If you were wondering why I kept Mustadio around this long, this is why. If he's not in your party, these cutscenes don't play and a string of sidequests cannot open.
Besrudio: I'd though to disassemble it, but I haven't the slightest inkling of how to begin.
Mustadio: An iron sphere... curious.
"And by peculiar, I mean it's a Zodiac sign. It responds to auracite and has a sign engraved on it. You figure it out, kids, I'm going to go have a lie down."
So I go to Gollund on COMPLETELY UNRELATED BUSINESS
I'd meant to feature the Pub rumors a bit more heavily in this LP, but they further explain plot points that actually get described in the main storyline in a sensible manner, so it seemed redundant. I'm used to the old translation, where you can only get some idea of what's going on in the world through Rumors and the Chronicle. Anyway, Gollund has a rumor no other city does, concerning the locals:
Guess I'll head up to Lesalia.
Tavernmaster: Ha! I like you already. I've not had a customer order milk before. You've seen your share of battle, have you not? Most men as live that sort of life come wanting spirits.
"I can, but mostly I'd really like a glass of milk."
Tavernmaster: A man of honor, are we? Few enough of those these days. If only Lord Barbaneth were still alive! He'd do something about it.
"He might give me a glass of milk."
"And not to press a point, but I'm still looking for a drink."
Tavernmaster: Gods be with you, then.
Beowulf: I pursue the Holy Dragon of which they speak. It has been my purpose for many a year. My knowledge of her would surely be a boon. What say you?
You have a choice, and somewhat cruelly, the default option is the one telling him no.
That is certainly a red dot.
I like these battles. They're easy to describe, because there's no plot-driving conversation.
There are, however five -- count 'em, five -- Chemists. Each with a Mythril Gun, a cloak, and the ability to toss around an infinite number of X-Potions.
And bloodlust for Black Chocobo. Three turns, three bullets.
It begins.
The cloaks are a bothersome detail as well.
Teleport: Still awesome.
pkang pkang pkang
Beowulf unsheathes his magic sword skills...
...and drains a little MP from a Chemist. Uh.
STOP DOING THAT
STOP DOING THAT, TOO
BEOWULF ALSO STOP THAT IS NOT HELPING
Progress!
Every Chemist felled is one fewer X-Potion quaffed.
This guy had Auto-Potion.
Pkang! Beowulf, full of MP but lacking in HP, goes down.
No more chocobos. Again.
Straight to party setup. There's another battle coming.
Pretty good MA for a fighter-class, huh?
This is an uphill map, with two Thieves, a Behemoth and a King Behemoth, and a Chemist.
When the Chemist fires his gun, I'm struck with an ice spell.
MINE....in a roundabout way.
Meet the Behemoth, the latest in the line of "slow but strong" monsters. They have phenominal HP and PA, and their MA is often through the roof. Their only two skills, regardless of behemoth breed, are "Gore" and "Heave". Heave does slightly less damage and has no vertical range, but has a chance to KO the target.
For most of the series since their debut in Final Fantasy 2, Behemoths have been counterattack specialists. Hit them with an attack, and they counter. Hit them with magic, and they counter with (usually stronger, often Meteor) magic. But that didn't translate here: They have just plain ol' Counter. Surprising no one, they cannot enter water.
I didn't get the screencap, but my Ahriman had just blinded this Thief with Bewitching Gaze. The Thief turned around and critted the Ahriman. Time well spent!
The Chemist I just convinced to join my party attacks!
This is a King Behemoth. The only visible difference is their higher HP and PA. And, uh, color scheme.
Lots of lucky procs on Entice this fight.
It's seven on one, man. Good choice to try and turn the tide, but it's kind of pointless anyway.
"I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse."
He does not refuse.
Glacial Gun (fires Blizzard, sometimes Blizzara or even Blizzaga). Thief's Cap (+2 Speed, immune: Immobilize and Disable). Black Garb (+100 HP, equal to the best heavy armor in shops right now, immune: Stop).
Air Knife (best knife ever sold in shops, I think). Another Thief's Hat and Black Garb.
New monster.
Pretty good haul, all told.