest. Then talk to the
soldiers at the 1st floor. Go north for a scene with the king of Krosse. You
will get 600 Fol and a Travel Permit from him. Go back to the city. You'll 
meet Celine at the plaza. After the scene, agree to go with her to the Krosse
Cave (you can't decline her offer anyway). Celine will temporarily join you.
You'll also get a Treasure Map key item. Your next destination is Krosse Cave,
which is east of Krosse City.

==============================================================================
Krosse Cave

Recommended level: 8
Items: Blueberries, Blackberries, Iron, Antidote, Artemis Leaf, Syrup,
Lavender, ?Mineral, The Scream, Magic Canvas, ?Item, Antidote, Blackberries,
Resurrection Mist, 600 Fol, Feather Pen, Lavender, Sweet Syrup, Stink Gel,
Ancient Text, 700 Fol, Green Beryl, Walls of the Soul
Enemies: Alraune, Armored Knight, Landworm, Slime

==============================================================================

Go north to the next screen. Go west to get BLUEBERRIES. Return to the fork,
go east and north. You'll come to a three-way fork here. First head strictly
right to get BLACKBERRIES and IRON. Then return to the fork and go northeast.
Nab ANTIDOTE from a chest. Go west two screens to get ARTEMIS LEAF and SYRUP.
Return two screens right and go north into the hole. Get LAVENDER and ?MINERAL
on your way. From here, go right, then right again to get THE SCREAM and MAGIC
CANVAS. Back one screen, go left to get ?ITEM. Go west and south to get 
ANTIDOTE and BLACKBERRIES. Return to the last fork and go south for three
chests with RESURRECTION MIST, 600 FOL and FEATHER PEN. Go back to the fork
where you found Lavender and ?Mineral. From here, take the path west all the
way, grab another LAVENDER from a chest. From that place, go north and west to
get SWEET SYRUP and STINK GEL. Back east, east again, east one more time to 
reach a savepoint and a weird stone. A scene takes place. Save afterwards.
Heal yourself and enter the passageway with a green light. You'll see five
chests.  Open the leftmost one to find ANCIENT TEXT. Another scene. The other
chests contain 700 FOL, GREEN BERYL, WALLS OF THE SOUL and the last (northern)
one contains an enemy...

=================
BOSS: Gargoyle x2
=================

HP: 1500 each MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Easy
333 EXP, 1700 Fol

With Celine's spells this boss is a joke. Keep hitting them with Claude, and
have Celine casting her magic to quickly dispose of these little bastards.

Return to the beginning of the dungeon. Here, you'll have an option to say
goodbye to Celine or ask her to stay with you. The choice is yours. Anyway,
our next destination is Kurik, which is pretty far away from where we are now.
To get there, read the sign near the Krosse Cave to find out that Kurik lies
north of Krosse. Follow the north road from that sign until you reach this
port town.

==============================================================================
Kurik

Recommended level: 12
Items: Lyre, Vegetables, Grains, Seafood
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

If you want to fight an uber-hard boss much much later in the game, do a PA in
Kurik involving Philia. This Private Action MUST be done before the town is
destroyed.
Go to the mansion on the hill near the town's entance to get LYRE. Go to the
western part of town. Enter the restaurant and open the chests for VEGETABLES,
GRAINS, and SEAFOOD. Go to the dock on the south and talk to the ship captain.
Scene follows. Go back north for another scene. Oops, out of money! Run around
the town, visiting all areas until you find a boy in the eastern area near the
weapon shop. After the scene, visit Ketil's house (near the entrance), the
restaurant, the tailor shop and finally go speak with the kids playing at the
dock for a scene. Talk to the ship captain, go north again. Dammit, the whole
town is ruined. On the hill overlooking town, speak with the captain and go up
to speak with Ketil. You'll get your Travel Permit back. Looks like now you
have to go to Lacuer. But first we need to get to Marze. Marze is to the east
of Krosse City.

==============================================================================
Marze

Recommended level: 12
Items: Silk Robe, Sour Syrup, Purple Amulet, Silence Card
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Go to Celine's house at the west side of the town, enter it and get a SILK 
ROBE from a chest. Now, use the shops if you want and remember the place near
the inn, where an old man is. You can pickpocket him (assuming you have Thief
Gloves), and if your Pickpocketing specialty is at a high enough level, you
can steal a Goodie Box from him. Goodie Box can rarely give you powerful items
early in the game. Remember that you can buy Thief's Gloves at Hilton for a 
whopping sum of 40000 Fol. But enough of that crap; go to the elder's house
near the west entrance and witness a long scene. Rena will leave your party
for a while. Return to the elder's house, and in the back room you'll find
SOUR SYRUP, PURPLE AMULET, and a SILENCE CARD. When you're done, talk to the
village elder and choose to rest. You'll get Mud Shoes eventually. It's time
to enter the Forest of Symbols.

==============================================================================
Forest of Symbols

Recommended level: 12
Items: ?Herb, Amber Robe, Smelling Salts, Illusion Doll, Mandrake
Enemies: Witchette, Bugbear, Garuda Eagle, Robber Axman

==============================================================================

Save beforehand. Go west at the intersection for a ?HERB. Go east thebn until
you run into a fight with three bandits. It's easy, and gives a decent amount
of EXP points. Keep following the only path, and you'll fight another group of
bandits. When you'll come to an area covered with mud, equip the Mud Shoes to
get past it. In this very area, turn north for an AMBER ROBE. Go back and
continue left. Another group of bandits will ambush you. After taking care of
them, go east for SMELLING SALTS. Go north and a little east for an ILLUSION
DOLL. Then go north again. Take the east path to save. North again. On this
screen, head east for MANDRAKE. Then go all the way west for a scene.

===============
BOSS: Snow Ogre
===============

HP: 3000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Easy
500 EXP, 1000 Fol

Another joke of a boss, only now it has a decent amount of HP. Treat it like
that Allen Tucks guy. With Celine's help, it should be quick and painless. 
Have her casting Energy Arrow/Fire Bolt to quickly end the fight, while you
hit him with eerything you've got.

You'll be back in Marze. Try to leave the village and Celine will stop you.

Ok, looks like now you have to go to Harley to get to Lacuer from there, but
I highly advice you to start working on recruitment of some new party members
from this point. If you want Ashton, go to Harley, speak with the two men near
the entrance to find out about some dragon trouble in Salva Mines (Harley is 
west from Marze). Then head for the Mines. Note that you can't get Opera and
Ernest if you get Ashton.
On the other hand, if you want Opera/Ernest, go to Krosse City and do a PA
involving Ernest, the three-eyed man. It's the first step to getting Opera.

So, assuming you want Ashton, go talk to those two men in Harley and return to
Salva Mines. Enter the dungeon from the town.

==============================================================================
Salva Mines Revisited

Recommended level: 15
Items: Blueberries, Silver, Maple Syrup, Brigandine, Cinderella Glass, Star 
Ruby, Diamond, Gold Earring, Iron, Aquaberries
Enemies: Gerel, Sandglass, Green Gelatin, Scylla, Werewolf, Beastmaster

==============================================================================

Take the path west for BLUEBERRIES and SILVER, if you haven't opened these
chests already. Then go to the savepoint near the place where you fought Allen
and save. From there head south till you can't anymore and go west. Now you
can pass the previously unpassable point. Go north immediately for some MAPLE
SYRUP. Then west.  On this screen, go north for a BRIGANDINE. Then take the 
west exit. You'll see a running man. Go west for CINDERELLA GLASS. Then head
south to save. Go right for a scene. You'll have to make a choice of "Take 
responsibility/Avoid responsibility". Choose to take responsibility to get
Ashton, or avoid it, if you want Opera. Anyway, after the scene, go right to
get STAR RUBY and DIAMOND.Go back north TWO screens. Keep going north for a
GOLD EARRING, and then east till the end for IRON and AQUABERRIES. Leave the
Mines now, you're done here. When you attempt to leave Salva, a scene will be
triggered if you have Ashton. That means you can now start his exorcising
quest. Go back to Harley now.

You can do some optional dungeons now, but we'll leave them for later. Head
to Harley now (east of Marze).

==============================================================================
Harley

Recommended level: 19
Items: Ring of Sadness, Leather Boots, 1200 Fol, Ring Mail, Sinclair
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Go to Eleanor's home to get RING OF SADNESS. Don't forget to visit the Skill
guild. Enter the Zandor's mansion on the top of the town. Right room on the 
first floor has LEATHER BOOTS and 1200 FOL, and the right room on the second
floor has RING MAIL and SINCLAIR. You're done here, so take a ship to Hilton
for 120 Fol.

==============================================================================
Hilton

Recommended level: 19
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Pay a visit to the inn to watch a scene at night. Visit the Skill guild to 
upgrade you skill sets to level 2. Exit Hilton and go to Lacuer City, which is
east of Hilton.

==============================================================================
Lacuer City

Recommended level: 20
Items: Star Ruby
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

This town is pretty big like Krosse, has 4 weapon shops but sadly has only one
chest item :( You can sign up for an Armory Contest at Lacuer Castle which is
to the north. Talk to the receptionist and you'll need to choose one shop as
your sponsor. Go to the east part of town pick one of four shops. Your new
shiny Armory Contest Badge helps here. Whenever you're ready fo the contest,
go to the inn and sleep there. After the scene, go to the Lacuer castle Arena
on the 2nd Floor (Note that you can also find a STAR RUBY here on the first
floor). After the scene go to the waiting room to the left and talk to a few
combatants. Your first match is up next. It's very easy. Go talk to Celine or
Ashton after the match. Soon you'll fight your second match which is no big
difference from the first. The third match is a tad hard. Use all of your 
items here if you need. The sasquatch can hit for 400 HP damage so beware.
Your final match is against Dias Flac. You're destined to lose here. After the
fight, go to your sponsor shop to claim the second place prize. You can also
go Gamgee's shop now on the west part of town. You'll be rewarded with DEADLY
EDGE sword! Your next destination is Linga, but now would be a good time to
do Ashton's quest if you want. Refer to the Side-quests section for details.
You can also recruit Welch in Lacuer now, if you have 4 or more party members.

==============================================================================
Linga

Recommended level: 27
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

During your first visit to this town you'll run into Precis. If you want to
recruit her, exit the town and do a PA in it. Run to the Bowman's house for
a scene. Voila, you can have Precis now! Note that you can't get Bowman if you
have Precis. To advance the plot, go into the center house in the south part
of the town. After the scene, go to the house in the left part of the northern
part of town. Speak with Bowman there. Looks like you need to go to the Linga
Sacred Grunds to prove that you've indeed been to Krosse Cave. Sacred Grounds
are situated right next to Linga.

==============================================================================
Sacred Grounds of Linga

Recommended level: 28
Items: Lavender, Ruby, Mixed Syrup, Wolfsbane, Maandrake Rainbow Diamond, 
Clarisage, Chain of Might, Amulet of Antivenin, Rose Hip, Drill Puncher, 
Lavender, Lavender, Twin Splicers, Athelas, Athelas, Artemis Leaf, Bubble 
Lotion, Cinderella Glass, Medicine Bottle, ?Armor
Enemies: Wolfhead, Coquettish Whip, Ooze, Blood Hound, Mandrake, Killer Rabbit

==============================================================================

Sheesh, from this point the dungeons will get more and more frustrating. Grab
LAVENDER from the bush, descend the west stairs to a chest with RUBY. Go back
east. At the next screen, go northeast to get MIXED SYRUP. Then head west 
under the bridge to WOLFSBANE. From this place, go north, then continue north
at the intersection. Descend the stairs to MANDRAKE. From here run south for
RAINBOW DIAMOND and CLARISAGE. Looks like we've found an unknown herb. But
we're not done here yet.  Return to the last intersection, go south, at the
next fork go east. Keep going east until you find CHAIN OF MIGHT. Run up the
stairs and head immediately north. Keep going north, and you'll come to a
three-way fork. Take the center path. Grab AMULET OF ANTIVENIN. From here go
west making a turn around the dragon skeleton and grabbing ROSE HIP along the
way. Continue east, take DRILL PUNCHER and go south in the tunnel. Head east
for LAVENDER. Return west. Go west this time and then north. Descend to the
dragon skeleton. Run under it for another pathetic LAVENDER. Go back the way
you came and go immediately east for ATHELAS and TWIN SPLICERS. From this
chest, go right through the rock wall to the savepoint. Continue north for a
scene.

================
BOSS: Visseya x3
================

HP: 10000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Easy
3150 EXP, 21000 Fol

This boss is not hard at all. Keep spanking th larvas with Claude (and Ashton
if you have him), while Celine kills them from afar. Thet might swallow your
characters which looks funny, and you won't be able to move your character
for a while. Just hit the larvas with another characeter, and they'll spit you
out.

After the battle, nab three chests with CINDERELLA GLASS, MEDICINE BOTTLE and
?ARMOR. Go back to the place with Twin Splicers and go west. Now run south.
At the three-way fork, take the right path for ATHELAS. Now take the left path
to descend the stairs. Run east for ARTEMIS LEAF. Go back west and south for
a BUBBLE LOTION. You're done here, so backtrack to the entrance.

Return to Linga and talk with Bowman again. Go to Keith's house for a scene.
At Bowman's house, go to the 2nd floor and talk to Bowman in the bedroom.

Now's the time to go to Lacuer. If you want to get Welch, do a PA here, cause
soon enough she'll be unavailable. In the Lacuer castle, open the chest with
10000 FOL in the Royal Bedchamber. Go to the Symbological Weapons Laboratory
on the ground floor (accessible through the east hall). Leon will give you a
Combo Link and join the party temporarily. Your next destination is Hoffman
Ruins place. Go to Hilton and talk with a man in blue armor. Choose "We're all
set! Let's go!". From the Hoffman coast, go through the woods to the place.

==============================================================================
Hoffman Ruins

Recommended level: 36
Items: Stone Cure, Ricochet Bracelet, Angelic Headband, White Clip, Holy Mist,
Green Beryl, Tedious Hand Stick, Breeze Earring, Orichalcum, Custard of Life,
Gold, Primavera, Diamond, Medicine Bottle, Blackberries, Green Beryl, Storm
Ring, Primavera, Amulet of Freedom, Sour Syrup, ?Herb, Fruit Syrup, Hot Syrup,
Hammer Charm, Mechanic's Toolbox, Daze Bomb, Aquaberries, Hexagram Card
Enemies: Protector, Bowlady, Black Slime, Axman of Doom, Whelp

==============================================================================

Dammit, this place is even more frustrating than the Sacred Grounds of Linga.
Run up the stairway. After a little scene, go through the newly opened door.
Head immediately east to a savepoint. Go back, enter the first door on the 
left for STONE CURE. The second door has RICOCHET BRACELET. Go further north-
east for ANGELIC HEADBAND and WHITE CLIP. Back at the savepoint, enter the
green elevator.
At the intersection go northeast for HOLY MIST and GREEN BERYL. Continue south
east. Get TEDIOUS HANDY STICK for Welch from the chest. Go northeast and pull
the lever to blow up the rocks. You HP will be halved, so heal right away. Go
northwest for BREEZE EARRING, then northeast for ORICHALCUM and a little 
further south for CUSTARD OF LIFE and GOLD. Go back to the explosion site and
run southeast. Grab PRIMAVERA here. Don't pull the lever, there's nothing
there. Go south. On this screen, take DIAMOND and MEDICINE BOTTLE from the
chests. Run southwest for BLACKBERRIES. Then head south for GREEN BERYL. Keep
going south, and then move a little east for a STORM RING. Go south again. At
the next screen, grab PRIMAVERA and save. The boss is up ahead, but let's get
all th remaining chests. Go southwest, making a little turn. Don't blow up the
rocks take AMULET OF FREEDOM from the chest and go west for SOUR SYRUP and 
?HERB. Return northeast. The northeast again, then east. Keep going east, then
northeast again. Continue east again. Take the FRUIT SYRUP. Go southwest for
HOT SYRUP and HAMMER CHARM. Now go southeast. In this area open the chests for
MECHANIC'S TOOLBOX and DAZE BOMB. Return north. Then go northwest. Then head
north again. Keep following the northwest path for 2 screens. Now head south-
west to the chest with AQUABERRIES. And finally move down south to HEXAGRAM
CARD. Backtack to the savepoint by going south, south, southwest and east.
Save and go north for a scene.

================
BOSS: Halfynx x2
================

HP: 36700 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Medium
10000 EXP, 10000 Fol

Treat these two baddies like any other boss. Keep using Helmetbrak, Rock
Explosion and everything else that you feel will help. Keep them away from
Rena, so that she won't fall from their attacks. There's nothing more to say,
really, just hack away and heal when needed.

You will obtain the Energy Stone after the battle. Return to the entrance. If 
you already have Opera, and have seen the crashsite in the Sacred Forest,
then you'll run into Ernest, possessed by a ghost. Win a quick battle and you
will have an option to leave Ernest in the group. If you choose not to, he AND
Opera will leave the party forever. Run to the coast and return to Lacuer. 
Head for the castle throne room for another scene. The Lacuer Front Line Base
is north from Lacuer.

==============================================================================
Lacuer Front Line Base

Recommended level: 43
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================
 
The weapon shop here has some good weapons. Go left on the second screen. Then
go norhtwest. Enter the commander's office for a scene. Go talk to Dias after
it. After the conversation talk with Rena. On the next day, run back to the
first screen to save. Talk to the people in the general store and go up for a
scene.

===========
BOSS: Cynne
===========

HP: 21000, MP: 200
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

You can't win this battle. You have to survive for 1 minute and it will end.
Just keep healing yourself until you're through with it.

Go to the hospital room, and another scene takes place. You'll fight three
Stone Statue first, that aren't hard at all, and then you'll fight Cynne once
again. You're destined to lose, so just let him smite you off. Claude will
come to his senses on an unknown seashore. After the scene with Leon, go north
on the world map to reunite with your party in the village of Eluria.

==============================================================================
Eluria

Recommended level: 43
Items: Metal Fang, Rune Cap, Fists of the Giant, Shield Swords, Silver Robe,
Silver Robe, Silver Greaves, Silver Greaves, Plate Armor, Plate Armor, Veil
Piercer, Fine Shield
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After the scene, talk to the village chief in the norhteastern house. Then go
to the Armory and check the barrels all over the place to find METAL FANG, 
RUNE CAP, FISTS OF THE GIANT, SHIELD SWORDS, SILVER ROBE x2, SILVER GREAVES
x2, PLATE ARMOR x2, VEIL PIERCER and FINE SHIELD. As you leave, the youth will
give and ID Card key item. After you leave Eluria, you'll see an interesting
scene involving Ronyx.

Now go to the Eluria Tower, northeast of Eluria village.

==============================================================================
Eluria Tower

Recommended level: 43
Items: Holy Mist, Amulet of Flexibility, Steel Helmet, X Clip, Meteor Ring,
Aquaberries, Sapphire, Music Editor, Paralysis Cure, Pixie's Bracelet, Crested
Shield, Stone Cure, Star Ruby, Crystal, Super Puncher, Refreshing Syrup, 
Crested Shield, ?Armor, Gale Earring, Splinter, Medicine Bottle, Murasame,
Fists of the Giant
Enemies: Darth Widow, Orange Gelatin, Elder Witchette, Goathead, Timekeeper,
Defender

==============================================================================

Go north and use the ID Card.

1F
Go north for HOLY MIST, AMULET OF FLEXIBILITY, STEEL HELMET, X CLIP and METEOR
RING. Take whichever stairs you want to 2F.
2F
Open the chests with AQUABERRIES, SAPPHIRE and PARALYSIS CURE. Go left for 
MUSIC EDITOR, PIXIE'S BRACELET and CRESTED SHIELD. Go back east and continue
north to the savepoint.
3F
Go west and north for STONE CURE and STAR RUBY. Take the eastern teleporter.
4F
Open the chests with CRYSTAL and SUPER PUNCHER for Precis. Take the west exit
to 5F.
5F
Get REFRESHING SYRUP, CRESTED SHIELD and ?ARMOR. Talk to the minister statue
and spell D-E-A-T-H. You'll obtain the Key Card. Take southwestern teleporter.
4F
Take western teleporter.
5F
Use the Key Card on the red pillars. After the scene, go west.

Onboard Calnus, talk to Ronyx, when you'll gain control of Claude again. You
will be sent back to Eluria Tower soon after. Take the northeastern teleporter
to 6F.
6F
Save. Head north to meet an old friend.

=============================
BOSS: Cynne & Stone Statue x2
=============================

Cynne: HP: 21000, MP: 200
Stone Statue: HP: 2200 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Easy
11350 EXP, 52100 Fol

Now you can kick Cynne's ass finally. Get rid of Stone Statues and focus all
of your attacks on the flying bastard. Soon enough he will die, since he has
no potentially dangerous attacks and pathetic defense.

Take the teleport which Cynne was blocking. The right door has SPLINTER and
MEDICINE BOTTLE. The left door has MURASAME and FISTS OF THE GIANT. Run to
the center room from the left room, open the chest with GALE EARRING and take
the right exit.

==============
BOSS: Metatron
==============

HP: 100000, MP: 100
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

Yet another battle you cannot win. Just let him destroy you. He will pay for
that later.

After some shocking events happening at the top of Eluria Tower, you'll find
yourself on a different planet. The mayor of th city, Nall, will welcome you.
After the scene, get out of the building and explore the city.

==============================================================================
The Centropolis of Nede

Recommended level: 51
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

First, pay a visit to the shops around the place. They have a very nice 
selection of weapons and items for you. Beside, you should have enough Fol by
now to buy all of the new equipment. The Skill guild here sucks. Don't forget
to buy Lezard's Flask in the item shop, you'll need it. You can encountet
Chisato in the west part of town, but the process of recruiting her is yet to
begin. Exit the city in the south.

Ok, our next stop is North City, to the north (of course).

==============================================================================
North City

Recommended level: 52
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

You'll run into Chisato again. Go to the north to the library, the Nedepedia.
Run the materials about the history of Nede and Ten Wise Men here by talking
to the operator. Then go east to get yourself a Psynard. A scene follows, and
a boss battle begins.

=============
BOSS: Psynard
=============

HP: 43000, MP: 200
Difficulty: Easy
20000 EXP, 20000 Fol

Yet again, non-hard boss that wants to get his ass kicked. 'Yawn'. Just keep
using Helmetbreak to finish him off.

You'll be transported to the Endangered Species Protection Area, i.e. Noel's
home. He'll join your party for a while. Open the chests with 50000 FOL, PET
FOOD and LIFE IN NATURE. Go north og Noel's house into the cavern.

==============================================================================
Cave of Crimson Crystals

Recommended level: 53
Items: Resurrection Elixir, Dream Bracelet, Theory of Symbology, ?Mineral,
Cinderella Glass, Eagle's Shawl, Chisato's Card, Fruit Syrup, ?Mineral
Enemies: Peryton, Hellhound, Shockray, Red Balloon

==============================================================================

Go north. Turn to far east for RESURRECTION ELIXIR. Return to the fork and go
straight north into the tunnel with yellow light. Get DREAM BRACELET, THEORY
OF SYMBOLOGY and ?MINERAL here. Go back and run northwest this time. Grab
CINDERELLA GLASS in the northwest corner and keep on running east. Exit this
screen in southeast. Go straight east and descend the stairs. Chisato will
appear yet again. Take EAGLE'S SHAWL from the chest, go back up and take the
bridge. Pick up CHISATO'S CARD that she lost. You'll need it if you want to
recruit her later. When you'll see a Psynard, keep going east and take the 1st
bridge south you'll see. Go south and west in the end. Save at the savepoint.
Go sout hagain for FRUIT SYRUP and ?MINERAL. Go north for a boss battle.

===================
BOSS: Arachnovia x2
===================

HP: 40000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Medium
19500 EXP, 52000 Fol

This boss isn't as hard as it may look, but keep an eye on your mages, though.
They may die if they get in the way of Arachnovias. So all you need to do is
not let the spiderwomans get to the back. Use every Special Art at your very
disposal to take them out.

You'll have an option to let Noel permanently join you. You also have Psynard
now! Get back to the Centropolis and go into the north building. If you still
have an empty spot in your party, you can recruit Chisato now. Speak to her
at 2F (at the desk) to have her join you. Go talk to Nall at the top floor.
He'll give you a Rune Code and a Combo Link. The next four dungeons can be
hard, so make sure you're leveled properly. The first one we will visit is
the Field of Wisdom, north of Centropolis.

==============================================================================
Field of Wisdom

Recommended level: 56
Items: Faerie Elixir, Tiara of the Arc, Alpha Clip, Mirror of Knowledge, 
Majestic Puncher, Fruit Syrup, Rune Metal
Enemies: Rikka, Wizard, Magic Defender, Controller, Niquia HG

==============================================================================

Touch the center mirror to be teleported to anoother area, to the true Field
of Wisdom. Go back using the mirror, and now take the right mirror for FAERIE
ELIXIR. Go back and use the left mirror for TIARA OF THE ARC. Step on yellow
tile. Examine the sphere to make it spin. Step on yellow tile again. Then step
on west yellow tile. Touch the sphere and go back. Step on east yellow tile.
Touch the sphere and go back. Step on southeast yellow tile this time. Touch
the sphere and go back. Return to the starting three mirrors. Go through the
left one again. Step on yellow tile. Go through the north mirror to find ALPHA
CLIP and MIRROR OF KNOWLEDGE. Go through center mirror to MAJESTIC PUNCHER,
FRUIT SYRUP and RUNE METAL. Go bakc. Touch the right mirror. Get on the west
yellow tile. Examine the sphere and go back. Step on east yellow tile. Touch
the last sphere to make it spin. You'll see a flash of light. Go back. Use the
mirror. Then touch the left mirror. Get back to the entrance. Go through the
middle mirror again. Step on the final yellow tile to be teleported to the
altar.

=====================================================
BOSS: Magic Hand, Force Box, Guard Box & Magic Box x2
=====================================================

Magic Hand: HP: 60000, MP: 100
Force Box: HP: 30000, MP: 100
Guard Box: HP: 30000, MP: 100
Magic Box: HP: 30000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Hard
20200 EXP, 82200 Fol

Ok, it seems we now have a worthy enemy to deal with. Your first aim in this
battle would be the boxes. Get rid of the Magic ones first, then kill the 
Guard and Force ones. The boxes have 30000 HP each, so it's gonna take quite
a while. The main threat in this battle is the big Magic Hand, as it shoots
the white laser beam in front of itself. Anyone who gets in the way will die
in seconds. Bring a whole lot of Resurrection Elixirs and Resurrection Mists
here. If Rena already knows Raise Dead, it's gonna be a little easier then.
Do not let your character stay in front of Magic Hand for long, run to the
sides every now and then. Once the boxes are dead, you can fully focus on the
Magic Hand. Use Helmetbreak to your advantage. Do not let the boss act by 
hitting ALL the time and you'll emerge victorious soon enough.

You will obtain the Orb of Wisdom. Backtrack to the entrance. Field of Might
is situated northwest of Centropolis, in the snowy mountains.

==============================================================================
Field of Might

Recommended level: 57
Items: Assault Bomb, Melt Potion, Armor of the Arc, Knuckles of the Moon,
?Armor, Sword of Marvels, Blackberries, Ring of Might
Enemies: Athul Athul, Dark Crusader, Yeti, Ghast, Insane Lord

==============================================================================

Head all the way right. Fight three Yetis and don't let them get to the lever
behind you. After the fight continue to the chests with ASSAULT BOMB, MELT
POTION, and ARMOR OF THE ARC. Go back and take the northwest path into the
cave. On the lower level, defeat three Yetis again (you get 54000 Fol every
time you successfully defeat such group). Go south and east. Climb the ladder
for KNUCKLES OF THE MOON. Keep going east. Head for the upper cave. Go north
for ?ARMOR. Go left to find another pack of Yetis. Keep going west into the 
cave for a SWORD OF MARVELS. Make absolutely sure you don't miss this awesome
weapon for Claude! Then return east into another cave for BLACKBERRIES. Keep
going east for another pack of Yetis. Exit this screen in southeast. Now go
east and enter the upper cave again. At the fork where you found ?Armor, head
right this time. Exit the are via southeast. On the next screen, take the
northwest exit. Go west, climb the ladder. When you'll see two ladders, take
the right one first for a RING OF MIGHT. Then take the left one. Save at the
savepoint. Cross the bridge for a scene.

==============
BOSS: Guardian
==============

HP: 130000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Hard
37500 EXP, 64000 Fol

This boss is even harder than the previous one. He packs quite a punch, plus
he can hit you multiple times, not letting you character heal properly. Keep
Rena far from him, make sure you hold him in the corner with Claude. When you
are low on health, run away to heal. Nevertheless, bring some Resurrection
Elixirs with you so you can revive someone who has died. The hardest part of
the battle comes when the boss is at 1/3 HP and activates his Final Form. He
dives into the ground and buffs his defense by a lot. This is where you'll be
dying the most. He will be returning each hit with a little blast, severely
damaging your characters. Don't rush in now, or you'll be gone in a flash. The
battle is quite long, but with proper healing you'll make it.

Proceed north to the altar. Orb of Might is yours. Return to the beginning of
the dungeon. If you haven't succeeded in the battles with Yeti and levers and
lost all of them, then you won't be able to exit the dungeon by normal means.
Go to the area where you found Knuckles of the Moon, and look for a place to
call an echo. You'll be taken out of the dungeon by an avalanche. Field of 
Courage is next on our list. It's southeast from the Centropolis.

==============================================================================
Field of Courage

Recommended level: 63
Items: Sour Syrup, Medicine Bottle, Shield of the Arc, Idol of the Warrior,
Luminous Slicers, Mithril Greaves, Amulet of Flexibility
Enemies: Dark Crusader, Rikke, Otiph, Fenrir Beast

==============================================================================

A great place for leveling up, if you're underleveled. Read the sign, go left.
Grab SOUR SYRUP in this area, go back. Proceed northwest for a MEDICINE BOTTLE
and then continue west for a SHIELD OF THE ARC. Go north. At the intersection
take the left path to the little altar with an IDOL OF THE WARRIOR. Take it
and run back east. Go east at the intersection for LUMINOUS SLICERS. Exit this
screen via southeast. Get MITHRIL GREAVES from the chest and go west. At the
next screen exit southeast. Go east for AMULET OF FLEXIBILITY, then continue
southeast. Finally, go east to the elevator. Save afterwards. Choose to place
the statue on the altar when you're ready.

==============
BOSS: Guardian
==============

HP: 130000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Medium
375B00 EXP, 64000 Fol

This Guardian is not as hard as the previous one, fortunately. It doesn't have
a Final Form mode (or maybe I just killed him too quick), but it can do almost
everything that the previous Guardian did. Either way, his defense is not high
enough, so I recommend you to equip the Chain of Might/Ring of Might accessory
combo on Claude. Coupled with the mighty Sword of Marvels, Helmetbreak can do
9999 damage easily. Just keep repeating the Special Art until the boss is no
more.

Orb of Courage is yours now. Retrace your steps to the exit. The last Field
is high up in the sky, close to the Field of Wisdom.

==============================================================================
Field of Love

Recommended level: 69
Items: Serpent's Tooth, Holy Rod, Resurrection Mist, Hot Syrup
Enemies: Master Wizard, Magic Defender, Nihua HG, Rikki, Joypad, Clear Gelatin

==============================================================================

I hate this dungeon with a passion. It's fairly small (only five areas), but
the random battles here happen every three steps or so. And I'm not kidding
about this. Be sure to have someone with a Scouting Specialty at a maximum
level. Otherwise, it's a good place for EXP farming.
Once you enter through the blue door, you'll see a chest in the east. Get to
it for SERPENT'S TOOTH. Then go northwest. Continue going west. In the next 
area, touch the red orb to form a bridge, but don't cross it, go north. Take
the HOLY ROD and RESURRECTION MIST from the chests and touch another red orb.
Now go back, cross the little bridge and exit the screen in northwest. Keep
going north, grabbing HOT SYRUP along the way. You'll come to a savepoint.
Save and go north for a scene.

=============================
BOSS: Lavarre & Sunbreaker x2
=============================

Lavarre: HP: 60000, MP: 0
Sunbreaker: HP: 30000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Easy
13800 EXP, 34000 Fol

This is the easiest battle out of all the Four Fields boss fights. Go straight
for Lavarre and finish her off with you sword. Then focus on the Sunbreakers
and they'll die fast. A pushover battle, no less.

As you lay your hands on the Orb of Love, congrats on beating the Four Fields!
But we're still far from beating the game, though. Go back to the Centropolis,
restock on supplies, and speak with Nall on the top floor of the city hall.
Some scenes will take place, and you'll be taken to L'Aqua. From here, your
party and Nall travel to Phynal, the final dungeon of the game. This is just
the first visit, and it's going to be short. First you'll fight Takikodus and
Mirre 64 two times in a row, and then...

==============
BOSS: Zaphkiel
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 100
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

This is just like the Metatron fight. You simply can't win. Let him finish you
off.

Your group will retreat back to Centropolis. Now it's time to go Armlock, to
the Sealed Door. Armlock is southeast on the Energy Nede map.

==============================================================================
Armlock

Recommended level: 75
Items: Mind Ring
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After speaking with Nall's minion, explore the town for a bit. Visit the shops
and the Skill Guild. Now you have finally obtained all of the Skills guild
skill sets. When you're ready, meet Nall in the north to travel to the sealed
Symbological Weapons Laboratory. Save when you'll have a chance. Go north.
Navigate your way to mayor Nall for a scene. After it, go southwest, south,
south, east, into the door with a chest containing MIND RING, back west, south
and south for another scene. Back in Armlock, enter the house on the east (the
that has a lot of steam coming out of it) to meet Dr. Mirage. You'll get Minae
Cave Key Card from Nall. To get to the Minae Cave, fly a little west from
Armlock.

==============================================================================
Minae Cave

Recommended level: 77
Items: Fruit Syrup, ?Mineral, Encyclopedia, Refreshing Syrup, Smelling Salts,
Mithril Mesh, Medicine Bottle, Smith's Hammer, Wonder Drug, Meteorite, 
Lightning Gun, Athelas, Illusion Doll
Enemies: Orange Balloon, Sunbreaker, Dark Water

==============================================================================

Go up and use the key card. Go immediately northeast for FRUIT SYRUP. A little
further northeast is ?MINERAL. Go northwest afterwards. Go west a little for
ENCYCLOPEDIA. Run north to get REFRESHING SYRUP. Head north again. Now walk
west for SMELLING SALTS, then north for MITHRIL MESH, which is a very nice
piece of armor. Equip it on Claude. Proceed east a little to find a hidden
chest with a MEDICINE BOTTLE. Go north for SMITH'S HAMMER. Go back south. On
this screen, run south then northeast for WONDER DRUG and METEORITE. Exit east
then. Take the LIGHTNING GUN from a chest, go south and east for ILLUSION DOLL
and even further north for ATHELAS. Exit this screen in the north part. Keep
on going north, exit via northwest. Save and proceed up for a boss battle.

==============
BOSS: Barchian
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 400
Difficulty: Medium
14950 EXP, 55000 Fol

This boss has only one attack, Pain Release, that hits you party for 3000-3500
damage. If Rena won't succeed in using Fairy Light between the hits, you're
as good as dead. But, don't be afraid, Barchian only starts using this attack
faster when he's near to his death. I was even able to survive two consecutive
hits with Claude without healing. If you heal when needed, and keep mashing
him with Mirror Blade/Helmetbreak, you'll be fine.

Looks like now you've got yourself some LEA Metal. That means Mirage can now
craft us some kickass weapons, so return to Armlock as fast as you can. Mirage
will also give N.P.I.D. Go to the Fun City, which is north of Armlock. Before
going there, make sure you have at least 3 Amulets of Flexibility. Have 'em?
Good, then enter the area for a scene. You'll get a Godslayer, Knuckles of
Hope and Void Matter from Dr. Mirage. Save at the savepoint, talk to the man
and choose "Visit mayor Nall". A scene will take place, and look who's here.
It's...

==============
BOSS: Zaphkiel
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Medium
18000 EXP, 50000 Fol

The first of the Ten Wise Men comes to play. It's Zaphkiel, and he has a nasty
attack called Cruel Bludgeon which he uses constantly. Well well well, I guess
it WOULD be a mighty attack, if it weren't for our defense. At level 80, and
with things like Mithril Mesh/Cloak of the Stars equipped, it'll be doing 1500
or 2000 damage per hit, which is counterable with Fairy Light. That said, I
can't see how you can lose this battle, only if you're extremely underleveled
will you have trouble with Zaphkiel. Keep using Mirror Blade for a quick win.

Equip your party with Amulets of Flexibility now. Exit the Arena to face the
second Wise Man... err, Robot.

=============
BOSS: Jophyel
=============

HP: 160000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Hard
20750 EXP, 54000 Fol

Now THIS is a whole different story, people. Pretty much like Zaphkiel, Jophy
uses only one attack - Energy Rain. Hopefully you have those Flexibility
amulets, or else you're stoned literally. Energy Rain hits for about 3500-4000
damage and petrifies the character. I don't think it works 100% of the time,
but somewhere close to it. Even with the Amulets you'll have a pretty hard
time staying alive here. Get to Jophyel as fast as you can and start working
on him with Mirror Blade. He uses Energy Rain like crazy, not stopping even
for a moment. Fortunately you can cancel his attack if you're lucky. So rely
on brute force and stay close to him, and use Resurrection Elixirs/Mists when
needed.

Save at the world map. Get back to Armlock ASAP. Approach Mirage's house for a
scene.

==============
BOSS: Metatron
==============

HP: 170000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Easy
24750 EXP, 58000 Fol

Surprisingly, Metatron is too weak for a real Wise Man. His main feature is
using Metablock or Metaguard for like 30 seconds. You can't damage him during
this phase. Once the shield goes off, destroy the bastard with Mirror Blade.
It's easy to stun Metatron, and when he's stunned, he's dead meat.

After the scene, leave Armlock. You'll be told to go to L'Aqua. This is it, my
dear reader, it's time to head for the final storyline dungeon of the game.

L'Aqua is in the center of the map, a little northwest of the Field of Love.
Once there, proceed north for a scene. Go into the infirmary on the right and
talk to Nall. Choose "Yes, we're ready". From the Phynal pier, enter Phynal
from the world map (save beforehand).

==============================================================================
Phynal

Recommended level: 80
Items: Mithril Shield, Symbology Dictionary, Nuclear Bomb, Spark Whip, Shadow
Cross, ?Item, Resurrection Mist, Beta Clip, Lotus Eaters, Atomic Puncher, 
Mithril, Sylvan Boots, Fists of the Titan, Rune Shoes, Bouro, Medicine Bottle,
Refreshing Syrup, Gigawatt Stunner, Thunderclap Rod, Dueling Helmet, Potion of
Epiphany, Philosopher's Stone, Athelas, Dueling Suit, Goddess Statuette, Stone
Cure
Enemies: Takikodus, Erikodus, Niquia LM, Mirre 64, Medusa Lizard, Succubus,
Dark Crusader, Master Wizard, Quidonya, River Slug, Phantom Phoenix

==============================================================================

Go north on the bridge to enter the Phynal tower. As you enter, you'll be
thrown into a fight with another three of the Ten Wise Men.

===============================
BOSS: Zadkiel, Raphael & Camael
===============================

Zadkiel: HP: 105800, MP: 200
Raphael: HP: 85000, MP: 180
Camael: HP: 45500, MP: 150
Difficulty: Hard
18000 EXP, 70000 Fol

This battle is HARD. We have three enemies here, and all of them are quite 
deadly. Your first target should be either Camael or Raphael. Camael has low
HP, but Raphael can make your characters possessed for a LONG time. That being
said, I would go for Raphael first. Keep using Mirror Blade until he bites the
dust. Camael will occasionally heal his allies, but his healing powers are
weak - they will recover about 1200-1500 HP per use. Once Raphael is gone, 
quickly take out Camael. This won't take long. Once only Zadkiel is left, 
start working on his HP and look out for his spells. You should win the battle
eventually.

Go back to the world map to save. It's safer that way:) Once back in Phynal,
go north. Take northeast exit. Enter the red door to find MITHRIL SHIELD and
SYMBOLOGY DICTIONARY. Go back south. Go through the far west door. Enter the
first room you see for NUCLEAR BOMB, SPARK WHIP and SHADOW CROSS. Go back and
take the path northwest straight to the teleporter.
2F
Go north. Enter the northwest door, go north again for ?ITEM and RESURRECTION
MIST. Go back. Go through the northeast door now. Head northeast again to the
teleporter.
3F
Go north. Keep on keepin' on north until you arrive at the four-way fork, go
south. Keep going south to the teleporter.
2F
Follow the only way to BETA CLIP and LOTUS EATERS. Return to 3F.
3F
Go north 2 times. Run north again at the 4-way fork to the teleporter.
4F
Go north. You can find MITHRIL, SYLVAN BOOTS and FISTS OF THE GIANT in the 
north room, ATOMIC PUNCHER in the western, and RINE SHOES in the eastern.
Return to 3F.
3F
Go north. Exit the fork west this time. Keep going west to the teleporter.
4F
Follow the only path there is to another teleporter.
5F
Go north. Follow the single path to the savepoint. There's no point in going
east this time. If you go north, you'll face a boss. Prepare for the fight by
equipping your characters with Amulets of Flexibility/Anti-petrify armor and
fire-damage-reducing accessories such Ruby, Star Ruby, Shadow Cross, etc.

======================
BOSS: Michael & Haniel
======================

Michael: HP: 180000, MP: 300
Haniel: HP: 140000, MP: 200
Difficulty: Very Hard
46250 EXP, 65000 Fol

The last three wise men were NOTHING compared to this battle. You'll be facing
only two this time, but believe me, they're hard as hell without proper preps
and strategy. Your one and only goal in this fight - destroy Michael as quick
as possible. He uses fire spells like Eruption and Explode, but he also has a
very damaging one - Spicule. Spicule does around 6000-6500 damage without fire
protection, and a little less with protection. Haniel uses Blood Scylla and a
laser beam that petrifies all that it touches. Since you don't want to die in
a matter of seconds, rush to Michael and start using Mirror Blade and Mirror
Blade only. Helmetbreak is bad because it can give him an opportunity to cast
a spell. Set your other attacker to assault Michael as well. I also recommend
equipping Ring of Might on Claude instead of Amulet of Flexibility, since he
will be focusing mostly on Michael. With Mirror Blade doing about 5000-6000
damage per hit, Michael should go down in about 2 minutes. Once he's gone, you
almost win the battle. Just continue crushing Haniel till he dies, and watch
out for Blood Scylla, of course.

Go back to save. Then proceed north to the teleporter.
6F
This floor has no random battles, but it's annoying nonetheless. I'll cut down
the explanation to only telling you the directions. East, then north. Press 
the middle button on the apparatus. East, press the right button. Go north two
times for BOURO, MEDICINE BOTTLE and REFRESHING SYRUP. Go south two times. 
Press the middle button. Go west. Press left button. South, west, west. Press
the switch. East, east, north. Press middle button. West twice. Press the 
switch. East two times. Press left button. North and east. Press right button.
West, north. Press the switch. South, east. Press left button. East, south.
Press middle button. East, south, press the switch. You'll hear a short melody
now. North, west. Press left button. North, west, north. Press middle button.
East and north to the teleporter.
7F
Go north. Head west at the fork. Go west and north for a GIGAWATT STUNNER. Go
back south, east and east again at the intersection. Run northeast for a save-
point. Walk west and north for yet another boss.

=============
BOSS: Lucifer
=============

HP: 300000, MP: 5900
Difficulty: Medium
115000 EXP, 80000 Fol

Suprisingly, Lucifer is way easier than Michael and Haniel. Maybe it's because
he's alone, I don't know. The only spell you have to watch out for is Demon's
Gate that can hit for 5500-6500 damage. Other than that, he can teleport all
over the battlefield, so just keep Mirror Blading him to prevent it and maybe
even stun him. Once you'll corner him, the job is almost done.

Now that the traitor scum is dead, go north and east for THUNDERCLAP ROD. Then
west and northto the teleporter.
8F
Go north to another teleporter.
9F
Go north. Enter the red door to obtain DUELING HELMET (one of the best helmets
in the game) and PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. Keep going east and then south to the
teleporter. 
8F
Go north. South and west. Save at the savepoint, it will change it's color to
blue. That means that you've opened an optional dungeon, a voice gallery and
you can now return to Nede to turn off Gabriel's limiter and make him an uber
hard boss. But let's leave that for later. Go west till you see two red doors.
Get POTION OF EPIPHANY, ATHELAS, DUELING SUIT (one of the best armors in the
game), GODDESS STATUETTE, STONE CURE. Go back west to the savepoint. Prepare
well to face the final boss. Once ready, go north 3 times. After the FMV scene
you'll face HIM at last.

===================
FINAL BOSS: Gabriel
===================

HP: 500000, MP: 10000
Difficulty: Hard
150000 EXP, 90000 Fol

Gabriel is a formidable foe even WITH the limiter. He'll be using Star Flare
for 6000-7000 damage, Time if Truth and Divine Wave. He'll also start using
Explode and Angel Feather once you deplete his HP by 250000. The same strategy
you used for Lucifer applies here. Mirror Blade him to death, and if manages
to pull off Star Flare, heal right away. Use Resurrection Elixirs when needed,
set all of your comrades except the healer to go all-out on Gabriel. With this
assault, the final boss of Star Ocean: Second Evolution will fall.

Congratulations on beating the game. The ending you'll get is based on AR with
the other characters. Once the credits roll, you'll see a FIN screen. You can
not save, unfortunately, so just restart the game. If you have defeated 2000
monsters total, you can start a new game on Galaxy/Universe difficulty. To
unlock the remaining movies/voices, enter Virtual Expel (through the Old man
in Fun City's arena), save there, go back to Phynal and save again.

               -------THEIR ADVENTURE HAS JUST BEGUN.--------

                                    FIN

==============================================================================
IIB.                         RENA WALKTHROUGH
==============================================================================

==============================================================================  
                              SPOILER WARNING
      This walkthrough of Star Ocean: SE may contains some spoilers which 
     can ruin the game experience for you. I will try to cut their number 
          to minimum, although I'm not the one to blame if you see 
                 something you don't want to see (yet).
         Nevertheless, I will try to cut down the spoilers to minimum.
==============================================================================

Space, the realm of infinite possibility.
It has long inspired the dreams of
billions. These dreams, countless in number, spread infinitely throughout 
the universe...though some of these dreams are nightmares.

A race of sentient being from Planet Lezonia discovered in Sector Gamma,
declared war on the Terran Alliance, igniting the flames of ferocious warfare
across the galaxy.

S.D. 342. The battleship Calnus received a commendation for excellence in
command for its victory in the battle against Lezonia.

S.D. 346. The captain of the Calnus and his second-in-command successfully
contained a mysterious virus outbreak on the underdeveloped frontier planet
Roak. They were also able to prevent the tyrannical Jie Revorse's diabolical
plan to conquer Earth.

Thanks to his achievements, my father was promoted to admiral at the
unprecedented young age of 38. I respected him more than anybody else in my
life. I know that being a Federation officer is among the greatest accomplish-
ments anyone can hope to achieve in this universe. But I am my own man. I'm no
puppet; I'm not just the son of Admiral Ronyx J. Kenny, hero of the 
Pangalactic Federation. So what am I doing here, of all places?

S.D. 366. The gears of the universe continue to turn...

 - Ensign Claude C. Kenny

And now the story begins...

==============================================================================
Arlia Village

Recommended level: 2
Items: Strawberry Jam, Blueberries, Rose Hip, Leather Armor, 200 Fol, 
Blackberries, Resurrection Elixir
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After the scene, go to NE house to find STRAWBERRY JAM. The north-westernmost
house has BLUEBERRIES and ROSE HIP. Near the item shop you can find 3 chests
with LEATHER ARMOR, 200 FOL, and a RESURRECTION ELIXIR. After exploring the
town (talking with everyone) go to Rena's house. Scene follows. Wander around
the room to wait for Rean to come. After a long scene go to Rena's house, 2nd
floor to open the chest with BLACKBERRIES. Buy some Spectacle from the shop.
Afterwards, exit the village via south exit. Save and go to the Sacred Forest
to for a cutscene. You'll meet Claude here. He will level up, and you will
return to Arlia together. 

You'll be in the overworld map. A few words about it - you can save anywhere
you want here, and sometimes use to level up. Now I'd suggest you to level up
to at least level 5 here. The town of Salva is just north of Arlia.

==============================================================================
Salva

Recommended level: 5
Items: Hefty Ring, Portrait B, Rena's Hairpin
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Find a HEFTY RING between the two shops. Go to the mayor's house and open the
chest on the 2nd floor to find PORTRAIT B. Explore the town a little bit, talk
to everyone. Note that you can't go to the Salva Mines yet. Talk to the people
around the village.

==============================================================================
Salva Mines

Recommended level: 5
Items: Rose Hip, Blackberries, Iron, Spectacles, Blueberries, Gold, Gold
Enemies: Lizard Axman, Kobold, Vorpal Bunny, Thieving Scum

==============================================================================

After talking with a worker, save at the savepoint. Go north. Get ROSE HIP and
BLACKBERRIES. Go norht for IRON. Keep on keeping on west, then go north to 
save again. Do not go east yet, go west instead to find SPECTACLES, then
return to the savepoint and go south a little and them west again for some
BLUEBERRIES and GOLD. South and west again to the nest screen. Get GOLD from 
the chest. Read the sign. This is where you'll be able to get a secret party
member later in the game. Turn back for now and head to the savepoint. Save
and finally head east.

=================
BOSS: Allen Tucks
=================

HP: 400 MP: 0
Difficulty: Very Easy
75 EXP, 300 Fol

This boss is a joke. Just keep on mashing him while Rena heals you when needed
and he'll go down in 20 seconds or less.

Scene follows. You'll be back at the mayor's mansion. Back in Arlia, talk to
the mayor before bedtime. After the scene, you can now go to Krosse.
Private Actions also become available now. To reach Krosse City, go to Salva,
and use the NW exit out of the town.

==============================================================================
Krosse City

Recommended level: 8
Items: Wooden Shield, Leather Helmet, 500 Fol
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

First, go sleep at the inn. When the next day comes, go to Krosse West, to
the Skill guild "Wisdom of Kings". This is the first skill guild you'll find
in the game. Buy all the skill sets, they cost almost nothing. Afterwards, go
to Krosse castle, which is to the north. At the castle, talk to the left 
receptionist. Go downstirs to the armory to find WOODEN SHIELD and LEATHER 
HELMET. Go to Prince's Chamber to find 500 FOL in the chest. Then talk to the
soldiers at the 1st floor. Go north for a scene with the king of Krosse. You
will get 600 Fol and a Travel Permit from him. Go back to the city. You'll 
meet Celine at the plaza. After the scene, agree to go with her to the Krosse
Cave (you can't decline her offer anyway). Celine will temporarily join you.
You'll also get a Treasure Map key item. Your next destination is Krosse Cave,
which is east of Krosse City.

==============================================================================
Krosse Cave

Recommended level: 8
Items: Blueberries, Blackberries, Iron, Antidote, Artemis Leaf, Syrup,
Lavender, ?Mineral, The Scream, Magic Canvas, ?Item, Antidote, Blackberries,
Resurrection Mist, 600 Fol, Feather Pen, Lavender, Sweet Syrup, Stink Gel,
Ancient Text, 700 Fol, Green Beryl, Walls of the Soul
Enemies: Alraune, Armored Knight, Landworm, Slime

==============================================================================

Go north to the next screen. Go west to get BLUEBERRIES. Return to the fork,
go east and north. You'll come to a three-way fork here. First head strictly
right to get BLACKBERRIES and IRON. Then return to the fork and go northeast.
Nab ANTIDOTE from a chest. Go west two screens to get ARTEMIS LEAF and SYRUP.
Return two screens right and go north into the hole. Get LAVENDER and ?MINERAL
on your way. From here, go right, then right again to get THE SCREAM and MAGIC
CANVAS. Back one screen, go left to get ?ITEM. Go west and south to get 
ANTIDOTE and BLACKBERRIES. Return to the last fork and go south for three
chests with RESURRECTION MIST, 600 FOL and FEATHER PEN. Go back to the fork
where you found Lavender and ?Mineral. From here, take the path west all the
way, grab another LAVENDER from a chest. From that place, go north and west to
get SWEET SYRUP and STINK GEL. Back east, east again, east one more time to 
reach a savepoint and a weird stone. A scene takes place. Save afterwards.
Heal yourself and enter the passageway with a green light. You'll see five
chests.  Open the leftmost one to find ANCIENT TEXT. Another scene. The other
chests contain 700 FOL, GREEN BERYL, WALLS OF THE SOUL and the last (northern)
one contains an enemy...

=================
BOSS: Gargoyle x2
=================

HP: 1500 each MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Easy
333 EXP, 1700 Fol

With Celine's spells this boss is a joke. Keep hitting them with Claude, and
have Celine casting her magic to quickly dispose of these little bastards.

Return to the beginning of the dungeon. Here, you'll have an option to say
goodbye to Celine or ask her to stay with you. The choice is yours. Anyway,
our next destination is Kurik, which is pretty far away from where we are now.
To get there, read the sign near the Krosse Cave to find out that Kurik lies
north of Krosse. Follow the north road from that sign until you reach this
port town.

==============================================================================
Kurik

Recommended level: 12
Items: Lyre, Vegetables, Grains, Seafood
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

If you want to fight an uber-hard boss much much later in the game, do a PA in
Kurik involving Philia. This Private Action MUST be done before the town is
destroyed.
Go to the mansion on the hill near the town's entance to get LYRE. Go to the
western part of town. Enter the restaurant and open the chests for VEGETABLES,
GRAINS, and SEAFOOD. Go to the dock on the south and talk to the ship captain.
Scene follows. Go back north for another scene. Oops, out of money! Run around
the town, visiting all areas until you find a boy in the eastern area near the
weapon shop. After the scene, visit Ketil's house (near the entrance), the
restaurant, the tailor shop and finally go speak with the kids playing at the
dock for a scene. Talk to the ship captain, go north again. Dammit, the whole
town is ruined. On the hill overlooking town, speak with the captain and go up
to speak with Ketil. You'll get your Travel Permit back. Looks like now you
have to go to Lacuer. But first we need to get to Marze. Marze is to the east
of Krosse City.

==============================================================================
Marze

Recommended level: 12
Items: Silk Robe, Sour Syrup, Purple Amulet, Silence Card
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Go to Celine's house at the west side of the town, enter it and get a SILK 
ROBE from a chest. Now, use the shops if you want and remember the place near
the inn, where an old man is. You can pickpocket him (assuming you have Thief
Gloves), and if your Pickpocketing specialty is at a high enough level, you
can steal a Goodie Box from him. Goodie Box can rarely give you powerful items
early in the game. Remember that you can buy Thief's Gloves at Hilton for a 
whopping sum of 40000 Fol. But enough of that crap; go to the elder's house
near the west entrance and witness a long scene. Rena will leave your party
for a while. Return to the elder's house, and in the back room you'll find
SOUR SYRUP, PURPLE AMULET, and a SILENCE CARD. When you're done, talk to the
village elder and choose to rest. You'll get Mud Shoes eventually. It's time
to enter the Forest of Symbols.

==============================================================================
Forest of Symbols

Recommended level: 12
Items: ?Herb, Amber Robe, Smelling Salts, Illusion Doll, Mandrake
Enemies: Witchette, Bugbear, Garuda Eagle, Robber Axman

==============================================================================

Save beforehand. Go west at the intersection for a ?HERB. Go east then until
you run into a fight with three bandits. It's easy, and gives a decent amount
of EXP points. Keep following the only path, and you'll fight another group of
bandits. When you'll come to an area covered with mud, equip the Mud Shoes to
get past it. In this very area, turn north for an AMBER ROBE. Go back and
continue left. Another group of bandits will ambush you. After taking care of
them, go east for SMELLING SALTS. Go north and a little east for an ILLUSION
DOLL. Then go north again. Take the east path to save. Go west from the
savepoint to find FLAME SWORD. Back and north again. On this screen, head east
for MANDRAKE. Then go all the way west for a scene.

==============================
BOSS: Azam Gille & Shielder X4
==============================

Azam Gille: HP: 21000, MP: 0
Shielder: HP: 2200, MP: 0
Difficulty: Medium
920 EXP, 3750 Fol

This boss is not hard, just keep on mashing him while controlling Dias and
keep Rena healing you when needed. Chaos Sword should do the job.

You'll be back in Marze. Try to leave the village and Celine will stop you.

Ok, looks like now you have to go to Harley to get to Lacuer from there, but
I highly advice you to start working on recruitment of some new party members
from this point. If you want Ashton, go to Harley, speak with the two men near
the entrance to find out about some dragon trouble in Salva Mines (Harley is 
west from Marze). Then head for the Mines. Note that you can't get Opera and
Ernest if you get Ashton.
On the other hand, if you want Opera/Ernest, go to Krosse City and do a PA
involving Ernest, the three-eyed man. It's the first step to getting Opera.

So, assuming you want Ashton, go talk to those two men in Harley and return to
Salva Mines. Enter the dungeon from the town.

==============================================================================
Salva Mines Revisited

Recommended level: 15
Items: Blueberries, Silver, Maple Syrup, Brigandine, Cinderella Glass, Star 
Ruby, Diamond, Gold Earring, Iron, Aquaberries
Enemies: Gerel, Sandglass, Green Gelatin, Scylla, Werewolf, Beastmaster

==============================================================================

Take the path west for BLUEBERRIES and SILVER, if you haven't opened these
chests already. Then go to the savepoint near the place where you fought Allen
and save. From there head south till you can't anymore and go west. Now you
can pass the previously unpassable point. Go north immediately for some MAPLE
SYRUP. Then west.  On this screen, go north for a BRIGANDINE. Then take the 
west exit. You'll see a running man. Go west for CINDERELLA GLASS. Then head
south to save. Go right for a scene. You'll have to make a choice of "Take 
responsibility/Avoid responsibility". Choose to take responsibility to get
Ashton, or avoid it, if you want Opera. Anyway, after the scene, go right to
get STAR RUBY and DIAMOND.Go back north TWO screens. Keep going north for a
GOLD EARRING, and then east till the end for IRON and AQUABERRIES. Leave the
Mines now, you're done here. When you attempt to leave Salva, a scene will be
triggered if you have Ashton. That means you can now start his exorcising
quest. Go back to Harley now.

You can do some optional dungeons now, but we'll leave them for later. Head
to Harley now (east of Marze).

==============================================================================
Harley

Recommended level: 19
Items: Ring of Sadness, Leather Boots, 1200 Fol, Ring Mail, Sinclair
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Go to Eleanor's home to get RING OF SADNESS. Don't forget to visit the Skill
guild. Enter the Zandor's mansion on the top of the town. Right room on the 
first floor has LEATHER BOOTS and 1200 FOL, and the right room on the second
floor has RING MAIL and SINCLAIR. You're done here, so take a ship to Hilton
for 120 Fol.

==============================================================================
Hilton

Recommended level: 19
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

Pay a visit to the inn to watch a scene at night. Visit the Skill guild to 
upgrade you skill sets to level 2. Exit Hilton and go to Lacuer City, which is
east of Hilton.

==============================================================================
Lacuer City

Recommended level: 20
Items: Star Ruby
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

This town is pretty big like Krosse, has 4 weapon shops but sadly has only one
chest item :( You can sign up for an Armory Contest at Lacuer Castle which is
to the north. Talk to the receptionist and you'll need to choose one shop as
your sponsor. Go to the east part of town pick one of four shops. Your new
shiny Armory Contest Badge helps here. Whenever you're ready fo the contest,
go to the inn and sleep there. After the scene, go to the Lacuer castle Arena
on the 2nd Floor (Note that you can also find a STAR RUBY here on the first
floor). After the scene go to the waiting room to the left and talk to a few
combatants. Your first match is up next. It's very easy. Go talk to Celine or
Ashton after the match. Soon you'll fight your second match which is no big
difference from the first. The third match is a tad hard. Use all of your 
items here if you need. The sasquatch can hit for 400 HP damage so beware.
Your final match is against Dias Flac. You're destined to lose here. After the
fight, go to your sponsor shop to claim the second place prize. You can also
go Gamgee's shop now on the west part of town. You'll be rewarded with DEADLY
EDGE sword! Your next destination is Linga, but now would be a good time to
do Ashton's quest if you want. Refer to the Side-quests section for details.
You can also recruit Welch in Lacuer now, if you have 4 or more party members.

==============================================================================
Linga

Recommended level: 27
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

During your first visit to this town you'll run into Precis. If you want to
recruit her, exit the town and do a PA in it. Run to the Bowman's house for
a scene. Voila, you can have Precis now! Note that you can't get Bowman if you
have Precis. To advance the plot, go into the center house in the south part
of the town. After the scene, go to the house in the left part of the northern
part of town. Speak with Bowman there. Looks like you need to go to the Linga
Sacred Grunds to prove that you've indeed been to Krosse Cave. Sacred Grounds
are situated right next to Linga.

==============================================================================
Sacred Grounds of Linga

Recommended level: 28
Items: Lavender, Ruby, Mixed Syrup, Wolfsbane, Maandrake Rainbow Diamond, 
Clarisage, Chain of Might, Amulet of Antivenin, Rose Hip, Drill Puncher, 
Lavender, Lavender, Twin Splicers, Athelas, Athelas, Artemis Leaf, Bubble 
Lotion, Cinderella Glass, Medicine Bottle, ?Armor
Enemies: Wolfhead, Coquettish Whip, Ooze, Blood Hound, Mandrake, Killer Rabbit

==============================================================================

Sheesh, from this point the dungeons will get more and more frustrating. Grab
LAVENDER from the bush, descend the west stairs to a chest with RUBY. Go back
east. At the next screen, go northeast to get MIXED SYRUP. Then head west 
under the bridge to WOLFSBANE. From this place, go north, then continue north
at the intersection. Descend the stairs to MANDRAKE. From here run south for
RAINBOW DIAMOND and CLARISAGE. Looks like we've found an unknown herb. But
we're not done here yet.  Return to the last intersection, go south, at the
next fork go east. Keep going east until you find CHAIN OF MIGHT. Run up the
stairs and head immediately north. Keep going north, and you'll come to a
three-way fork. Take the center path. Grab AMULET OF ANTIVENIN. From here go
west making a turn around the dragon skeleton and grabbing ROSE HIP along the
way. Continue east, take DRILL PUNCHER and go south in the tunnel. Head east
for LAVENDER. Return west. Go west this time and then north. Descend to the
dragon skeleton. Run under it for another pathetic LAVENDER. Go back the way
you came and go immediately east for ATHELAS and TWIN SPLICERS. From this
chest, go right through the rock wall to the savepoint. Continue north for a
scene.

================
BOSS: Visseya x3
================

HP: 10000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Easy
3150 EXP, 21000 Fol

This boss is not hard at all. Keep spanking th larvas with Claude (and Ashton
if you have him), while Celine kills them from afar. Thet might swallow your
characters which looks funny, and you won't be able to move your character
for a while. Just hit the larvas with another characeter, and they'll spit you
out.

After the battle, nab three chests with CINDERELLA GLASS, MEDICINE BOTTLE and
?ARMOR. Go back to the place with Twin Splicers and go west. Now run south.
At the three-way fork, take the right path for ATHELAS. Now take the left path
to descend the stairs. Run east for ARTEMIS LEAF. Go back west and south for
a BUBBLE LOTION. You're done here, so backtrack to the entrance.

Return to Linga and talk with Bowman again. Go to Keith's house for a scene.
At Bowman's house, go to the 2nd floor and talk to Bowman in the bedroom.

Now's the time to go to Lacuer. If you want to get Welch, do a PA here, cause
soon enough she'll be unavailable. In the Lacuer castle, open the chest with
10000 FOL in the Royal Bedchamber. Go to the Symbological Weapons Laboratory
on the ground floor (accessible through the east hall). Leon will give you a
Combo Link and join the party temporarily. Your next destination is Hoffman
Ruins place. Go to Hilton and talk with a man in blue armor. Choose "We're all
set! Let's go!". From the Hoffman coast, go through the woods to the place.

==============================================================================
Hoffman Ruins

Recommended level: 36
Items: Stone Cure, Ricochet Bracelet, Angelic Headband, White Clip, Holy Mist,
Green Beryl, Tedious Hand Stick, Breeze Earring, Orichalcum, Custard of Life,
Gold, Primavera, Diamond, Medicine Bottle, Blackberries, Green Beryl, Storm
Ring, Primavera, Amulet of Freedom, Sour Syrup, ?Herb, Fruit Syrup, Hot Syrup,
Hammer Charm, Mechanic's Toolbox, Daze Bomb, Aquaberries, Hexagram Card
Enemies: Protector, Bowlady, Black Slime, Axman of Doom, Whelp

==============================================================================

Dammit, this place is even more frustrating than the Sacred Grounds of Linga.
Run up the stairway. After a little scene, go through the newly opened door.
Head immediately east to a savepoint. Go back, enter the first door on the 
left for STONE CURE. The second door has RICOCHET BRACELET. Go further north-
east for ANGELIC HEADBAND and WHITE CLIP. Back at the savepoint, enter the
green elevator.
At the intersection go northeast for HOLY MIST and GREEN BERYL. Continue south
east. Get TEDIOUS HANDY STICK for Welch from the chest. Go northeast and pull
the lever to blow up the rocks. You HP will be halved, so heal right away. Go
northwest for BREEZE EARRING, then northeast for ORICHALCUM and a little 
further south for CUSTARD OF LIFE and GOLD. Go back to the explosion site and
run southeast. Grab PRIMAVERA here. Don't pull the lever, there's nothing
there. Go south. On this screen, take DIAMOND and MEDICINE BOTTLE from the
chests. Run southwest for BLACKBERRIES. Then head south for GREEN BERYL. Keep
going south, and then move a little east for a STORM RING. Go south again. At
the next screen, grab PRIMAVERA and save. The boss is up ahead, but let's get
all th remaining chests. Go southwest, making a little turn. Don't blow up the
rocks take AMULET OF FREEDOM from the chest and go west for SOUR SYRUP and 
?HERB. Return northeast. The northeast again, then east. Keep going east, then
northeast again. Continue east again. Take the FRUIT SYRUP. Go southwest for
HOT SYRUP and HAMMER CHARM. Now go southeast. In this area open the chests for
MECHANIC'S TOOLBOX and DAZE BOMB. Return north. Then go northwest. Then head
north again. Keep following the northwest path for 2 screens. Now head south-
west to the chest with AQUABERRIES. And finally move down south to HEXAGRAM
CARD. Backtack to the savepoint by going south, south, southwest and east.
Save and go north for a scene.

================
BOSS: Halfynx x2
================

HP: 36700 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Medium
10000 EXP, 10000 Fol

Treat these two baddies like any other boss. Keep using Helmetbrak, Rock
Explosion and everything else that you feel will help. Keep them away from
Rena, so that she won't fall from their attacks. There's nothing more to say,
really, just hack away and heal when needed.

You will obtain the Energy Stone after the battle. Return to the entrance. If 
you already have Opera, and have seen the crashsite in the Sacred Forest,
then you'll run into Ernest, possessed by a ghost. Win a quick battle and you
will have an option to leave Ernest in the group. If you choose not to, he AND
Opera will leave the party forever. Run to the coast and return to Lacuer. 
Head for the castle throne room for another scene. The Lacuer Front Line Base
is north from Lacuer.

==============================================================================
Lacuer Front Line Base

Recommended level: 43
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================
 
The weapon shop here has some good weapons. Go left on the second screen. Then
go norhtwest. Enter the commander's office for a scene. Go talk to Dias after
it. Talk to the people in the general store and go up for a scene.

===========
BOSS: Cynne
===========

HP: 21000, MP: 200
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

You can't win this battle. You have to survive for 1 minute and it will end.
Just keep healing yourself until you're through with it.

Go to the hospital room, and another scene takes place. You'll fight three
Stone Statue first, that aren't hard at all, and then you'll fight Cynne once
again. You're destined to lose, so just let him smite you off. Dias will join
the party finally. Rena will come to her senses on an unknown seashore. After 
the scene, go north on the world map to the village of Eluria.

==============================================================================
Eluria

Recommended level: 43
Items: Metal Fang, Rune Cap, Fists of the Giant, Shield Swords, Silver Robe,
Silver Robe, Silver Greaves, Silver Greaves, Plate Armor, Plate Armor, Veil
Piercer, Fine Shield
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After the scene, talk to the village chief in the norhteastern house. Then go
to the Armory and check the barrels all over the place to find METAL FANG, 
RUNE CAP, FISTS OF THE GIANT, SHIELD SWORDS, SILVER ROBE x2, SILVER GREAVES
x2, PLATE ARMOR x2, VEIL PIERCER and FINE SHIELD. As you leave, the youth will
give and ID Card key item. After you leave Eluria, you'll see an interesting
scene involving Ronyx.

Now go to the Eluria Tower, northeast of Eluria village.

==============================================================================
Eluria Tower

Recommended level: 43
Items: Holy Mist, Amulet of Flexibility, Steel Helmet, X Clip, Meteor Ring,
Aquaberries, Sapphire, Music Editor, Paralysis Cure, Pixie's Bracelet, Crested
Shield, Stone Cure, Star Ruby, Crystal, Super Puncher, Refreshing Syrup, 
Crested Shield, ?Armor, Gale Earring, Splinter, Medicine Bottle, Murasame,
Fists of the Giant
Enemies: Darth Widow, Orange Gelatin, Elder Witchette, Goathead, Timekeeper,
Defender

==============================================================================

Go north and use the ID Card.

1F
Go north for HOLY MIST, AMULET OF FLEXIBILITY, STEEL HELMET, X CLIP and METEOR
RING. Take whichever stairs you want to 2F.
2F
Open the chests with AQUABERRIES, SAPPHIRE and PARALYSIS CURE. Go left for 
MUSIC EDITOR, PIXIE'S BRACELET and CRESTED SHIELD. Go back east and continue
north to the savepoint.
3F
Go west and north for STONE CURE and STAR RUBY. Take the eastern teleporter.
4F
Open the chests with CRYSTAL and SUPER PUNCHER for Precis. Take the west exit
to 5F.
5F
Get REFRESHING SYRUP, CRESTED SHIELD and ?ARMOR. Talk to the minister statue
and spell D-E-A-T-H. You'll obtain the Key Card. Take southwestern teleporter.
4F
Take western teleporter.
5F
Use the Key Card on the red pillars. After the scene, go east to the elevator.

Save. Head north to meet an old friend.

=============================
BOSS: Cynne & Stone Statue x2
=============================

Cynne: HP: 21000, MP: 200
Stone Statue: HP: 2200 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Easy
11350 EXP, 52100 Fol

Now you can kick Cynne's ass finally. Get rid of Stone Statues and focus all
of your attacks on the flying bastard. Soon enough he will die, since he has
no potentially dangerous attacks and pathetic defense.

Take the teleport which Cynne was blocking. The right door has SPLINTER and
MEDICINE BOTTLE. The left door has MURASAME and FISTS OF THE GIANT. Run to
the center room from the left room, open the chest with GALE EARRING and take
the right exit.

==============
BOSS: Metatron
==============

HP: 100000, MP: 100
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

Yet another battle you cannot win. Just let him destroy you. He will pay for
that later.

After some shocking events happening at the top of Eluria Tower, you'll find
yourself on a different planet. The mayor of th city, Nall, will welcome you.
After the scene, get out of the building and explore the city.

==============================================================================
The Centropolis of Nede

Recommended level: 51
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

First, pay a visit to the shops around the place. They have a very nice 
selection of weapons and items for you. Beside, you should have enough Fol by
now to buy all of the new equipment. The Skill guild here sucks. Don't forget
to buy Lezard's Flask in the item shop, you'll need it. You can encountet
Chisato in the west part of town, but the process of recruiting her is yet to
begin. Exit the city in the south.

Ok, our next stop is North City, to the north (of course).

==============================================================================
North City

Recommended level: 52
Items: N/A
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

You'll run into Chisato again. Go to the north to the library, the Nedepedia.
Run the materials about the history of Nede and Ten Wise Men here by talking
to the operator. Then go east to get yourself a Psynard. A scene follows, and
a boss battle begins.

=============
BOSS: Psynard
=============

HP: 43000, MP: 200
Difficulty: Easy
20000 EXP, 20000 Fol

Yet again, non-hard boss that wants to get his ass kicked. 'Yawn'. Just keep
using Helmetbreak to finish him off.

You'll be transported to the Endangered Species Protection Area, i.e. Noel's
home. He'll join your party for a while. Open the chests with 50000 FOL, PET
FOOD and LIFE IN NATURE. Go north og Noel's house into the cavern.

==============================================================================
Cave of Crimson Crystals

Recommended level: 53
Items: Resurrection Elixir, Dream Bracelet, Theory of Symbology, ?Mineral,
Cinderella Glass, Eagle's Shawl, Chisato's Card, Fruit Syrup, ?Mineral
Enemies: Peryton, Hellhound, Shockray, Red Balloon

==============================================================================

Go north. Turn to far east for RESURRECTION ELIXIR. Return to the fork and go
straight north into the tunnel with yellow light. Get DREAM BRACELET, THEORY
OF SYMBOLOGY and ?MINERAL here. Go back and run northwest this time. Grab
CINDERELLA GLASS in the northwest corner and keep on running east. Exit this
screen in southeast. Go straight east and descend the stairs. Chisato will
appear yet again. Take EAGLE'S SHAWL from the chest, go back up and take the
bridge. Pick up CHISATO'S CARD that she lost. You'll need it if you want to
recruit her later. When you'll see a Psynard, keep going east and take the 1st
bridge south you'll see. Go south and west in the end. Save at the savepoint.
Go sout hagain for FRUIT SYRUP and ?MINERAL. Go north for a boss battle.

===================
BOSS: Arachnovia x2
===================

HP: 40000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Medium
19500 EXP, 52000 Fol

This boss isn't as hard as it may look, but keep an eye on your mages, though.
They may die if they get in the way of Arachnovias. So all you need to do is
not let the spiderwomans get to the back. Use every Special Art at your very
disposal to take them out.

You have a Psynard now! Get back to the Centropolis and go into the north 
building. If you still have an empty spot in your party, you can recruit 
Chisato now. Speak to her at 2F (at the desk) to have her join you. Go talk to
Nall at the top floor. He'll give you a Rune Code and a Combo Link. The next
four dungeons can be hard, so make sure you're leveled properly. The first one
we will visit is the Field of Wisdom, north of Centropolis.

==============================================================================
Field of Wisdom

Recommended level: 56
Items: Faerie Elixir, Tiara of the Arc, Alpha Clip, Mirror of Knowledge, 
Majestic Puncher, Fruit Syrup, Rune Metal
Enemies: Rikka, Wizard, Magic Defender, Controller, Niquia HG

==============================================================================

Touch the center mirror to be teleported to anoother area, to the true Field
of Wisdom. Go back using the mirror, and now take the right mirror for FAERIE
ELIXIR. Go back and use the left mirror for TIARA OF THE ARC. Step on yellow
tile. Examine the sphere to make it spin. Step on yellow tile again. Then step
on west yellow tile. Touch the sphere and go back. Step on east yellow tile.
Touch the sphere and go back. Step on southeast yellow tile this time. Touch
the sphere and go back. Return to the starting three mirrors. Go through the
left one again. Step on yellow tile. Go through the north mirror to find ALPHA
CLIP and MIRROR OF KNOWLEDGE. Go through center mirror to MAJESTIC PUNCHER,
FRUIT SYRUP and RUNE METAL. Go bakc. Touch the right mirror. Get on the west
yellow tile. Examine the sphere and go back. Step on east yellow tile. Touch
the last sphere to make it spin. You'll see a flash of light. Go back. Use the
mirror. Then touch the left mirror. Get back to the entrance. Go through the
middle mirror again. Step on the final yellow tile to be teleported to the
altar.

=====================================================
BOSS: Magic Hand, Force Box, Guard Box & Magic Box x2
=====================================================

Magic Hand: HP: 60000, MP: 100
Force Box: HP: 30000, MP: 100
Guard Box: HP: 30000, MP: 100
Magic Box: HP: 30000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Hard
20200 EXP, 82200 Fol

Ok, it seems we now have a worthy enemy to deal with. Your first aim in this
battle would be the boxes. Get rid of the Magic ones first, then kill the 
Guard and Force ones. The boxes have 30000 HP each, so it's gonna take quite
a while. The main threat in this battle is the big Magic Hand, as it shoots
the white laser beam in front of itself. Anyone who gets in the way will die
in seconds. Bring a whole lot of Resurrection Elixirs and Resurrection Mists
here. If Rena already knows Raise Dead, it's gonna be a little easier then.
Do not let your character stay in front of Magic Hand for long, run to the
sides every now and then. Once the boxes are dead, you can fully focus on the
Magic Hand. Use Helmetbreak to your advantage. Do not let the boss act by 
hitting ALL the time and you'll emerge victorious soon enough.

You will obtain the Orb of Wisdom. Backtrack to the entrance. Field of Might
is situated northwest of Centropolis, in the snowy mountains.

==============================================================================
Field of Might

Recommended level: 57
Items: Assault Bomb, Melt Potion, Armor of the Arc, Knuckles of the Moon,
?Armor, Sword of Marvels, Blackberries, Ring of Might
Enemies: Athul Athul, Dark Crusader, Yeti, Ghast, Insane Lord

==============================================================================

Head all the way right. Fight three Yetis and don't let them get to the lever
behind you. After the fight continue to the chests with ASSAULT BOMB, MELT
POTION, and ARMOR OF THE ARC. Go back and take the northwest path into the
cave. On the lower level, defeat three Yetis again (you get 54000 Fol every
time you successfully defeat such group). Go south and east. Climb the ladder
for KNUCKLES OF THE MOON. Keep going east. Head for the upper cave. Go north
for ?ARMOR. Go left to find another pack of Yetis. Keep going west into the 
cave for a SWORD OF MARVELS. Make absolutely sure you don't miss this awesome
weapon for Claude! Then return east into another cave for BLACKBERRIES. Keep
going east for another pack of Yetis. Exit this screen in southeast. Now go
east and enter the upper cave again. At the fork where you found ?Armor, head
right this time. Exit the are via southeast. On the next screen, take the
northwest exit. Go west, climb the ladder. When you'll see two ladders, take
the right one first for a RING OF MIGHT. Then take the left one. Save at the
savepoint. Cross the bridge for a scene.

==============
BOSS: Guardian
==============

HP: 130000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Hard
37500 EXP, 64000 Fol

This boss is even harder than the previous one. He packs quite a punch, plus
he can hit you multiple times, not letting you character heal properly. Keep
Rena far from him, make sure you hold him in the corner with Claude. When you
are low on health, run away to heal. Nevertheless, bring some Resurrection
Elixirs with you so you can revive someone who has died. The hardest part of
the battle comes when the boss is at 1/3 HP and activates his Final Form. He
dives into the ground and buffs his defense by a lot. This is where you'll be
dying the most. He will be returning each hit with a little blast, severely
damaging your characters. Don't rush in now, or you'll be gone in a flash. The
battle is quite long, but with proper healing you'll make it.

Proceed north to the altar. Orb of Might is yours. Return to the beginning of
the dungeon. If you haven't succeeded in the battles with Yeti and levers and
lost all of them, then you won't be able to exit the dungeon by normal means.
Go to the area where you found Knuckles of the Moon, and look for a place to
call an echo. You'll be taken out of the dungeon by an avalanche. Field of 
Courage is next on our list. It's southeast from the Centropolis.

==============================================================================
Field of Courage

Recommended level: 63
Items: Sour Syrup, Medicine Bottle, Shield of the Arc, Idol of the Warrior,
Luminous Slicers, Mithril Greaves, Amulet of Flexibility
Enemies: Dark Crusader, Rikke, Otiph, Fenrir Beast

==============================================================================

A great place for leveling up, if you're underleveled. Read the sign, go left.
Grab SOUR SYRUP in this area, go back. Proceed northwest for a MEDICINE BOTTLE
and then continue west for a SHIELD OF THE ARC. Go north. At the intersection
take the left path to the little altar with an IDOL OF THE WARRIOR. Take it
and run back east. Go east at the intersection for LUMINOUS SLICERS. Exit this
screen via southeast. Get MITHRIL GREAVES from the chest and go west. At the
next screen exit southeast. Go east for AMULET OF FLEXIBILITY, then continue
southeast. Finally, go east to the elevator. Save afterwards. Choose to place
the statue on the altar when you're ready.

==============
BOSS: Guardian
==============

HP: 130000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Medium
375B00 EXP, 64000 Fol

This Guardian is not as hard as the previous one, fortunately. It doesn't have
a Final Form mode (or maybe I just killed him too quick), but it can do almost
everything that the previous Guardian did. Either way, his defense is not high
enough, so I recommend you to equip the Chain of Might/Ring of Might accessory
combo on Claude. Coupled with the mighty Sword of Marvels, Helmetbreak can do
9999 damage easily. Just keep repeating the Special Art until the boss is no
more.

Orb of Courage is yours now. Retrace your steps to the exit. The last Field
is high up in the sky, close to the Field of Wisdom.

==============================================================================
Field of Love

Recommended level: 69
Items: Serpent's Tooth, Holy Rod, Resurrection Mist, Hot Syrup
Enemies: Master Wizard, Magic Defender, Nihua HG, Rikki, Joypad, Clear Gelatin

==============================================================================

I hate this dungeon with a passion. It's fairly small (only five areas), but
the random battles here happen every three steps or so. And I'm not kidding
about this. Be sure to have someone with a Scouting Specialty at a maximum
level. Otherwise, it's a good place for EXP farming.
Once you enter through the blue door, you'll see a chest in the east. Get to
it for SERPENT'S TOOTH. Then go northwest. Continue going west. In the next 
area, touch the red orb to form a bridge, but don't cross it, go north. Take
the HOLY ROD and RESURRECTION MIST from the chests and touch another red orb.
Now go back, cross the little bridge and exit the screen in northwest. Keep
going north, grabbing HOT SYRUP along the way. You'll come to a savepoint.
Save and go north for a scene.

=============================
BOSS: Lavarre & Sunbreaker x2
=============================

Lavarre: HP: 60000, MP: 0
Sunbreaker: HP: 30000 each, MP: 100 each
Difficulty: Easy
13800 EXP, 34000 Fol

This is the easiest battle out of all the Four Fields boss fights. Go straight
for Lavarre and finish her off with you sword. Then focus on the Sunbreakers
and they'll die fast. A pushover battle, no less.

As you lay your hands on the Orb of Love, congrats on beating the Four Fields!
But we're still far from beating the game, though. Go back to the Centropolis,
restock on supplies, and speak with Nall on the top floor of the city hall.
Some scenes will take place, and you'll be taken to L'Aqua. From here, your
party and Nall travel to Phynal, the final dungeon of the game. This is just
the first visit, and it's going to be short. First you'll fight Takikodus and
Mirre 64 two times in a row, and then...

==============
BOSS: Zaphkiel
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 100
Difficulty: -
0 EXP, 0 Fol

This is just like the Metatron fight. You simply can't win. Let him finish you
off.

Your group will retreat back to Centropolis. Now it's time to go Armlock, to
the Sealed Door. Armlock is southeast on the Energy Nede map.

==============================================================================
Armlock

Recommended level: 75
Items: Mind Ring
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

After speaking with Nall's minion, explore the town for a bit. Visit the shops
and the Skill Guild. Now you have finally obtained all of the Skills guild
skill sets. When you're ready, meet Nall in the north to travel to the sealed
Symbological Weapons Laboratory. Save when you'll have a chance. Go north.
Navigate your way to mayor Nall for a scene. After it, go southwest, south,
south, east, into the door with a chest containing MIND RING, back west, south
and south for another scene. Back in Armlock, enter the house on the east (the
that has a lot of steam coming out of it) to meet Dr. Mirage. You'll get Minae
Cave Key Card from Nall. To get to the Minae Cave, fly a little west from
Armlock.

==============================================================================
Minae Cave

Recommended level: 77
Items: Fruit Syrup, ?Mineral, Encyclopedia, Refreshing Syrup, Smelling Salts,
Mithril Mesh, Medicine Bottle, Smith's Hammer, Wonder Drug, Meteorite, 
Lightning Gun, Athelas, Illusion Doll
Enemies: Orange Balloon, Sunbreaker, Dark Water

==============================================================================

Go up and use the key card. Go immediately northeast for FRUIT SYRUP. A little
further northeast is ?MINERAL. Go northwest afterwards. Go west a little for
ENCYCLOPEDIA. Run north to get REFRESHING SYRUP. Head north again. Now walk
west for SMELLING SALTS, then north for MITHRIL MESH, which is a very nice
piece of armor. Equip it on Claude. Proceed east a little to find a hidden
chest with a MEDICINE BOTTLE. Go north for SMITH'S HAMMER. Go back south. On
this screen, run south then northeast for WONDER DRUG and METEORITE. Exit east
then. Take the LIGHTNING GUN from a chest, go south and east for ILLUSION DOLL
and even further north for ATHELAS. Exit this screen in the north part. Keep
on going north, exit via northwest. Save and proceed up for a boss battle.

==============
BOSS: Barchian
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 400
Difficulty: Medium
14950 EXP, 55000 Fol

This boss has only one attack, Pain Release, that hits you party for 3000-3500
damage. If Rena won't succeed in using Fairy Light between the hits, you're
as good as dead. But, don't be afraid, Barchian only starts using this attack
faster when he's near to his death. I was even able to survive two consecutive
hits with Claude without healing. If you heal when needed, and keep mashing
him with Mirror Blade/Helmetbreak, you'll be fine.

Looks like now you've got yourself some LEA Metal. That means Mirage can now
craft us some kickass weapons, so return to Armlock as fast as you can. Mirage
will also give N.P.I.D. Go to the Fun City, which is north of Armlock. Before
going there, make sure you have at least 3 Amulets of Flexibility. Have 'em?
Good, then enter the area for a scene. You'll get a Godslayer, Knuckles of
Hope and Void Matter from Dr. Mirage. Save at the savepoint, talk to the man
and choose "Visit mayor Nall". A scene will take place, and look who's here.
It's...

==============
BOSS: Zaphkiel
==============

HP: 150000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Medium
18000 EXP, 50000 Fol

The first of the Ten Wise Men comes to play. It's Zaphkiel, and he has a nasty
attack called Cruel Bludgeon which he uses constantly. Well well well, I guess
it WOULD be a mighty attack, if it weren't for our defense. At level 80, and
with things like Mithril Mesh/Cloak of the Stars equipped, it'll be doing 1500
or 2000 damage per hit, which is counterable with Fairy Light. That said, I
can't see how you can lose this battle, only if you're extremely underleveled
will you have trouble with Zaphkiel. Keep using Mirror Blade for a quick win.

Equip your party with Amulets of Flexibility now. Exit the Arena to face the
second Wise Man... err, Robot.

=============
BOSS: Jophyel
=============

HP: 160000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Hard
20750 EXP, 54000 Fol

Now THIS is a whole different story, people. Pretty much like Zaphkiel, Jophy
uses only one attack - Energy Rain. Hopefully you have those Flexibility
amulets, or else you're stoned literally. Energy Rain hits for about 3500-4000
damage and petrifies the character. I don't think it works 100% of the time,
but somewhere close to it. Even with the Amulets you'll have a pretty hard
time staying alive here. Get to Jophyel as fast as you can and start working
on him with Mirror Blade. He uses Energy Rain like crazy, not stopping even
for a moment. Fortunately you can cancel his attack if you're lucky. So rely
on brute force and stay close to him, and use Resurrection Elixirs/Mists when
needed.

Save at the world map. Get back to Armlock ASAP. Approach Mirage's house for a
scene.

==============
BOSS: Metatron
==============

HP: 170000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Easy
24750 EXP, 58000 Fol

Surprisingly, Metatron is too weak for a real Wise Man. His main feature is
using Metablock or Metaguard for like 30 seconds. You can't damage him during
this phase. Once the shield goes off, destroy the bastard with Mirror Blade.
It's easy to stun Metatron, and when he's stunned, he's dead meat.

After the scene, leave Armlock. You'll be told to go to L'Aqua. This is it, my
dear reader, it's time to head for the final storyline dungeon of the game.

L'Aqua is in the center of the map, a little northwest of the Field of Love.
Once there, proceed north for a scene. Go into the infirmary on the right and
talk to Nall. Choose "Yes, we're ready". From the Phynal pier, enter Phynal
from the world map (save beforehand).

==============================================================================
Phynal

Recommended level: 80
Items: Mithril Shield, Symbology Dictionary, Nuclear Bomb, Spark Whip, Shadow
Cross, ?Item, Resurrection Mist, Beta Clip, Lotus Eaters, Atomic Puncher, 
Mithril, Sylvan Boots, Fists of the Titan, Rune Shoes, Bouro, Medicine Bottle,
Refreshing Syrup, Gigawatt Stunner, Thunderclap Rod, Dueling Helmet, Potion of
Epiphany, Philosopher's Stone, Athelas, Dueling Suit, Goddess Statuette, Stone
Cure
Enemies: Takikodus, Erikodus, Niquia LM, Mirre 64, Medusa Lizard, Succubus,
Dark Crusader, Master Wizard, Quidonya, River Slug, Phantom Phoenix

==============================================================================

Go north on the bridge to enter the Phynal tower. As you enter, you'll be
thrown into a fight with another three of the Ten Wise Men.

===============================
BOSS: Zadkiel, Raphael & Camael
===============================

Zadkiel: HP: 105800, MP: 200
Raphael: HP: 85000, MP: 180
Camael: HP: 45500, MP: 150
Difficulty: Hard
18000 EXP, 70000 Fol

This battle is HARD. We have three enemies here, and all of them are quite 
deadly. Your first target should be either Camael or Raphael. Camael has low
HP, but Raphael can make your characters possessed for a LONG time. That being
said, I would go for Raphael first. Keep using Mirror Blade until he bites the
dust. Camael will occasionally heal his allies, but his healing powers are
weak - they will recover about 1200-1500 HP per use. Once Raphael is gone, 
quickly take out Camael. This won't take long. Once only Zadkiel is left, 
start working on his HP and look out for his spells. You should win the battle
eventually.

Go back to the world map to save. It's safer that way:) Once back in Phynal,
go north. Take northeast exit. Enter the red door to find MITHRIL SHIELD and
SYMBOLOGY DICTIONARY. Go back south. Go through the far west door. Enter the
first room you see for NUCLEAR BOMB, SPARK WHIP and SHADOW CROSS. Go back and
take the path northwest straight to the teleporter.
2F
Go north. Enter the northwest door, go north again for ?ITEM and RESURRECTION
MIST. Go back. Go through the northeast door now. Head northeast again to the
teleporter.
3F
Go north. Keep on keepin' on north until you arrive at the four-way fork, go
south. Keep going south to the teleporter.
2F
Follow the only way to BETA CLIP and LOTUS EATERS. Return to 3F.
3F
Go north 2 times. Run north again at the 4-way fork to the teleporter.
4F
Go north. You can find MITHRIL, SYLVAN BOOTS and FISTS OF THE GIANT in the 
north room, ATOMIC PUNCHER in the western, and RINE SHOES in the eastern.
Return to 3F.
3F
Go north. Exit the fork west this time. Keep going west to the teleporter.
4F
Follow the only path there is to another teleporter.
5F
Go north. Follow the single path to the savepoint. There's no point in going
east this time. If you go north, you'll face a boss. Prepare for the fight by
equipping your characters with Amulets of Flexibility/Anti-petrify armor and
fire-damage-reducing accessories such Ruby, Star Ruby, Shadow Cross, etc.

======================
BOSS: Michael & Haniel
======================

Michael: HP: 180000, MP: 300
Haniel: HP: 140000, MP: 200
Difficulty: Very Hard
46250 EXP, 65000 Fol

The last three wise men were NOTHING compared to this battle. You'll be facing
only two this time, but believe me, they're hard as hell without proper preps
and strategy. Your one and only goal in this fight - destroy Michael as quick
as possible. He uses fire spells like Eruption and Explode, but he also has a
very damaging one - Spicule. Spicule does around 6000-6500 damage without fire
protection, and a little less with protection. Haniel uses Blood Scylla and a
laser beam that petrifies all that it touches. Since you don't want to die in
a matter of seconds, rush to Michael and start using Mirror Blade and Mirror
Blade only. Helmetbreak is bad because it can give him an opportunity to cast
a spell. Set your other attacker to assault Michael as well. I also recommend
equipping Ring of Might on Claude instead of Amulet of Flexibility, since he
will be focusing mostly on Michael. With Mirror Blade doing about 5000-6000
damage per hit, Michael should go down in about 2 minutes. Once he's gone, you
almost win the battle. Just continue crushing Haniel till he dies, and watch
out for Blood Scylla, of course.

Go back to save. Then proceed north to the teleporter.
6F
This floor has no random battles, but it's annoying nonetheless. I'll cut down
the explanation to only telling you the directions. East, then north. Press 
the middle button on the apparatus. East, press the right button. Go north two
times for BOURO, MEDICINE BOTTLE and REFRESHING SYRUP. Go south two times. 
Press the middle button. Go west. Press left button. South, west, west. Press
the switch. East, east, north. Press middle button. West twice. Press the 
switch. East two times. Press left button. North and east. Press right button.
West, north. Press the switch. South, east. Press left button. East, south.
Press middle button. East, south, press the switch. You'll hear a short melody
now. North, west. Press left button. North, west, north. Press middle button.
East and north to the teleporter.
7F
Go north. Head west at the fork. Go west and north for a GIGAWATT STUNNER. Go
back south, east and east again at the intersection. Run northeast for a save-
point. Walk west and north for yet another boss.

=============
BOSS: Lucifer
=============

HP: 300000, MP: 5900
Difficulty: Medium
115000 EXP, 80000 Fol

Suprisingly, Lucifer is way easier than Michael and Haniel. Maybe it's because
he's alone, I don't know. The only spell you have to watch out for is Demon's
Gate that can hit for 5500-6500 damage. Other than that, he can teleport all
over the battlefield, so just keep Mirror Blading him to prevent it and maybe
even stun him. Once you'll corner him, the job is almost done.

Now that the traitor scum is dead, go north and east for THUNDERCLAP ROD. Then
west and northto the teleporter.
8F
Go north to another teleporter.
9F
Go north. Enter the red door to obtain DUELING HELMET (one of the best helmets
in the game) and PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. Keep going east and then south to the
teleporter. 
8F
Go north. South and west. Save at the savepoint, it will change it's color to
blue. That means that you've opened an optional dungeon, a voice gallery and
you can now return to Nede to turn off Gabriel's limiter and make him an uber
hard boss. But let's leave that for later. Go west till you see two red doors.
Get POTION OF EPIPHANY, ATHELAS, DUELING SUIT (one of the best armors in the
game), GODDESS STATUETTE, STONE CURE. Go back west to the savepoint. Prepare
well to face the final boss. Once ready, go north 3 times. After the FMV scene
you'll face HIM at last.

===================
FINAL BOSS: Gabriel
===================

HP: 500000, MP: 10000
Difficulty: Hard
150000 EXP, 90000 Fol

Gabriel is a formidable foe even WITH the limiter. He'll be using Star Flare
for 6000-7000 damage, Time if Truth and Divine Wave. He'll also start using
Explode and Angel Feather once you deplete his HP by 250000. The same strategy
you used for Lucifer applies here. Mirror Blade him to death, and if manages
to pull off Star Flare, heal right away. Use Resurrection Elixirs when needed,
set all of your comrades except the healer to go all-out on Gabriel. With this
assault, the final boss of Star Ocean: Second Evolution will fall.

Congratulations on beating the game. The ending you'll get is based on AR with
the other characters. Once the credits roll, you'll see a FIN screen. You can
not save, unfortunately, so just restart the game. If you have defeated 2000
monsters total, you can start a new game on Galaxy/Universe difficulty. To
unlock the remaining movies/voices, enter Virtual Expel (through the Old man
in Fun City's arena), save there, go back to Phynal and save again.

                 -------THEIR ADVENTURE HAS JUST BEGUN.--------

                                     FIN

==============================================================================
III.               SIDE-QUESTS, SECRETS AND POST-GAME STUFF
==============================================================================

=================================
SIDE-QUEST: EXORCISING THE DRAGON
=================================

You can start this quest after getting Ashton. Go to Marze, enter the elder's
house and go to the backroom. Climb the little ladder and read a book about
exorcism. This will trigger a scene. Go to the Krosse castle and speak with
the king to get a permission to enter the Mountain Palace. You'll also get
3000 Fol. The Mountain Palace is southwest of Kurik. Just head left instead
of crossing the bridge that leads to Kurik.

==============================================================================
Mountain Palace

Recommended level: 23
Items: Crystal, Lunar Charm, Crested Rod, Emerald Ring, Faerie Statuette, 
Amber Robe, ?Mineral, Damascus, Faerie Cologne, Wolfsbane, ?Herb, Resurrection
Elixir, ?Jewelry, Cestus, ?Mineral
Enemies: Thieving Scum, Slime Pool, Archer, Fudd, Petri Gevel, Sandglass,
Hound

==============================================================================

Open the chests for CRYSTAL and LUNAR CHARM. Talk to the soldier guarding the
door and he'll let you through. At the intesection go up, and then go north-
east at another. At the next intersection go east. Take the stairs in front of
the door down to FAERIE STATUETTE and EMERALD RING. Go to the last fork and
head up. At the next fork go up again. Three chests with CRESTED ROD, AMBER
ROBE and ?MINERAL. Go back and right. Follow the path till the end to get to
three chests containing DAMASCUS, FAERIE COLOGNE and WOLFSBANE. Go all the way
back to the 2nd intersection, take the northwestern path, then follow this way
further. In the tunnel you'll find ?HERB and ARTEMIS LEAF. Back out of the
tunnel and go up in the other tunnel till the end for RESURRECTION ELIXIR, 
GLITTERING EARRING and ?JEWELRY. The nest room has a savepoint. Go further
right. Open the chests for CESTUS and ?MINERAL. Then go up for a scene.

===============
BOSS: Nightmare
===============

HP: 9000 MP: 100
Difficulty: Medium
1000 EXP, 2200 Fol

This boss is not that hard, but it's fast and this may be a problem. It does
not have weaknesses to exploit, so rely on brute force. Have Claude and Ashton
bombard it with a set of attacks. Helmetbreak is very good here, if it hits
the target. Do not let the boss reach Rena/Celine, as it may kill them in a
matter of seconds. Otherwise you'll be fine.


You have Sacred Chalice now. Back to the entrance. Your next point of interest
should be Lasgus Mountains, where you supposedly can find King's Tears. So go
there. Lasgus Mountains are a little west of Krosse.

==============================================================================
Lasgus Mountains

Recommended level: 26
Items: N/A
Enemies: Black Balloon, Sorceress, Savant, Cockatrice, Flyray, Kobold King

==============================================================================

The path is pretty damn straightforward here, just press X to climb the trails
up and you'll get to the nest and a savepoint. Heal up and prepare for a boss.

===========
BOSS: Zinae
===========

HP: 20000 MP: 300
Difficulty: Semi-Easy
2075 EXP, 3200 Fol

This boss is not hard at all if you know what you're doing. First off, it's a
bird, and it's flying, so use Helmetbreak often. It's basically everything you
need to do, as Ashton will help you out form the ground. Just lock the darn
bird into a corner and keep using Helmetbreak repeatedly until it dies.

Woohoo. Looks like now you have everything you need to perform the exorcism
ritual. Go back to the Salva Mines, to the place where you met Ashton for a
scene. Heh, looks like he likes Creepy and Weepy after all... Anyway, quest
completed.

=======================================
SIDE-QUEST: RECRUITING OPERA AND ERNEST
=======================================

You can start this quest after doing the PA with a three-eyed man in Krosse
City. Go to Hilton, and speak with a three-eyed woman in the bar. Go to
the Krosse castle and speak with the king to get a permission to enter the 
Mountain Palace. You'll also get 10000 Fol. The Mountain Palace is southwest
of Kurik. Just head left instead of crossing the bridge that leads to Kurik.

==============================================================================
Mountain Palace

Recommended level: 25
Items: Crystal, Lunar Charm, Crested Rod, Emerald Ring, Faerie Statuette, 
Amber Robe, ?Mineral, Damascus, Faerie Cologne, Wolfsbane, ?Herb, Resurrection
Elixir, ?Jewelry, Cestus, ?Mineral
Enemies: Thieving Scum, Slime Pool, Archer, Fudd, Petri Gevel, Sandglass,
Hound

==============================================================================

Open the chests for CRYSTAL and LUNAR CHARM. At the intesection go straight, 
then straight again. You'll find Opera here. Agree to help her out. Descend 
the stairs and go north. Save and go into the room.

====================
BOSS: Fire Lizard x2
====================

HP: 5000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Medium
2000 EXP, 8000 Fol

This battle is quick. Focus at one Lizard at a time, and look out for its fire
breath. Keep piercing them from all sides and you should be done in no time.

At the next intersection go east. Take the stairs in front of the door down to
FAERIE STATUETTE and  EMERALD RING. Go to the last fork and head up. At the 
next fork go up again. Three chests with CRESTED ROD, AMBER ROBE and ?MINERAL.
Go back and right. Follow the path till the end to get to three chests 
containing DAMASCUS, FAERIE COLOGNE and WOLFSBANE. Go all the way back to the
2nd intersection, take the northwestern path, then follow this way further. In
the tunnel you'll find ?HERB and ARTEMIS LEAF. Back out of the tunnel and go
up in the other tunnel till the end for RESURRECTION ELIXIR, GLITTERING 
EARRING and ?JEWELRY. The nest room has a savepoint. Go further right. Open 
the chests for CESTUS and ?MINERAL. Return to the entrance.

Go to the Sacred Forest now that you have Opera, and witness the crashsite
there. Ernest will join you soon enough in Hoffman Ruins.

======================================
SIDE-QUEST: GETTING THE SCUMBAG SLAYER
======================================

After the Lacuer Armory Contest, go to Salva and find Ruddle there. Tell him
"Go north". Travel to Marze, find Ruddle in the item shop and tell him "It's
further east of here". Then go to Hilton and find Ruddle near the bar. Tell
him "You just need to travel by boat again". Finally go to Harley, and find
Ruddle in the west part of the inn. He will reward you with a Scumbag Slayer
sword, which is very useful in Maze of Tribulations.

===============================================
SIDE-QUEST: CLASSIFIED INFORMATION OF NEDEPEDIA
===============================================

You must recruit Chisato for this quest. Once you have been to North City and
have read all the materials in Nedepedia, go to the Princebridge town in the 
west.

==============================================================================
Princebridge

Recommended Level: 55
Items: Faerie's Elixir
Enemies: N/A

==============================================================================

This is Noel's hometown. Explore the city, visit the shops and head to the
Princebridge University second floor. In the westernmost room you'll find a 
chest with FAERIE'S ELIXIR. Talk to director Leifath, then with professor 
Parel on the first floor. Speak with Leifath again and go to Centropolis. With
Chisato in your party, do a PA here. Find her at the third floor of Nede Times 
and return to North City. Go to Nedepedia and speak with the operator. Go to
Princebridge again and talk to Leifath. Choose "That's actually us" and "Tell
him". Talk to Leifath again, read all th files. After the scene, go talk to
professor Parel. He'll give a PANDORA'S BOX. Give it to Leifath. Exit the town
and do a PA. Leave the town again and enter it normally. Speak with Leifath.
Now you have all the materials about Ten Wise Men.

====================================================
POST-GAME SIDE-QUEST: EXPLORING THE OPTIONAL DUNGEON
====================================================

Once you have reached the final savepoint in Phynal (8F), the optional super
hard dungeon becomes available. It is called the Maze of Tribulations. This
maze is situated in Expel. How do we get to Expel, if we're in Nede? Go to the
Fun City arena, and speak with an old man in the back of it. He offers you to
go to Virtual Expel. Accept the proposition and you will be back in Expel, in
the village of Arlia, the place where it all started. The maze is situated in
the southwest corner of the map, surrounded by mountains. Before going there,
make sure to restock on healing items, spectacles and everything else you 
might need. The most important part is equipment, though. I will list the
characters I used for beating this dungeon and their equipment. Also, take
note that I used Celine and Ashton, who are by all means NOT the best party
members in the game. To have a better party, I advice you to swap them for
Opera (if you have her) and Chisato (or Dias, if you're on Rena's playthrough)
so that you'll be more successful in beating the dungeon.

Claude (Level 90)                 Rena (Level 90)
HP: 7365/7365                     HP: 7269/7269
MP: 478/478                       MP: 489/489
Weapon: Godslayer                 Weapon: Knuckles of Hope
Armor: Dueling Suit               Armor: Robe of Deception
Shield: Mithril Shield            Shield: Rune Buckler
Helmet: Dueling Helmet            Helmet: Tiara of Isis
Greaves: Star Greaves             Greaves: Laced Boots
Acc 1: Ring of Might              Acc 1: Star Guard
Acc 2: Chain of Might             Acc 2: Faerie Ring

Celine (Level 90)                 Ashton (Level 90)
HP: 7321/7321                     HP: 7489/7489
MP: 538/538                       MP: 486/486
Weapon: Rod of Snakes             Weapon: Holy Cross
Armor: Robe of Ishtar             Armor: Dueling Suit
Shield: Hand of Kali              Shield: Gauntlet of Air
Helmet: Tiara of Isis             Helmet: Dueling Helmet
Greaves: Rune Shoes               Greaves: Star Greaves
Acc 1: Star Guard                 Acc 1: Talisman
Acc 2: Emerald Ring               Acc 2: Berserker Ring

The majority of this equipment is created via the Blacksmith Super specialty
and the Customization item creation. To increase the success of creation,
use Orchestra Super specialty during the process. Not to mention that you must
have the Magical Rasp item in your inventory. You can buy it in the Shady
shop for 350000 Fol. The Shady shop is found on the island between Field of
Might and Princebridge town on planet Energy Nede.

A few more words about the Maze of Tribulations: it has 13 floors, that are 
not very big, but all have puzzles in them. There is a boss on each floor, and
each floor has different random enemies. There's a shortcut to B9 on B1, and
a teleport to B1 on B6 and B13. Oh, and also - the dungeon has NO savepoints,
meaning you'll have to backtrack a lot (each two floors or so) to save. You 
can also use Jewels of the Frog that teleport you out of the dungeon. You can
buy them from Santa the Merchant who is found randomly at floor 6. Be aware 
that they are costly (300001 Fol), so keep enough money to buy a few.
Well, now that I have informed you of everything you need to know, let us
begin the journey through the Maze of Tribulations, starting from basement
floor 1.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B1: Ruins of Symbols

Recommended Level: 90
Items: Nectar, Combo Substitute, Nuclear Bomb, tri-Emblum, Sirloin, Wonder 
Drug, Blueberries
Enemies: Living Armor, Grim Wing, Phantom Knight, Enchantress

==============================================================================

All hail to "Mission to Deep Space", baby! Yeah, that brings back memories...
Go north. You can find NECTAR here in the north room. Go east, making a little
curve fot a COMBO SUBSTITUTE. Head south now, and then east for NUCLEAR BOMB.
Return west and take the path south. Walk into the south room for TRI-EMBLUM.
Go back north and through the north door for SIRLOIN an WONDER DRUG. Return
south, and go west this time. Ignore the switch, keep going west and then go
north. Enter the northwest door for BLUEBERRIES. Go back south and east. Now
flip the switch. Enter the door that has been opened, and face the first boss
of the dungeon.

==========================================
BOSS: Dark Enchantress & Phantom Knight x2
==========================================

Dark Enchantress: HP: 160000, MP: 500
Phantom Knight: HP: 23000 each, MP: 60 each
Difficulty: Easy
93000 EXP, 20000 Fol

The Dark Enchantress is a joke if you have the equipment I listed above. Get
rid of the Knights first, and move on to the witch. She'll go down soon enough
after taking a few Mirror Blades in the face.

She'll give you Bunny Shoes as a reward. Go north and descend the stairs to
B2.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B2: Lover's End

Recommended Level: 90
Items: Combo Link, Organic Vegetables, Reflecting Plate, Resurrection Mist
Enemies: Phantom Axman, Giant, Hunter Slime

==============================================================================

Go north a bit and read the tablet. This should give you a hint on how to 
effectively complete the puzzle. Go east two times, then south. Turn Milena
statue south and Luke statue north so that they face each other. Examine the
floor between them to find COMBO LINK. Go back north, and west. Turn south,
making a little curve for ORGANIC VEGETABLES. Go back north and west to the
tablet room. Go west, then south. A little further south, turn Yuffie south.
Go south again, turn Lloyd east. Go east, turn Cistina south. Return north,
turn east to get to Feila. Turn her east. Go into the room above her for
REFLECTING PLATE and RESURRECTION MIST. Go back south and head west. Keep 
going south to find Sharon. Turn her west. You'll hear a sound. Go back north
and west. Enter the northwest room and go east. Now enter the big red door and
prepare for a boss.

===================================
BOSS: Blood Gerel & Hunter Slime x4
===================================

Blood Gerel: HP: 60000, MP: 0
Hunter Slime: HP: 20000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Easy
23750 EXP, 41000 Fol

This is laughably easy. All of the enemies here are pretty much similar, only
that the Gerel here has 3x more HP. But that shouldn't be a problem, since he
is no different from the slimes. Just hunt them down one by one and heal when
needed.

You will the Seraphic Garb armor, which is best armor available at the moment.
Hopefully, we'll be getting more of these soon:) Descend the stairs to B3.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B3: One-way Cave

Recommended Level: 95
Items: Ring of Lightspeed, Nectar, Nectar, Dream Crown, Sirloin, Wonder Drug,
Sylvan Mail
Enemies: Phantom Goathead, Enchantress, Blood Gerel, Lesser Devil

==============================================================================

Read the tablet, go north, then north again, west and finally south. Here, go
south a little for RING OF LIGHTSPEED and NECTAR. Then continue south and 
south again for another NECTAR. Run east three times for DREAM CROWN, SIRLOIN
and WONDER DRUG. Go north four times, then west and south to the next screen
to grab the last treasure on this floor which is SYLVAN MAIL. Go south and
west to return to the entrance of this floor. If you have been following the
directions I gave you, then the puzzle is completed, so take the path west and
into the newly opened door for a boss.

====================
BOSS: Dreamcaster x3
====================

HP: 35000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Medium
45000 EXP, 90000 Fol

This battle can be quite challenging due to the Dreamcasters' ability to stop
time for a short bit and attack you while you are stunned. I suggest using
Helmetbreak here, cause during this Special Art Claude jumps in the air, and 
the time-stopping gas can't reach him. After a few Helmetbreaks each 
Dreamcaster will go down, cause they have small HP.

You'll get Magic Gumdrop after the battle. Proceed to B4.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B4: Altar of the Dancer

Recommended Level: 100
Items: Extinction, Nectar, Onyx Earring, Mallet Charm, Resurrection Mist,
Organic Vegetables, Seraphic Garb, Mystical Shamisen
Enemies: Jabberwabbit, Hunter Slime

==============================================================================

Go through the east wall to get Leon's EXTINCTION spell, and through the west
one for NECTAR. Go north and speak with the mistaken warrior. Go into north-
west room for ONYX EARRING and into northeastern for MALLET CHARM. Go east for
RESURRECTION MIST and ORGANIC VEGETABLES. In this area, go north into a room.
Go through the wall and raise the lever. You'll hear a door opening somewhere.
Go back, further east and north for SERAPHIC GARB. Return south, and go west
two screens. You're supposed to be back in the area with the mistaken warrior.
Take note that the center north door is open now. Enter it, and play a song
for the goddess. Choose a character with Music specialty at level 10, and who
knows Listening and Rhythm Sense talents. In my case, it was Claude. You'll
get MYSTICAL SHAMISEN instrument as a reward for you song. Go back, continue
west and north, Go through the wall again for a boss.

==============
BOSS: Mirre 32
==============

HP: 190000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Medium
100000 EXP, 50000 Fol

This little critter can fire lasers at you that can chain hit for thousands of
damage. That's about the only somewhat dangerous attack it has, so counter it
with Mirror Blade. Once engulfed in the Mirror Blade torrent of hits, Mirre
won't be able to live long.

Be aware that this level is great for level building, if you lack them. Once
in the fight with Blood Gerels, wait for them to multiply and finish the 
battles with hundreds of thousands of EXP. Be careful with the Lesser Devils, 
though, as they can totally slay you if they'ere in large group. Anyway, 
continue to B5. 

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B5: Woman's Revenge

Recommended Level: 105
Items: Refreshing Syrup, Ring of Lightspeed, Wonder Drug, Sirloin, Nectar,
Faerie Ring, Seraphic Garb, Phantom Slayer
Enemies: Lady Chimera, Mighty Ape, Dragon Axman, Greater Goathead

==============================================================================

Go north for a bit to get REFRESHING SYRUP and RING OF LIGHTSPEED. Proceed 
north for a scene. When prompted, choose the answers "Puffy!" and "Beasts".
You'll fight a Phantom Salamander next, but you must run away for now, as you
will be doing 1 HP damage to it per hit. Go northeast (the upper exit), go
north for a WONDER DRUG, then south, making a curve to SIRLOIN. Go 2 screens
south and west (go through the wal) to NECTAR and FAERIE RING. Go two screens
back to the place where you found Sirloin and go east. Enter the north room
for SERAPHIC GARB, then continue south and east. Keep going south dor another
scene with Puffy. Choose "Help her" and fight three Dreamcasters. After the
battle, examine the floor to get PHANTOM SLAYER. Equip it on Rena. Go west
until the door behind gets closed, then west again and north. Exit this area
in northwest. Now take the lower east exit to face the Salamander again.

========================
BOSS: Phantom Salamander
========================

HP: 811200, MP: 0
Difficulty: Very Easy/Hard
41313 EXP, 52000 Fol

With Phantom Slayer equipped, take control of Rena, approach the boss and do
one hit. You have won the battle. If you somehow DON'T have it, then you're in
for a long ride, taking away Salamander's 811200 HP one by one. Heh heh.

You will obtain the Orb of Fire. Go back to the previous area. Exit it via
upper east exit, go south, east, south, east to a red door. Use Orb of Fire on
it and descend the stairs to B6.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B6: Nest of Thieves

Recommended Level: 110
Items: Dream Crown, Antidote
Enemies: Dreamcaster, Dragon Axman, Metal Scum, Thieving Scum, Jabberwabbit

==============================================================================

Exit the starting screen in northwest, go west and north. At the intersection
go west for DREAM CROWN, east for ANTIDOTE. Go back south to the area with
stone statues. You may run into Santa the Merchant here, so buy some Jewels of
the Frog from him, and if you have the money - tri-Emblems, the best accessory
in the game. Press the switch at the southeasternmost thief statue to open a
door. Go west and north to face a boss. If you have the Scumbag Slayer from
the Ruddle's quest, equip it.

========================================================
BOSS: Thieving Scum LV99, Thieving Scum x3 & Dreamcaster
========================================================

Thieving Scum LV99: HP: 40000, MP: 0
Thieving Scum: HP: 3 each, MP: 0 each
Dreamcaster: HP: 35000, MP: 0
Difficulty: Medium
65004 EXP, 50030 Fol

Ignore the regular Scum, as they will die immediately without your help, and
focus on Dreamcaster. The strategy from the previous battles applies here too.
Once it is gone, prepare to attack the LV99 Scum. If you have Scumbag Slayer,
it will be a breeze, and if you don't, try to keep up with his incredible
speed by equipping Bunny Shoes that you got on the 1st floor. He'll go down
pretty quick, as he has measly 40000 HP.

Ok, the northeastern exit here is the stairs to B7, and the northwestern is 
the teleport to B1. Use it to save, especially if you haven't been saving till
now.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B7: Altar of the Goddess

Recommended Level: 115
Items: Organic Vegetables, Mallet Charm, Phantom Slayer, tri-Emblum, Marenne 
Oysters, Refreshing Syrup, Resurrection Mist, Flawed Orb, Bunny Shoes, Sunset
Island, Crazy Cow
Enemies: Crimson Beast, Thieving Scum LV99, Magus, Robinette, Ultimate Avenger

==============================================================================

Go north twice. Read the tablet. Go east and north into the room for ORGANIC
VEGETABLES. Go back, then south a little and east into another room for MALLET
CHARM. Finall, go south and through a wall for a second PHANTOM SLAYER weapon.
Go east from the tablet, making a little curve south to find TRI-EMBLUM. Go
further east, take the first path south you see, amke a little curve for a 
chest with REFRESHING SYRUP. South again for MARENNE OYSTERS and RESURRECTION
MIST. Go back north two times and east again. Then keep going south, approach
the south wall and walk through it for a FLAWED ORB. Craft it with one of your
characters to get Orb Of Fire. Go back north, then west two times. Place the
orb at the altar to open the north door. Proceed through it to meet another
obstacle.

===================
BOSS: Mithril Eater
===================

HP: 600000, MP: 400
Difficulty: Medium
60500 EXP, 60000 Fol

Much like the boss from the Minae Cave, this one uses only Pain Release, which
can hit for whopping 8000-8500 damage, so be ready to interrupt him with your
attacks/spells of your mages. As I have noticed, Pain Release tends to hit 
only the characters that are close to the Mithril Eater, so your casters will
be left unharmed for the most time. The quickest strategy to defeat this fella
would be to get behind its back and use Mirror Blade like there's no tomorrow.
The Eater is stunnable, so use that to your advantage.

You'll get Mindhealer, the best rod for Celine, Leon or Noel after the battle.
Go northwest for BUNNY SHOES, SUNSET ISLAND and CRAZY COW. Go northeast to B8.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B8: God of Food

Recommended Level: 120
Items: Lavender, Amoeba Soup, Seraphic Garb, Scumbag Slayer, Legendary Otoro,
Mallet Charm, Refreshing Syrup, Wonder Drug, Marenne Oysters, Mindhealer, Ooze
Cocktail, Slimy Gelatin
Enemies: Star Protector, Killer Ape, Dreamcaster, Vile Hound, Phantom Devil

==============================================================================

Grab LAVENDER on the immediate right and go north two times. Take the first
east path you see, go east again and walk through a wall for AMOEBA SOUP and
SERAPHIC GARB. Go back west, south and east for SCUMBAG SLAYER. Back north and
northwest. Take the northwestern exit now. Go west and north for LEGENDARY
OTORO and MALLET CHARM. Go back south and follow tha way south for the next
two screens. Open the chests for REFRESHING SYRUP, WONDER DRUG and MARENNE
OYSTERS. Go back north, open the chest with MINDHEALER in the northwest corner
and go through northern and southern walls for OOZE COCKTAIL and SLIMY GELATIN
respectively. Exit screen by going north. Then keep going east and a little
north in the end to meet the God of Food. Feed him the food you are proposed 
to. Keep repeating it until you have the opportunity to feed him with non-food
and him something that is not food for a scene. Go south through the newly
opened door to meet you final opponent on this floor.

==================
BOSS: Elysian Slug
==================

HP: 450000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Easy
75000 EXP, 42000 Fol

This boss is laughably easy, if you know what you're doing. Keep using Mirror
Slice or even Helmetbreak for a quick win, as this boss does nothing except
swallowing your characters and spitting them out petrified. Use Condition Cure
or Stone Cure items to heal them and repeat the process until it's dead.

You'll get Gelatin Steak as a reward. Yeah, not a very good reward >_> Anyway,
now that you've beaten first 8 floors, you can safely use Jewel of the Frog to
return to the entrance, or you can go back to floor 6's teleport. Do so to get
back to the world map to heal and restock on items. We will be using the short
cut to B9 from now on, so don't be afraid to leave.
To get to B9 from B1, from the entrance to the Maze of Tribulations go north,
the west and south. Enter the northwest door and walk on the tiles (not the
red ones) until you fall down to B9.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B9: The Sealed Casket

Recommended Level: 125
Items: Artemis Leaf, Valiant Boots, Resurrection Mist, Wonder Drug
Enemies: Brigand Ogre, Cockatrice King, Phantom Mollusk, Robinette Captain

==============================================================================

Alright, kids, the games are over now. From here on out, you'll be facing the
toughest and deadliest random enemies in the game. On this floor, beware of
the Cockatrice Kings who can petrify with EVERY single hit. Also, Brigand 
Ogres and Robinette Captain hit very hard and have a pretty high guard rate.
Open the right chest for ARTEMIS LEAF. Go through the wall for VALIANT BOOTS,
that are the very best piece of leg armor. Go back and west for two times, and
north for RESURRECTION MIST. Go north and east. Keep going east till you can't
anymore and move south for WONDER DRUG. Go back north, and exit this screen
northwest. Immediately go south, then west. Go through the north door, ignore
the coffin and keep going to north to reach the stairs to B10. Where's the 
boss, you say? Ah, we'll deal with him later.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B10: Moment of Courage

Recommended Level: 130
Items: Scumbag Slayer, Bunny Shoes, Valkyrie's Boots, Refreshing Syrup, 
Rainbow Diamond, Valkyrie's Boots, Philosopher's Stone, Valiant Boots, Meteor
Swarm, Mindhelaer, Organic Vegetables
Enemies: Dreamcaster, Manic Gunner, Mirre 128, Gastric Slug, Mind Flayer, Life
Flayer

==============================================================================

Ok, this floor is even more frustrating than the previous one. First of all,
it has some nasty enemies such as Mind Flayers (will rob you of your MP in
seconds), Life Flayers (will destroy your HP in seconds, if you're not careful
enough) and Manic Gunners. Secondly it represents a 4x4 grid. To enter the
other rooms, you must step on tiles in the first room that are representing
those rooms.

The grid looks like this:
.---------------.
|   |   |   | G |    G - green tiles (normal rooms)
|---------------|
|   |   |   |   |    R - red tiles (rooms with increased enemy encounter rate)
|---------------|
|   |   |   |   |    Y - yellow tiles (rooms with HP-sap effect)
|---------------|
| G |   |   |   |
'---------------'

G are the green tiles. The southwestern shows the room where you are right now
and the northeastern shows you the room that has the stairs to B11. Ok, as you
probably want to nab all the chests, we'll be using two routes. The first one
looks like this:

.---------------.
| R |   |   | G |
|---------------|
| Y | G | R |   |
|---------------|
| G |   |   |   |
|---------------|
| G |   |   |   |
'---------------'

Step on the corresponding tiles and go through the northern door. Go north 
again for a SCUMBAG SLAYER. Then north one more time for BUNNY SHOES. Go back
south and east two time to get VALKYRIE'S BOOTS. Go back west two times and
south to the first room with the grid. Return to B9 and back to reset the grid
again. Now step on the tiles like this:

.---------------.
|   |   |   | G |
|---------------|
|   |   |   | R |
|---------------|
|   |   |   | Y |
|---------------|
| G | Y | R | R |
'---------------'

Go east for REFRESHING SYRUP, then east again for RAINBOW DIAMOND, VALKYRIE'S
BOOTS and PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. Go east one more time to get VALIANT BOOTS. Go
north, grabbing ORGANIC VEGETABLES, MINDHEALER and Celine's METEOR SWARM spell
along the way. In the northeasternmost room you'll face a boss.
If you don't want any trouble getting the treasures, use this route:

.---------------.
|   | G | G | G |
|---------------|
|   | G |   |   |
|---------------|
| G | G |   |   |
|---------------|
| G |   |   |   |
'---------------'

I recommend at least getting Valkyrie's Boots and Meteor Swarm, though.

==================
BOSS: Geo Guardian
==================

HP: 400000, MP: 100
Difficulty: Easy
75000 EXP, 100000 Fol

This is just like the Guardian from the Field of Courage. It's slow, easily
stunnable, but has some decent HP. Keep it busy with Mirror Blade or any other
Special Arts till it's gone.

Descend the stairs to B11.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B11: Dragon's Den

Recommended Level: 135
Items: N/A
Enemies: Mind Flayer, Aulbear, Gastric Slug, Phantom Mage, Hellmaster

==============================================================================

Equip your characters with something that protects from petrification and
proceed north to face the boss of this little floor.

===================
BOSS: Dragon Tyrant
===================

HP: 550000, MP: 1000
Difficulty: Hard
450000 EXP, 1200000 Fol

Ok, this guy here is no pushover. He can hit a lot, and he hits hard + he can
petrify you. But since you have those Amulets of Flexibility, that shouldn't
bother. Remember that if he can chain hit you - he WILL kill you. Be ready to
use Resurrection Elixirs/Mists when needed. He flies around the battlefield a
lot, so getting to him might be a little chore. Once you've locked in the 
corner, keep on using Mirror Blade and replenishing your MP with Blackberries.
That being said, he should go down pretty soon, giving you some nice EXP and
Fol.

You will get a Backstab combat skill as your reward. This is a very useful
skill, so level it up to 10 as fast as you can. For now, you can't proceed to
B12, so escape the dungeon via the teleporter. Once you have saved, enter the
Maze again. You'll have an option to split your party. IF you're on Claude's
playthrough, go with Rena, if you're on Rena's playthrough, go with Claude or
Dias. Now only two of you party members can enter B12. Go ALL the way to it,
using the shortcut (and yeah, I recommend escaping from battles for the time
being).

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B12: Warrior's Temple

Recommended Level: 135
Items: Valkyrie's Bracelet, Battle Suit, Battle Suit, Bunny Shoes
Enemies: Dreamcaster, Hellmaster, Gastric Slug, Phantom Mage, Aulbear, Mind
Flayer

==============================================================================

Go north. Then west for VALKYRIE'S BRACELET and BATTLE SUIT. Return east, and
go east for BATTLE SUIT and BUNNY SHOES. Go back west. Once ready, take the
north path here to face another boss.

=============
BOSS: Phoenix
=============

HP: 350000, MP: 6300
Difficulty: Medium
500000 EXP, 500000 Fol

Since there's only two of you, be extra careful when attacking and heal a lot.
I was using Claude for attacking, and Rena for healing. Phoenix is just like
Zinae, but use a few more dangerous attacks like Crushing Charge and Magnum
Tornado. Both are easily interruptable, and the Charge is easily guardable.
He also uses Blood Scylla rarely. Keep using Mirror Slice until you win.

You will obtain an awesome Holy Sword Farewell. Equip it on Claude, and go
back to B11, since you can't go to B13 now. Use the teleporter to get back to
floor 1. Regroup with your party and take the shortcut to B9. On the way to
B10, examine the coffin to initiate a boss battle.

===============================
BOSS: Sorcerer & Dreamcaster x3
===============================

Sorcerer: HP: 700000, MP: 30000
Dreamcaster: HP: 35000 each, MP: 0 each
Difficulty: Hard
295000 EXP, 300000 Fol

Quickly get rid of the Dreamcasters so they won't get in the way, while taking
some serious damage from the Sorcerer. He can petrify with his regular spells,
and he can use Shadow Flare for 7500-8000 damage. To prevent getting hit, get
behing (Backstab should kick in sooner or later), and start slaying him with
Mirror Blade. He can be stunned, too, so use that to your advantage. He has a
lot of HP, so you might need to use Blackberries once or twice.

After the battle, you will get the Demon Sword Levantine, the best sword in 
the game. Equip it on Claude, and give the Farewell to someone else, like 
Ashton. Alright, now the path to the final boss of this dungeon is open, but I
still advice to go to B1, save and restock on items. If you've been collecting
all the treasures in the Maze, you should be well ready to face your final
opponent. Keep in mind that levels doesn't matter here as much as the equips.
Go to B12, examine the northmost door to open the way to B13.

==============================================================================
Maze of Tribulations B13: Cave of the Archangel

Recommended Level: 140
Items: Valiant Mail, Valiant Shield, Archangel's Bracelet
Enemies: Soul Master, Rock Demon, Dreamcaster, Hell Savant
==============================================================================

This floor contains the nastiest enemies in the world. Soul Master can cast a
bloody Extinction to wipe your party completely in about two hits. I mean, be
very careful on this floor. The path here is pretty straightforward. Go all
the way west to raise a lever (grabbing a VALIANT MAIL along your path), then
go all the way east and raise another lever (grabbing VALIANT SHIELD along
your path). Job done. The north door to the final boss of the dungeon is open
now. Heal your HP/MP fully and enter it for a scene. Also, make sure you have
all the equipment from Maze of Tribulations at your disposal.

=======================
BOSS: Gabriella Celesta
=======================

HP: 1000000, MP: 20000
Difficulty: Hard
550000 EXP, 80000 Fol

Gabriella is damn fast. Really fast. While she moves, she sprays some kind of
electric beams all around herself that hit for whopping 5000-5500 damage. Her
spells are pretty deadly too, but you can interrupt her with your own ones.
Your Special Art of choice here would be Mirror Blade yet again. Spam it like
there's no ****ing tomorrow. With some help from your other melee character,
Gabriella will losing her HP pretty rapidly. But don't think it's that easy -
she can easily fly away from you, and you'll have to catch her again to keep
spamming Mirror Blade. Heal when needed, replenish your MP in time and there's
no doubt that you will emerge victorious soon after.

After the battle, she will give you the Silver Trumpet. What's it for? I'll
tell you later. Open the chest for ARCHANGEL'S BRACELET and leave the dungeon
for good, if you've gotten all the treasures, that is. There will be no random
enemies for this only time, but once you'll reenter the Maze, they will return
again.

Congratulations on beating this accursed dungeon, ironically called the Maze 
of Tribulations! Now that was indeed a tribulation.

===================
UBER-LEVELING TRICK
===================

This is almost like the Arch Phoenix trick from Star OCean: First Departure.
Once you have obtained the Silver Trumpet, learn the melody called The Devil
Aria. Have someone with Music Specialty at level 8 play it while being in the 
world map to summon Dragon Tyrant, the boss from Maze of Tribulations B11. It
gives you 450000 EXP upon defeating, which can multiplied by using Experience
Cards, created via the Art item creation. Apply the strategy above to defeat
him with ease and watch your levels skyrocket to 200 and beyond.

=================================
SIDE-QUEST: SPANKING ISERIA QUEEN
=================================

Iseria Queen is a hidden boss, that is summonable from playing The Devil's 
Aria melody at the world map with Music specialty at level 10. Beating Iseria
Queen is not easy, and requires certain preparation. Once again, it's not 
about the levels, it's all about the right equipment and strategy. I have
managed to defeat her once by sheer luck, and I'm gonna tell you how I did it.
My team was the same that I used for the Maze of Tribulations - Claude, Rena,
Celine, Ashton. Here are their setups:

Claude (Level 151)                Rena (Level 151)
HP: 9999/9999                     HP: 9999/9999
MP: 822/822                       MP: 840/840
Weapon: Demon Sword Levantine     Weapon: Knuckles of Hope
Armor: Seraphic Garb              Armor: Seraphic Garb
Shield: Valiant Shield            Shield: Valkyrie's Bracelet
Helmet: Dueling Helmet            Helmet: Tiara of Isis
Greaves: Valiant Boots            Greaves: Valkyrie's Boots
Acc 1: Ring of Might              Acc 1: Amulet of Flexibility
Acc 2: Chain of Might             Acc 2: Faerie Ring

Celine (Level 149)                Ashton (Level 149)
HP: 9999/9999                     HP: 9999/9999
MP: 870/870                       MP: 828/828
Weapon: Mindhealer                Weapon: Holy Sword Farewell
Armor: Seraphic Garb              Armor: Seraphic Garb
Shield: Hand of Kali              Shield: Valiant Shield
Helmet: Tiara of Isis             Helmet: Dueling Helmet
Greaves: Valkyrie's Boots         Greaves: Valiant Boots
Acc 1: Amulet of Flexibility      Acc 1: Amulet of Flexibility
Acc 2: Faerie Ring                Acc 2: Archangel's Bracelet

Even though Iseria Queen is strong against darkness, Demon Sword Levantine is
just fine, if Claude's attack is 9999 or somewhere near it. I was still doing
9999 damage per hit despite her resistance. I have equipped everyone with the
Seraphic Garbs, the best armors in the game, and Amulets of Flexibility to 
prevent petrification. Note that I didn't put it on Claude, as I needed all
the power he has with Ring of Might/Chain of Might combo. With equipment out
of the way, let's start the battle.

==================
BOSS: Iseria Queen
==================

HP: 3300000, MP: 20000
Difficulty: Very Hard
1000000 EXP, 50000 Fol

In terms of speed, Iseria Queen is like Gabriella Celesta. She moves fast and
hits hard. Just like Celesta, she sprays light beams all over the battlefield,
along with some pillars of light, instantly petrifying the characters (without
the required protection). The beams can hit for 6000-7000 damage, so heal 
right away. If we could use Mirror Blade on Celesta at least 50% of the time,
Iseria is a whole different story. She guards every hit like crazy, so in 
order to damage her significantly, you must assault her from both sides with
your melee characters. Hopefully, the Guardbreak should kick in, and you can
pull off some nifty 60000-70000 damage on her. With that out of the way, let's
talk about the spells she uses. It's either Shadow Flare or Meteor Swarm that
can instanlty cause 9999 damage to the WHOLE party. To find some protection
from that onslaught, I had to cast Celine's Reflection all the time, along 
with other magic-resistance-increasing items. Fortunately, Rena or Claude were
surviving the attack every time it hit, so I that could revive my party back.
However, you must focus all of your strenght on preventing Iseria Queen from
using her spells, as some time she CAN wipe out the whole party, if you're not
lucky enough. This will probably be your longest battle in the whole game, but
with enough skills, you should be able to make it.
One more thing. If everything else fails, and Iseria Queen keeps killing your
party, you can use the cheap Bloody Armor strategy. Bloody Armors are the kind
of armors that keep reducing your HP throughout the battle while you take zero
damage from everything. Just set Rean to heal you all the time, while your
melee fighters are beating the crap out of Iseria Queen and taking no damage
at all. The Bloody Armors are dropped by Dark Crusaders in the Field of Might,
Field of Courage and Phynal.

======================================
THE FINAL CHALLENGE: GABRIEL UNLIMITED
======================================

This is a version of the final boss, turned into the hardest boss in the game.
To turn Gabriel's limiter off, you must do the following:
1. Do a PA in Kurik with Philia BEFORE the earthquake and the destruction of
the town.
2. After saving at the final savepoint, do a PA in the Centropolis of Nede,
so that Philia will make Gabriel more powerful.
It will also add some bonus conversations before/after the battle.
Preparations for Gabriel Unlimited should be precise and thorough. Here's my
party, and my stats:

Claude (Level 202)                Rena (Level 203)
HP: 9999/9999                     HP: 9999/9999
MP: 999/999                       MP: 999/999
Weapon: Demon Sword Levantine     Weapon: Knuckles of Hope
Armor: Seraphic Garb              Armor: Seraphic Garb
Shield: Valiant Shield            Shield: Valkyrie's Bracelet
Helmet: Dueling Helmet            Helmet: Tiara of Isis
Greaves: Valiant Boots            Greaves: Valkyrie's Boots
Acc 1: Ring of Might              Acc 1: Ring of Fusion
Acc 2: Berserker Ring             Acc 2: Faerie Ring

Celine (Level 200)                Ashton (Level 200)
HP: 9999/9999                     HP: 9999/9999
MP: 999/999                       MP: 999/999
Weapon: Mindhealer                Weapon: Demon Sword Levantine
Armor: Seraphic Garb              Armor: Seraphic Garb
Shield: Hand of Kali              Shield: Valiant Shield
Helmet: Tiara of Isis             Helmet: Dueling Helmet
Greaves: Valkyrie's Boots         Greaves: Valiant Boots
Acc 1: tri-Emblem                 Acc 1: tri-Emblem
Acc 2: Faerie Ring                Acc 2: Archangel's Bracelet

*I got the second Demon Sword Levantine by defeating Iseria Queen (she drops
them with 11% probability)
**I've also equipped Celine and Ashton with tri-Emblem, as I felt they needed
some serious increasement in stats
***You might want to equip Reflecting Plates to negate his Explode and Song of
the Gods attacks.
Now that you have done those two PA and saved at the final savepoint, go north
a few times to meet your final enemy. This time, the REAL final enemy.

=============================
FINAL BOSS: Gabriel Unlimited
=============================

HP: 1500000, MP:
Difficulty: Very Hard
1237250 EXP, 60000 Fol

Luckily, Gabriel is not as fast as Gabriella/Iseria, but he can cast spells
WHILE MOVING. And this is a major problem. When using your Special Arts, your
timing must be precise in order to not let him escape and continue casting his
spells. There are many spells at his disposal: Star Flare, Southern Cross, 
Explode, Stone Rain. They do great damage, up to 9999. The most dangerous ones
I consider Song of the Gods (9999 physical damage) and Divine Wave (instant
death to all party). You REALLY have to hope for the Guts effect to kick in,
otherwise it's game over. Hopefully, I haven't seem him doing this attack more
than twice per battle, or maybe I was just lucky to defeat him quickly. You 
absolutely have to master you Mirror Blade usage here, cause it's the only way
to stop him from using those attacks and inflicting maximum damage on him. He
doesn't have as much HP as Iseria Queen, so it should be faster. You might 
want to bring Resurrection Elixirs/Mists, Stone Cures, Potion of the Wind to
this battle too. Don't hold out on any of the items you have, cause this is 
the last battle in the game. If you have mages, have them cast Reflection and
Angel Feather. These spells are a must throughout the whole battle.
One more thing. If everything else fails, and Gabriel keeps killing your 
party, you can use the cheap Bloody Armor strategy. Bloody Armors are the kind
of armors that keep reducing your HP throughout the battle while you take zero
damage from everything. Just set Rean to heal you all the time, while your
melee fighters are beating the crap out of Iseria Queen and taking no damage
at all. The Bloody Armors are dropped by Dark Crusaders in the Field of Might,
Field of Courage and Phynal. You still have to watch out for the Divine Wave,
though.

Once you have defeated him, you can congratulate yourself on beating every
challenge the game has thrown at you. You have now truly beaten Star Ocean:
Second Evolution!!!

==============================================================================
IV.                                ITEM LIST
==============================================================================

IN PROGRESS...

==============================================================================
V.                              EQUIPMENT LIST
==============================================================================

IN PROGRESS...

==============================================================================
VI.                                SHOP LIST
==============================================================================

ARLIA
-----

Arlia Goods

ITEM                PRICE
Sandals             10 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol

SALVA
-----

The Faerie's Tear                The Jeweled Dagger

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE               
Necklace            1200 Fol     Longsword           200 Fol
Ruby Earring        6000 Fol     Twin Fury           850 Fol
Silver Barrette     1300 Fol     Brass Knuckles      110 Fol
Iron                200 Fol      Leather Helmet      50 Fol
Silver              200 Fol      Leather Armor       300 Fol
Gold                300 Fol      Sandals             10 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol      Leather Greaves     50 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Spectacle           8 Fol

The Kicking Dolphin

ITEM                PRICE
Strawberry Jam      50 Fol
Raspberry Jam       60 Fol
Apple Jam           70 Fol

KROSSE
------

The Rare Trinket                 The Fattened Goose

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Seafood             500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol      Fruit               80 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol       Grains              145 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol     Vegetables          30 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol      Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol

The Royal Hunt

ITEM                PRICE

Broad Sword         400 Fol
Venomous Stingers   2000 Fol
Rod                 10 Fol
Leather Helmet      50 Fol
Padded Helmet       120 Fol
Padded Armor        600 Fol
Robe                10 Fol
Wooden Shield       120 Fol
Boots               40 Fol
Iron Greaves        110 Fol

KURIK
-----

The Border Guard                 Street Stand #1

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE

Sinclair            860 Fol      Banana Crepe        90 Fol
Hard Knuckles       300 Fol      Chocolate Crepe     115 Fol
Rod                 10 Fol
Padded Armor        600 Fol
Robe                10 Fol
Wooden Shield       120 Fol
Round Shield        500 Fol
Boots               40 Fol
Boots of Happiness  80 Fol
Iron Greaves        110 Fol

Milly's Favorites                Street Stand #2

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Orange Sherbet      15 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol      Vanilla Ice Cream   30 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Anklet              400 Fol
Mandrake            150 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Gold                300 Fol
Harmonica           500 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol
Magical Clay        600 Fol

Bakery

ITEM                PRICE
Hotcake             340 Fol
Egg Sandwich        250 Fol
Grains              145 Fol
Vegetables          30 Fol
Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol

MARZE
-----

The Newt's Eye                   The Golden Cauldron

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Flame Blade         4800 Fol     Seafood             500 Fol
Cestus              1400 Fol     Fruit               80 Fol
Ruby Wand           600 Fol      Grains              145 Fol
Open Helmet         500 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Magical Cap         600 Fol      Vegetables          30 Fol
Ring Mail           1200 Fol     Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Silk Robe           1800 Fol     Radish Miso Soup    300 Fol
Round Shield        500 Fol
Suede Boots         200 Fol
Iron Greaves        110 Fol
Deadly Poison Bomb  300 Fol
Flare Bomb          450 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         600 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol

HARLEY
------

The Sunken Vessel                Oceans of Fire

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Ruby Wand           600 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol      Silk Robe           1800 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol       Knight's Shield     1000 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol     Boots of Happiness  80 Fol
Magical Clay        600 Fol      Plate Greaves       800 Fol
Thief's Gloves      40000 Fol    Brigandine          3500 Fol
Anklet              400 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol

Red Dragon
----------

ITEM                PRICE
Luxury Grape Juice  100 Fol (100 Fol + (250 x minutes played))
Seafood             500 Fol
Fruit               80 Fol
Grains              145 Fol 
Meat                300 Fol
Vegetables          30 Fol
Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Bean Paste Bun      140 Fol
Gyoza Dumplings     280 Fol
Shumai Dumplings    280 Fol
Tuna Sashimi        2000 Fol
Sashimi             2800 Fol

HILTON
------

Seaside Knickknacks              Bender Instruments

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Harmonica           500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol      Cembalo             8000 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol       Feather Pen         20 Fol
Iron                200 Fol      Conductor Baton     85 Fol
Silver              200 Fol
Gold                300 Fol
Ruby                400 Fol
Sapphire            800 Fol
Green Beryl         500 Fol
Feather Pen         20 Fol
Thief's Gloves      40000 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Mandrake            150 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol
Artemis Leaf        720 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Antidote            140 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol

The Trusty Harpoon

ITEM                PRICE
Venomous Stingers   2000 Fol
Cestus              1400 Fol
Splinter            1300 Fol
Iron Helmet         1200 Fol
Ring Mail           1200 Fol
Silk Robe           1800 Fol
Round Shield        500 Fol
Leather Boots       105 Fol
High Heels          120 Fol
Brigandine          3500 Fol

The Whale's Belly

ITEM                PRICE
Luxury Grape Juice  100 Fol (100 Fol + (250 x minutes played))
Steamed Bun         360 Fol
Bean Paste Bun      140 Fol
Chicken Shish Kebab 500 Fol
Seafood             500 Fol
Fruit               80 Fol
Grains              145 Fol
Meat                300 Fol
Vegetables          30 Fol
Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Cola                300 Fol

LACUER
------

The Smith's Source               Culinary Carnival

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Luxury Grape Juice  100 Fol (same as before)
Blackberries        200 Fol      Seafood             500 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol       Fruit               80 Fol
Amulet of Antivenin 5000 Fol     Grains              145 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Mandrake            150 Fol      Vegetables          30 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol      Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Artemis Leaf        720 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol
Strength Bottle     230 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Smith's Hammer      250 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol

The Counterpunch

ITEM                PRICE
Sinclair            860 Fol
Plate Helmet        7000 Fol
Brigandine          3500 Fol
Buckler             650 Fol
Silver Greaves      5200 Fol
Sweet Syrup         300 Fol
Mixed Syrup         500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol

The Knockout

ITEM                PRICE
Farcutter           12300 Fol
Leather Helmet      50 Fol
Leather Armor       300 Fol
Wooden Shield       120 Fol
Leather Greaves     50 Fol
Sweet Syrup         300 Fol
Mixed Syrup         500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Twin Splicers       3000 Fol

The Straight Jab

ITEM                PRICE
Guthgwine           4500 Fol
Padded Helmet       120 Fol
Padded Armor        600 Fol
Knight's Shield     1000 Fol
Plate Greaves       800 Fol
Sweet Syrup         300 Fol
Mixed Syrup         500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Crested Rod         1200 Fol

The Savage Slayer

ITEM                PRICE
Walloon Sword       3900 Fol
Iron Helmet         1200 Fol
Ring Mail           1200 Fol
Round Shield        500 Fol
Iron Greaves        110 Fol
Fruit Syrup         600 Fol
Refreshing Syrup    800 Fol
Strength Bottle     230 Fol
Violence Pill       140 Fol
Heavy Whip          3000 Fol

LINGA
-----

The Academy Co-Op                CSV Pharmacy

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Mechanic's Toolbox  1200 Fol     Apple Jam           70 Fol
Reference Book      2300 Fol     Aloe Jam            80 Fol
Amber Robe          4000 Fol     Aquaberries         105 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol     Blackberries        200 Fol
Magical Clay        600 Fol      Blueberries         60 Fol
Feather Pen         20 Fol
Magical Camera      9800 Fol
Magical Film        900 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Thief's Gloves      40000 Fol
Smith's Hammer      250 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Premium Paper       150 Fol

Jeane's Medicine House

ITEM                PRICE
Mandrake            150 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol
Artemis Leaf        720 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol
Antidote            140 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol
Strength Bottle     230 Fol

LACUER FRONT LINE
-----------------

Armory                           Lacuer Shop

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Farcutter           12300 Fol    Walloon Sword       3900 Fol
Crested Rod         1200 Fol     Guthgwine           4500 Fol
Plate Helmet        7000 Fol     Taloned Knuckles    1400 Fol
Brigandine          3500 Fol     Heavy Whip          3000 Fol
Knight's Shield     1000 Fol     Aquaberries         105 Fol
Buckler             650 Fol      Blackberries        200 Fol
Silver Greaves      5200 Fol     Blueberries         60 Fol
Plate Armor         13400 Fol    Spectacles          8 Fol
Fine Shield         6800 Fol     Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol     Pet Food            10 Fol
                                 Crystal             500 Fol
                                 Green Beryl         500 Fol
                                 Sapphire            800 Fol
                                 Ruby                400 Fol

ELURIA
------

Armory

ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Seafood             500 Fol
Fruit               80 Fol
Grains              145 Fol
Meat                300 Fol
Vegetables          30 Fol
Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol

CENTROPOLIS OF NEDE
-------------------

Hyperion Weapons

ITEM                PRICE
Searing Sword       17000 Fol
Luminous Slicers    18000 Fol
Cestus of Poison    15000 Fol
Hecaton's Punch     16200 Fol
Silver Rod          9800 Fol
Majestic Puncher    14000 Fol
Light Whip          14000 Fol
Theory of Symbology 7000 Fol
Megawatt Stunner    15000 Fol
Steel Helmet        16000 Fol
Silver Robe         10000 Fol
Plate Armor         13400 Fol
Fine Shield         6800 Fol
Silver Greaves      5200 Fol
Tense Handy Stick   15000 Fol

Gracy's 

ITEM                PRICE
Lezard's Flask      120000 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Mandrake            150 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol
Artemis Leaf        720 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol
Magical Clay        600 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol
Beret               40000 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Amulet of Antivenin 5000 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol
Premium Paper       150 Fol
Thief's Gloves      40000 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Conductor Baton     85 Fol
Magical Film        900 Fol

Empyrean Cuisine

ITEM                PRICE
Seafood             500 Fol
Fruit               80 Fol
Grains              145 Fol
Meat                300 Fol
Vegetables          30 Fol
Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Steak               600 Fol
Flat Soda           200 Fol

NORTH CITY
----------

The Blue Flask                   Clone Foods

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Lezard's Flask      120000 Fol   Seafood             500 Fol
Mandrake            150 Fol      Fruit               80 Fol
Rose Hip            230 Fol      Grains              145 Fol
Artemis Leaf        720 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Wolfsbane           360 Fol      Vegetables          30 Fol
Lavender            490 Fol      Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Athelas             660 Fol      Aquaberries         105 Fol
Strength Bottle     230 Fol      Blackberries        200 Fol
Cembalo             8000 Fol     Blueberries         60 Fol
Harmonica           500 Fol
Pipe Organ          12000 Fol
Piano               30000 Fol
Lyre                5000 Fol
Violin              21000 Fol
Feather Pen         20 Fol
Conductor Baton     85 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Mechanic's Toolbox  1200 Fol
Luxury Grape Juice  100 Fol
Smith's Hammer      250 Fol
Iron                200 Fol
Gold                300 Fol
Silver              200 Fol
Green Beryl         500 Fol
Sapphire            800 Fol
Ruby                400 Fol
Crystal             500 Fol
Diamond             9000 Fol

The Noble Psynard

ITEM                PRICE
Eagle's Claws       20000 Fol
Cestus of Poison    15000 Fol
Hecaton's Punch     16200 Fol
Light Whip          14000 Fol
Steel Helmet        16000 Fol
Tiara of the Arc    8600 Fol
Mithril Coat        15000 Fol
Steel Armor         52000 Fol
Crested Shield      36600 Fol
Laced Boots         4100 Fol 
Silver Greaves      5200 Fol
Safety Shoes        3200 Fol

ARMLOCK
-------

Peddler                          The Kitchen Knife

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Aquaberries         105 Fol      Seafood             500 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol      Fruit               80 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol       Grains              145 Fol
Smith's Hammer      250 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Mechanic's Toolbox  1200 Fol     Vegetables          30 Fol
Iron                200 Fol      Eggs and Dairy      10 Fol
Silver              200 Fol
Gold                300 Fol
Ruby                400 Fol
Sapphire            800 Fol
Green Beryl         500 Fol
Crystal             500 Fol
Diamond             9000 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol
Magical Clay        600 Fol
Thief's Gloves      40000 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Potion of Lilith    150 Fol

The Weapon Factory

ITEM                PRICE
Force Sword         50000 Fol
Blade of Ruin       190000 Fol
Lotus Eaters        188000 Fol
Knuckles of the Moon50000 Fol
Grizzly Clasp       140000 Fol
Ruby Rod            80000 Fol
Atomic Puncher      170000 Fol
Spark Whip          160000 Fol
Encyclopedia        50000 Fol
Lightning Gun       158000 Fol
Alpha Box           139900 Fol
Annoying Handy Stick45000 Fol

PRINCEBRIDGE
------------

Fernes & Gable                   The Pridgey

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Antidote            140 Fol      Seafood             500 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol      Meat                300 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol      Eggs & Dairy        10 Fol
Resurrection Elixir 3600 Fol     Hamburg Steak       200 Fol
Faerie Statuette    400 Fol      Beef Croquette      420 Fol
Mirror of Knowledge 1200 Fol     Steak               600 Fol
Amulet of Antivenin 5000 Fol
Amulet of Freedom   6000 Fol
Amulet of Flexibility 7000 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol

Merchant of the Snow

ITEM                PRICE
Dictionary          20000 Fol
Holy Cloak          30000 Fol
Beret               40000 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Magic Canvas        1000 Fol
Magic Clay          600 Fol
Feather Pen         20 Fol
Conductor Baton     85 Fol
Magic Camera        9800 Fol
Magic Film          900 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol
Pet Food            10 Fol
Thief's Glove       40000 Fol
Smith's Hammer      250 Fol
Iron                200 Fol
Premium Paper       150 Fol
Mechanic's Toolbox  1200 Fol
Weighty Ring        800 Fol

FUN CITY
--------

Fun City Giftshop                Fanfic Convertion

ITEM                PRICE        ITEM                PRICE
Keen Kitchen Knife  12000 Fol    Fanfic              800 Fol
Feather Pen         20 Fol       Fanfic!             3000 Fol
Fountain Pen        460 Fol      Fanfic!!!           10000 Fol
Magical Camera      9800 Fol     Fanfic X            10000 Fol
Magical Film        900 Fol
Premium Paper       150 Fol
Mechanic's Toolbox  1200 Fol
Conductor Baton     85 Fol
Beret               40000 Fol
Aquaberries         105 Fol
Blackberries        200 Fol
Blueberries         60 Fol
Crown               1600 Fol
Harmonica           500 Fol
Spectacles          8 Fol
Evening Gown        5000 Fol
Pin Heels           300 Fol
Antidote            140 Fol
Paralysis Cure      180 Fol
Stone Cure          450 Fol
Strawberry Jam      50 Fol
Raspberry Jam       60 Fol
Apple Jam           70 Fol
Aloe Jam            80 Fol

Rainbow Cafe

ITEM                PRICE
Luxury Grape Juice  100 Fol (100 Fol + (250 x minutes played))
Chicken Doria       520 Fol
Orange Soda         110 Fol
Apple Crepe         200 Fol
Hotcake             340 Fol
Chicken Shish Kebab 500 Fol
Egg Fried Rice      300 Fol
Gyoza Dumplings     280 Fol
Strawberry Rice Cake2250 Fol
Cola                300 Fol

MAZE OF TRIBULATIONS
--------------------

Santa

ITEM                PRICE
Moonstone           1500 Fol
Orichalcum          10000 Fol
Meteorite           5200 Fol
Mithril             15000 Fol
Damascus            6400 Fol
Rune Metal          7000 Fol
Green Beryl         500 Fol
Sapphire            800 Fol
Ruby                400 Fol
Star Ruby           10000 Fol
Crystal             500 Fol
Philosopher's Stone 50000 Fol
Diamond             9000 Fol
Rainbow Diamond     14000 Fol
Santa's Boots       10000000 Fol
tri-Emblem          5000000 Fol
Jewel of the Frog   300001 Fol

ENERGY NEDE ISLAND
------------------

Shady Shop - For a Few Fol More

ITEM                PRICE
Wizard's Cap        65200 Fol
Mithril Helmet      83400 Fol
Mithril Mesh        250000 Fol
Wizard's Armor      240000 Fol
Steel Armor         52000 Fol
Crested Shield      36600 Fol
Gauntlet of Air     105000 Fol
Mithril Greaves     76000 Fol
tri-Emblum          31419 Fol
Wyrm King's Ribbon  12000 Fol
Magical Rasp        350000 Fol

==============================================================================
VII.              SKILL SYSTEM, SPECIALTIES AND ITEM CREATION
==============================================================================

There are four basic skill "schools", or, as the game refers to them, sets 
of skills in Star Ocean: Second Evolution. They are called Knowledge, 
Sense, Technical and Combat skill sets.
There are largely three reasons for learning skills. The first is to 
acquire the bonus provided by each skill. For example, learning certain 
skills will boost your INT. The second reason is to acquire specialties 
that you can learn by combining certain skills. There are over 10 of them, 
such as Crafting and Compounding, but it can take a lot of work to learn 
them all. The last reason for learning skills is to improve your combat 
abilities. Combat Skills (CS) will give you advantage in battle and will 
make some tough fights a lot easier.
To acquire specialties, make sure you visit the Skill Screen and press 
Triangle. This will display a window indicating how close you are to 
acquiring various specialties. As a test, try learning a skill and see 
how far along you are towards acquiring a related specialty. You should 
see a specialty displayed: "Cooking ***". Each star indicates a different 
skill you need to learn before you can acquire the specialty. A filled 
star indicates a skill you have learned. As you will see from the Skill 
System, each specialty requires 1 to 3 skills to be learned. Once a 
specialty is displayed, you'll know exactly which skills you'll need to 
acquire and imrove it. The specialty level depends on the levels of the 
skills which are needed to learn this specialty. I.e., if you see Art 
Specialty is LV 2, it means that your Sketching and Aesthetics skills are 
at LV 2.
For example, when you've just started your game, I advice you 
to learn the Herbology skill. This skill increases the amount of health 
recovered when using Blueberries and Blackberries.
You also have to note that the skills you need to learn are sometimes not 
displayed. That means you need to visit other towns and purchase skill 
sets that contain the missing skills.
You can only have up to 999 unused skill points at any time. Don't keep 
saving these points or you might end up wasting them and later in the 
game you'll find yourself lacking those valuable points.
There is also a thing called Item Creation, a trademark of the Star Ocean 
series. You can create useful and even invaluable items using Crafting, 
Compounding, Customization, Machinist, etc. Machinist in particular lets 
you create items that boost your success rate in Item Creation (you may 
want to master this Specialty as soon as possible), while Customization 
lets you create powerful weapons from the ones you already have by adding 
different materials (such as Sapphire, Green Beryl, Orichalcum, etc.) to 
them. My advice is to ALWAYS save the game before starting Item Creation 
and reload if you fail, as you don't want to lose rare and great items so 
easily.

============
SKILL GUILDS
============

KROSSE CITY
-----------

Wisdom of Kings

Knowledge 1         300 Fol
Sense 1             400 Fol
Technical 1         400 Fol

HARLEY
------

Neptune's Wisdom

Knowledge 2         1500 Fol
Sense 2             1600 Fol
Technical 1         400 Fol
Combat 1            400 Fol

KURIK
-----

The Wise Mariner

Knowledge 1         300 Fol
Sense 1             400 Fol
Technical 1         400 Fol
Combat 1            400 Fol

HILTON
------

Ocean Survival

Knowledge 2         1500 Fol
Sense 2             1600 Fol
Technical 2         1600 Fol
Combat 2            1600 Fol

LACUER
------

Sense 3             2700 Fol
Combat 1            400 Fol
Combat 2            1600 Fol
Combat 3            4500 Fol

LINGA
-----

Brain Flare

Knowledge 1         300 Fol
Knowledge 2         1500 Fol
Knowledge 3         2700 Fol
Technical 3         3600 Fol

THE CENTROPOLIS OF NEDE
-----------------------

Celestial Sapience

Knowledge 1         300 Fol
Knowledge 2         1500 Fol
Sense 1             400 Fol
Technical 1         400 Fol

NORTH CITY
----------

Knowledge 3         2700 Fol
Sense  2            1600 Fol
Technical 2         1600 Fol
Technical 3         3600 Fol

ARMLOCK
-------

Sharpened Skills

Sense 3             2700 Fol
Combat 1            400 Fol
Combat 2            1600 Fol
Combat 3            4500 Fol

==========
SKILL LIST
==========

Sketching        Music Knowledge
Performance      Item Knowledge
Mineralogy       Herbology
Eye for Detail   Aesthetics
Penmanship       Effort        
Determination    Resilience
Danger Radar     Biology
Mental Science   Knife
Recipe           Keen Eye
Whistling        Animal Training
Smithing         Technology
Faeriology       ESP
Piety            Purity
Aesthetic Design Courage
Poker Face       Imitation
Machinery        Operation
Guardbreak       Backstab
Counter          Feint
Power Burst      Hasten Speech
Body Control     Qigong
Sidestep         Godspeed
Trance           Concentration
Recast           

SKETCHING - The ability to exactly replicate the shape of an object on 
paper.
MUSIC KNOWLEDGE - A general knowledge of music. Raises AGL by 1 per LV.
PERFORMANCE - The ability to play instruments. Raises AGL by 1 per LV.
ITEM KNOWLEDGE - Knowledge of various items. Raises sell prices by 3% per 
LV.
MINERALOGY - Knowledge of precious metals. Raises INT by 3 per LV.
HERBOLOGY - Knowledge of various herbs. Raises the restorative effects of 
Blueberries/Blackberries by 3% per LV.
EYE FOR DETAIL - The ability to do detailed work with your hands. Raises 
AGL by 1 per LV.
AESTHETICS - The ability to find pleasure in studying objects of beauty.
PENMANSHIP -  Intellectual manual labor needed for creating written works. 
Raises DEX by 1 per LV.
EFFORT - The will to push one's self towards one's goals. Lowers EXP 
needed to level up.
DETERMINATION - The will to meet all challenges. Lowers SP needed for 
each skill.
RESILIENCE - The will to withstand pain and suffering. Raises CON by 2 per 
LV.
DANGER RADAR - The ability to detect immediate danger. Raises STM by 3 per 
LV.
MENTAL SCIENCE - Knowledge of the mind and supernatural powers. Raises MP 
by 5 per LV.
BIOLOGY - Knowledge of all living creatures. Raises HP by LV-squared x 10.
KNIFE - The ability to cut with a knife required by all aspiring chefs. 
Raises STR by 10 per LV.
RECIPE - Knowledge of how to make food. Boosts the effects of eating a 
favorite dish.
KEEN EYE - A keen eye for good ongredients. Raises the restorative effects 
of cooked dishes.
WHISTLING - The ability to put your fingers in your mouth and blow hard to 
produce a piercing sound.
ANIMAL TRAINING - The ability to train an animal to do specific tasks.
SMITHING - The ability to forge metals. Raises DEX by 2 per LV.
TECHNOLOGY - The ability to distill liquids and use lab equipment. Raises 
STR by 10 per LV.
FAERIOLOGY - Knowledge of faeries and the source of life. Raises INT by 2 
per LV.
ESP - The ability to receive messages from an otherworldly presence. Could 
they be signs?
PIETY - Knowledge of the gods. Raises a random ability value.
PURITY - A mind that is open to the whims of the Gods of Creation.
AESTHETIC DESIGN - Balancing beauty and might. Raises STR, INT, AGL and 
DEX by 6 per LV.
COURAGE - Courage can help one keep one's nerves, even in front of a crowd.
POKER FACE - The ability to act cool ander any circumstances. Raises GUTS 
by 3 per LV.
IMITATION - The ability to correctly grasp the details of an object and 
make them your own.
MACHINERY - Knowledge of machines.
OPERATION - The ability to use machines properly.
GUARDBREAK (CS) - Randomly ignores an enemy's defense when attacking.
BACKSTAB (CS) - Randomly teleports character behind enemy's back. (This 
skill can be found ONLY in the Cave of the Seven Stars).
COUNTER (CS) - Trigger a counterattack when button pressed while blocking.
FEINT (CS) - Randomly guarantees attack to land, regardless of hit 
accuracy.
POWER BURST (CS) - Randomly boosts attack power.
HASTEN SPPECH (CS) - Cuts casting time for spells.
BODY CONTROL (CS) - Reduces daze time.
SIDESTEP (CS) Randomly evades enemy attacks.
GODSPEED (CS) - Increases movement speed with each level. Randomly 
teleports character into attack position.
QIGONG (CS) - Randomly boosts defense.
TRANCE (CS) - Randomly increases spell damage.
CONCENTRATION (CS) - Randomly prevents incantation to be interrupted by 
enemy attacks.
RECAST (CS) - Cuts waiting time between spells.

==============
SPECIALTY LIST
==============

!!!!!To be learned, Specialties first need some certain skills to be bought 
and learned. For example, if you want to learn Survival Specialty, at first 
you must buy (and learn) Herbology and Resilience skills.!!!!!

SPECIALTY              SKILLS NEEDED TO LEARN
Art **                 Sketching, Aesthetics
Oracle ***             ESP, Piety, Purity
Music **               Performance, Music Knowledge
Customization ***      Eye for Detail, Smithing, Aesthetic Design
Appraising ***         Item Knowledge, Mineralogy, Herbology
Crafting ***           Mineralogy, Eye for Detail, Aesthetics
Writing *              Penmanship
Train ***              Effort, Determination, Resilience
Scouting *             Danger Radar
Compounding ***        Biology, Herbology, Mental Science
Cooking ***            Knife, Recipe, Keen Eye
Familiar **            Whistling, Animal Training
Alchemy ***            Technology, Mineralogy, Faeriology
Survival **            Herbology, Resilience
Pickpocketing **       Courage, Poker Face
Replication *          Imitation
Machinist **           Machinery, Operation

And now, a detailed explanation a what each specialty does:

===================
ART (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to breath life into paintings and 
sculptures created by yourself.
Via Art, you create battle cards and such.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Graphic Tool (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Magic Canvas, Magic Clay

======
ORACLE - The special ability to pick up useful (or not) messages from the 
Tria, the Gods of Creation.
A joke specialty where you get messages from tri-Ace developers. You'll 
only need it at the end of the game to use it in the Oracle Room. Be sure
that this specialty is LV 10.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

=====
MUSIC - The special ability to write music and play instruments.
This ability is very useful. If you wanna know why, check the UBER-LEVELING 
TRICK section and the section about Gabriella. It also helps you in other
various situations.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Music Editor
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Fountain Pen
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Conductor Baton

=============================
CUSTOMIZATION (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to modify one's weapons
into something new and improved.
This is the ability which you'll want to master first. Use it to make 
super weapons from synthesizing them with various minerals.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Magical Rasp
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

==========================
APPRAISING (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to identify items with 
names that begin with a question mark.
Useful specialty. Whenever you an item with ? (for example, ?Mineral),
appraise it and see what you'll get.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Element Analyzer (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Spectacles

========================
CRAFTING (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to craft gems and precious 
metals into original accessories.
You'll need this specialty, believe me. You can make great accessories from 
the minerals, such as Berserker Ring, Regeneration Ring, Ring of Might, 
Earring of Frenzy and such.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Soldering Iron (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

=======================
WRITING (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to pen books in skills you
have learned that raise the reader's skill level.
With this specialty, you can teach the skills one character had learned 
to other character. Not very useful, but it helps sometimes.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Word Processor (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Fountain Pen

=====
TRAIN - The special ability to lower one's attributes in return for 
gaining more EXP in battle.
Quite a good specialty, especially if you want to level up faster.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

========
SCOUTING - The special ability to raise or lower the frequency of battles
at will.
This specialty is not very needed as it sometimes doesn't affect the 
battles frequncy at all, no matter how much times you use it.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

===========================
COMPOUNDING (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to compound two herbs 
to create medicine.
This specialty will let you make useful healing herbs, which will aid 
you when you'll run out of items.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Steril Glove (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

=======================
COOKING (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to process raw ingredients 
into food.
This specialty will let you cook supporting dishes, although IMO Master 
Chef is better.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Keen Kitchen Knife
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

========
FAMILIAR - The special ability to train an animal to leave dungeons and 
other places to go shopping.
This is a must, if you're constantly running out of items for healing. 
Just send a bird and it will bring the shop to you, and you won't even 
have to exit the dungeon!
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

=======================
ALCHEMY (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to turn iron into gems and 
other precious metals.
One of the most valuable specialties. You can make Orichalcums, Mithrils, 
Moonrock and even Philosopher's Stones with it. These metals will then 
help you make powerful weapons, armors and accesories. So, literally, 
Alchemy is the fundament of making equipment in SO: SE.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Triangle Flask (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Iron

========================
SURVIVAL (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to forage an area of the 
world map for useful items. Costs 4MP per attempt.
Survival is almost the same as Cooking.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Survival Set (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Only MP

===========================
REPLICATION (ITEM CREATION) - The special abilities to create an exact 
replica of an item.
replication is good, because you can duplicate diffent using it. Too bad 
some REALLY good items like Philosopher's Stones can't be duplicated.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: RIRICA (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Magic Camera 

=========================
MACHINERY (ITEM CREATION) - The special ability to create a variety of 
useful machinery for an adventurer. 
Quite a good specialty. Let's just say that it lets you make items which 
increase success rate for almost all other kinds of specialties.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Mechanic's Toolbox

====================
SUPER SPECIALTY LIST
====================

!!!!!To be learned, Super Specialties (SS) first need some certain 
specialties to be learned to an average level by the members of your party. 
For example, if you want to learn Orchestra Super Specialty, a couple of 
your characters must first learn Music and Art Specialties!!!!!

SUPER SPECIALTIES      SPECIALTIES NEEDED TO LEARN
Master Chef            Cooking, Compounding
Orchestra              Music, Art
Enlightenment          Train, Survival
Bunny Call             Familiar, Scouting
Publication            Writing Technology
Group Appraising       Appraising , Crafting
Blacksmith             Customization, Alchemy
Contraband             Pickpocketing, Replication

===========
MASTER CHEF - An SS where everyone works together to cook up luxurious food 
and drinks.
Via this SS, you can make very good dishes which will restore your HP/MP.
Especially good when you're in Seven Star Ruins.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Keen Kitchen Knife
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

=========
ORCHESTRA - An SS where everyone plays their instruments together in an 
orchestral performance led by a conductor's bacon.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Conductor Baton

=============
ENLIGHTENMENT - An SS where everyone makes a few sacrifices to earn more 
skill points per level.
A good SS, especially in the beginning of the game.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

==========
BUNNY CALL - An SS where everyone shouts out Bunny's name as loud as they can.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: N/A

===========
PUBLICATION - An SS where everyone contributes to an amazing book that 
they can all be proud about publishing.
I don't really understand the point of this one.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Word Processor (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Fountain Pen

================
GROUP APPRAISING - An SS where everyone works together to determine the 
correct value of an object.
Very valuable SS which will help to lower prices in shops. Use it whenever 
you buy expensive items.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM APPRAISING: Spectacles

==========
BLACKSMITH - An SS where everyone works together to craft armor from 
various precious metals.
No comments. Making powerful armors via Blacksmithing is the only way to 
go, if you're going for Gabriella or Seven Star Ruins.
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: Magical Rasp (Create via Machinery)
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Smith's Hammer

==========
CONTRABAND - An SS where everyone conspires to create items that aren't 
quite legit. Will crime pay in the end?
Contraband lets you make some good cards which are used in battle, but 
most of the time it's the infamous Bounced Checks that keep eating your 
Fol like Crazy. BTW, if youhave a Bounced Check in your inventory, sell 
it as fast you can!
REQUIRED SUPPORT ITEM: N/A
SPECIAL SUPPORT ITEM: Premium Paper

============
TALENTS LIST
============

Talents are additional "specialties" which give you 100 SP bonus when you 
learn them. You can acquire the talent with practice. By repeatedly 
performing a certain specialty, you may eventually acquire the necessary 
talent. They also improve your success rate in item creation type which is 
related to the learned talent. For example, learning Design Sense boosts 
your success rate in Art.
Each character has starting talents and secret talents which have to be 
learned. The maximum amount of talents one character can have is 10.

IN PROGRESS...         

==============================================================================
VIII.                     SPECIAL ARTS/SYMBOLOGY
==============================================================================

IN PROGRESS...

==============================================================================
IX.                          RECRUITMENT GUIDE
==============================================================================

There is a total of 12 original playable characters from the PSX 
version of SO, and one completely new - it's Welch Vineyard from Star 
Ocean: Till the End of Time.
The mandatory characters are Claude and Rena.

!!!!!I highly recommend you to read this before doing any recruiting 
in order to not get frustrated and lose characters you wanted to have!!!!!

Celine Jules - after talking to the king of Krosse, you'll find her at the
main street of the Krosse City. After the scene, agree to help her explore
the Krosse Cave, and after finding the Ancient Text, you'll get an option
to let her join your party permanently.

Ashton Anchors - wait until you'll be needing to go to Lacuer, and go to 
Harley. Speak with a sailor and an old man there, and they'll tell you about
some dragon problems going on in Salva. Go to the Salva Mines and get to the
point which you couldn't pass earlier (the one where the warning sign about
dragons is), head left until you see Ashton. After the conversation, he will
ask you to join him. Note that you CANNOT get Opera and Ernest if you'll get
Ashton.

Precis F. Neumann - simple. Do a Private Action in Linga, and find Precis in:
a) a house in the southwest corner of Linga, if you're doing a Rena 
walkthrough;
b) Bowman's pharmacy in Linga, if you're doing a Claude walkthrough.
After the scene you get an opportunity to let her join you.

Opera Vectra - well, Opera is a nasty character to recruit. You'll have to
perform a number of events in order to successfully obtain her. First off, you
can't get her if you already have Ashton, and vice-versa.
1st step: Do a Private Action in Krosse early in the game, and meet a three-
eyed man in this PA. 
2nd step: After the Armory Contest, go to the Hilton tavern and you'll meet
Opera there. She'll ask you if you've seen a three-eyed man in Krosse. Tell
her you did, and she'll run off. 
3rd step: Go to Krosse and speak with the King. He'll give you permission to
go to the Mountain Palace where Opera went. Go to the Palace, head north and
then left to find Opera and get her to join you.

Bowman Jeane - he will ask you to join automatically if you don't have Precis.

Ernest Raviede - he will automatically join after completing the Hoffman Ruins
if:
- you already have Opera
- you have explored the Mountain Palace to find signs of Ernest's past 
residence
- you have seen the PA in Arlia involving Opera and the spaceship crash site 
in the Sacred Forest.

Leon D.S. Gehste - available only in Claude's walkthough. Automatically joins
when you finally reach the Ell Kingdom.

Dias Flac - available only at Rena's walkthrough. Automatically joins at the
Lacour Front Line.

Noel Chandler - automatically joins you.

Chisato Madison - find her ID Card in the Cave of Crimson Crystals and speak
with her in the mayor's house in the Centropolis of Nede to get her join you.

Welch Vineyard - after the Armory Contest, if you have at least four party
members, go to Lacuer and do a PA there. Speak with her on your way to the
castle. It is recommended to recruit her before entering the Hoffman Ruins.
Well, you can technically get her AFTER entering them, but not after defeating
the boss of the Ruins.

==============================================================================
X.                     FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
==============================================================================

1. What is this game?
 - This is a remake of Star Ocean: Second Story (PSOne), which was 
created by tri-Ace and published by Enix in year 1999 and proclaimed the 
best Star Ocean game ever, even after SO: Till the End of Time came out.

2. Is this game turn-based or real-time?
 - Real-time action RPG.

3. Does this game have any connection to Star Ocean: First Departure?
 - Yes, a little. One of the main protagonists in SO: First Departure, 
Ronyx J. Kenny, is the father of Claude C. Kenny, the main character of 
SO: Second Evolution.

4. When was this game released?
 - In Japan - 04/02/2008
   In United States - 01/19/2009
   In Europe - 02/13/2009.

8. How many characters are there?
 - 2 mandatory and 11 optional.

9. I heard there is a new character. Who is it?
 - Welch Vineyard from Star Ocean: Till the End of Time.

10. What is the max amount of characters who can be in your party?
 - 8.

11. What is the max level?
 - 255.

12. Does this game have a 9999 HP cap?
 - Yes.

13. How long is this game?
 - The main story is about 30 hours. The optional stuff is 10 hours more at
most.

14. So who ARE the Ten Wise Men?
 - Play the game. You'll find out.

==============================================================================
XI.                           VERSION HISTORY
==============================================================================

November 20, 2008 (Version 0.1) - The skeleton of the FAQ created.
November 21, 2008 (Version 0.15) - Beginning & Basics completed.
June 24, 2009 - (Version 0.2) - Recruitment guide added.
June 24, 2009 - (Version 0.25) - Claude walkthrough started.
June 25, 2009 - (Version 0.27) - Shop List added.
June 25, 2009 - (Version 0.29) - Skills/Symbology FAQ added.
June 25, 2009 - (Version 0.3) - Claude walkthrough updated.
June 25, 2009 - (version 0.31) - Rena walkthrough started.
June 25, 2009 - (Version 0.32) - Side-quests/secrets section added.
June 27, 2009 - (Version 0.35) - Claude walkthrough updated.
June 28, 2009 - (Version 0.37) - Claude walkthrough updated.
June 28, 2009 - (Version 0.4) - Side-quests/Secrets section updated.
June 29, 2009 - (Version 0.45) - Claude walkthrough completed.
June 29, 2009 - (Version 0.5) - Rena walkthrough started.
June 30, 2009 - (Version 0.52) - Item Creation section updated.
June 30, 2009 - (Version 0.55) - Rena walkthrough completed.
July 1, 2009 - (Version 0.6) - Maze of Tribulations walkthrough started.
July 2, 2009 - (Version 0.65) - Maze of Tribulations walkthrough completed.
July 2, 2009 - (Version 0.7) - some mistakes in Rena's walkthrough fixed.
July 3, 2009 - (Version 0.75) - Side-quests/secrets section completed.

==============================================================================
XII.                            CREDITS
==============================================================================

Thanks to all the users of the GameFAQs message board of this game.
Some information was taken from A l e x's walkthrough for PS One version 
and from http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/secondevoltion/.

Also, my thanks go to:

FoxyAreku - for the Recruitment guide which was very helpful, when I was
playing the game myself;
noz3r0 - for some info on side quests;
VeghEsther - for providing a handful of helpful tips;
Prima's Official Strategy guide - for some info on equipment (since I have
not been able to get the Bradygames guide).

==============================================================================
XIII.                         CONTACT INFO
==============================================================================

This guide is copyright (c) Damage_dealer 2008/2009.  
It is only meant to be posted on www.gamefaqs.com
I am aware this guide is incomplete in terms of some content, but I 
will try to update it every now and then. Send any questions, 
corrections, suggestions or feedback to [email protected]
Not everything has been verified in the American version before being 
included in the FAQ, so if you've found a mistake, feel free to e-mail 
me at any time.