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#beginner's guide
liminal-spaced-out · 5 months
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One of my favorite games
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sygiandepths · 2 months
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Recent OC doodles
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bethanythebogwitch · 7 months
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Intro to Digimon
In my previous posts about Digimon, particularly my overview of all aquatic Digimon species, I god some comments from people who liked the designs and were curious about the franchise, but didn't know much about it. I decided to write this introduction to let people know more about the basics of the franchise and give suggestions for where to start if they're interested.
What is Digimon?
Digimon is a Japanese multimedia franchise owned by Bandai that focuses on the titular creatures. It is a monster collection franchise that started as a series of virtual pets. Think Tomagatchis aimed for young boys who like their virtual pets to be badass monsters. Digimon media includes virtual pets, toys, a variety of video games, a trading card game, multiple animes, mangas, and more. Unlike some other franchises, Digimon exists in a multiverse with most games, mangas, and animes existing independently from each other. Each setting can follow its own rules and variations of the lore and universe, though most follow some common rules. The Digimon Reference Book lists official Digimon species and gives setting-neutral lore for them. Many entries in the franchise involve the bonds between humans (known as tamers) who bond with one or more Digimon and go on adventures together.
Ok, but what is a Digimon?
Digimon, short for Digital Monsters, are creatures born from data and exist within Earth's internet and computer systems. While born from computer data, most settings say that Digimon are more than just AIs and possess souls and free will. A few newer entries in the franchise say that Digimon have existed since long before the internet and computers and data are just the most recent method humans use to interact with and influence them. Digimon come from the Digital World, a world that exists within the network but is also often depicted as being another dimension parallel to Earth. It can be thought of as a universe influenced by data, but that exists on its own. Again, each setting will have its own take on the Digital World. The Digital World is often depicted as being maintained and ruled over by a supercomputer named Yggdrasil or King Drasil. Other entries (usually early in the franchise) say that their Digital World is ruled by an enigmatic God heavily based on the one of Christianity who may be a human programmer.
There are many species of Digimon that can evolve through a series of levels. When evolving to a new level, a Digimon will change species. How similar Digimon are to humans varies depending on setting. In many, Digimon do not reproduce on their own, instead new Digimon are born from new data. While individual Digimon can appear masculine or feminine, different settings will differ on whether Digimon have sexes or genders. In most settings, Digimon who die will have their data reconfigured into a Digitama (Digi-egg), allowing for a form of reincarnation. Whether or how much Digimon can remember from past lives depends on the setting.
Each species has an attribute. The attributes are Vaccine, Virus, Data, and Free. These attribute comes form how the species behaves and affects the Digital world. Vaccines benefit the Digital World, Viruses harm it, and Datas have no real effect either way. Free attribute Digimon are rare and don't fit any other category. Generally speaking, Vaccine Digimon are good, Viruses are evil, and Datas are neutral. This isn't set in stone and it's perfectly possible to have a villainous Vaccine, heroic Virus, or Data that leans either way. Attributes in some of the games also have a rock-paper-scissors lineup where Vaccine beats Virus beats Data beats Vaccine. Free is neutral to everything.
Evolution
Evolution, dubbed in English as Digivolution, is the process by which Digimon grow stronger and reach new levels. The levels, listed in Japanese/English are Baby I/Fresh, Baby II/In-Training, Child/Rookie, Adult/Champion, Perfect/Ultimate, and Ultimate/Mega. Some entries have an addition level called Super Ultimate/Ultra. Yes, the fact that Ultimate is used for two different levels in different languages has caused quite a bit of confusion. Another from of evolution is Jogress(join+progress)/DNA Digivolution. This occurs when two or more Digimon will merge to become a new Digimon of a higher level. Related to evolution is mode changes. A Digimon that mode changes will change to a new form, but does not actually change level (with a few exceptions). Mode changes are denoted by adding the name of the mode to the Digimon's name. An example of a mode change is Jupitemon mode changing to Jupitermon Wrath Mode.
Evolution in Digimon is much more varied and open-ended than in other franchises like Pokemon. In many of the the video games and especially the virtual pets, Digimon will have multiple possible evolutions that are not necessarily thematically related to each other. Evolutions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Multiple different species of one level could evolve to the same Digimon of the next level. Digimon can also evolve back to a lower level and not necessarily to the same species they started as. An example is Agumon (a little orange dinosaur) evolving to Centalmon/Centarumon (cyborg centaur), then evolving backwards to Patamon (flying hamster). Many species have a "default" through line that is considered the standard for that species. These default lines are usually either designed to be thematically consistent with each other through every level or were depicted in one of the animes or mangas. Non-virtual pet and game media, such as the animes and mangas, usually give Digimon much more linear evolution lines with few if any branches.
Evolution often work differently between wild Digimon and those with tamers. Wild Digimon cannot evolve freely. As they live and battle, they will gain experience and power until they evolve to the next level. Once at a new level, they stay there until gaining enough power to evolve again or being wounded badly enough to be forcibly reverted to a prior level but not enough to be killed. Digimon partnered with a tamer will instead stay at a default level, usually Child/Rookie, but can evolve to a higher one with help from their partner. These evolutions are temporary and the Digimon will eventually revert to its default form.
Where do I start?
If you're looking for a way into the franchise, there are a few options. If you want to start with an anime I suggest Digimon Adventure (original, not reboot), Digimon Tamers, or Digimon Ghost Game. Adventure is the original anime and one of the few that goes for more than one season. Adventure is followed up by Digimon Adventure 02, a few movies, Digimon Adventure Tri, Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna and the upcoming Digimon Adventure 02 the Beginning. Adventure set the standard for how most Digimon stories work. It features a cast of human children, each with a Digimon partner, being lost in the Digital World and going through adventures as they encounter villains and try to figure out how to get home. It is heavy on plot and character development and is a lot of fun. Digimon Tamers was the first anime not set in the Adventure universe and goes into darker and more adult themes while still being fun. It's a lot of people's favorite season for a good reason. Be aware that the english dubs for Digimon Adventure through Digimon Tamers added a lot of jokes and other silliness that weren't in the original. The dubs are very hit or miss and pretty contentious in the fandom. I like them personally, but watch the one you prefer. Digimon Ghost Game is the most recent season and thus you will find a lot of people still talking about it. It is more focused on monster of the week episodes than running plotlines and has a strong horror vibe. Ghost Game, like many recent entries in the franchise, is aimed toward adults who were fans of the series as kids.
If you want to start with a game, I suggest one of the ones on Steam as they're easily available in English. Steam has Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, Digimon Survive, and Digimon World Next Order. Cyber Sleuth is an RPG that is probably the best entry point for people familiar with the Pokemon games as they function similarly. You catch and assemble your dream team of Digimon as you evolve them through higher levels and move through the story. Digimon Survive is a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG which tells a more horror-based version of the classic "kids trapped in the Digital World" story. Your choices in the game affect the outcome and there are 4 different endings. The true route and ending is only unlocked on a new game + so play it twice. Next Order is a real-time RPG where you raise a pair of Digimon from egg to final form repeatedly as you move through the story and unlock new forms.
If you want to start with a virtual pet, the current one available is the Vital Bracelet BE. It is a fitbit-style health-tracking bracelet that pairs with an app and allows you to raise Digimon, with more exercise giving you better results. The VB has multiple DIM cards with more coming out regularly. Each DIM card unlocks new Digimon and evolution lines.
If you just want to see the different species and read their lore, there are two wikis: wikimon.net and the Digimon Wiki on fandom.com. I prefer wikimon. Wikimon uses Japanese terminology while the Digimon Wiki uses English terminology.
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so2collection · 9 months
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Star Ocean: Blue Sphere Beginner’s Guide
Introduction: I've been on a bit of a Star Ocean kick lately, and thought I'd take my hand at writing a Blue Sphere "Tips for Beginners!" type guide (based on the English ROM translation)... With Second Story R coming out soon, I figure that more people will be interested in Blue Sphere, too.
I hope my experience and the tips here help you on your adventure!
I played the game once before, but the save data was on an old computer... I want to add it to a list of titles I've completed!
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Read more advice/tips under the cut! I’ll provide general tips on how to learn things, what characters to use, Private Actions, and other things! :)
Which characters to use? To start, you can pick your roster out of a few characters. Generally, Dias and Chisato are the best fighters. Precis excels at Item Creation. You'll want Celine if you plan to play late/post-game content.
However, for the first section I recommend taking Ashton. He is also a good fighter and I hear he's easy to combo with. If you've read interviews with the devs, they recommend Ashton and Precis as the game was originally made around them and one other character (they forgot) but eventually added everyone due to popularity. :)
Anyway, I recommend Ashton because he learns Cooking the fastest of anyone, according to seiju-info, a website I will have to reference often due to the lack of English resources. I'll also reference GameFAQs. You'll want cooking early on and you can buy a frying pan in the first town. Fol is very difficult to get in this game as you only earn SP from battles, no cash. I'll explain this more in depth later.
For a dungeon walkthrough, I found this GameFAQs guide useful
If you can, also use the maps on GameFAQs or purchase your own copy of the Star Ocean: Blue Sphere Final Guide. It has full-color maps, but is fully in Japanese. Still, I found it useful, especially in the dungeons. According to the devs, the dungeons got a lot of 'feedback' from fans... and for good reason. They're kind of long and annoying lol but if you're a Star Ocean fan, especially of 2, I think you should give this title a shot. It was made to bridge the wait for Star Ocean 3, but I'm using it as a bridge between my playthrough of Second Story I recently finished again and the remake... :)
I’m not learning new moves / spells?
If you're wondering why certain characters aren't gaining new moves, it's probably one of the following: you aren't making combos, you're levelling the wrong Skill section, for mages you aren't using a variety of spells, or you haven't created their moves through Machinery. These are specific to each character. For my party of Dias, Precis, and Celine... (Dias: combos, Precis: machinery, Celine: the right skill tree / learning the lost magic skill).
I can say at the beginning of this, I don't understand how the skill trees work at all. Just level the 2 the character is good at (Dias is Sense and Battle for example). This is important because if you leveled Dias in Knowledge, it would block off Battle if you raise Sense too high. 
Technology VS Sense and Battle VS Knowledge
So, for Dias, we would level Sense (so you get Psychometry to get his ultimate skills with combos), Battle, then put any points into one of the others.
Celine needs to have certain stats met and use a spell x number of times to "spark" the next spell. For her ultimate spells, she needs to level Knowledge for Lost Magic. However, if you want her to have the highest INT and forego her final spell (which isn’t worth the increase from Boost) look at Technical instead.
Mages won't learn new magic using spells on their own, you must control them / spam specific spells, so it's good to use low level enemies to learn new spells.
Item Creation tips
That's why it's good to have some reserve characters for Item Creation, such as Ashton for Cooking. Why Ashton? Well, he learns it the quickest. There really aren't any charts availible for this, but each character unlocks different skills as you level them; it is not like the original game where you get to choose. He learns the 3 skills required the fastest by unlocking them the earliest.
Think of it this way: pick 3-4 of the characters to use in battle and use the rest for only Item Creation! Because of the teleport function, it’s easy to switch them out.
Each Item Creation skill has a mini-game involved. It only uses the directional buttons and you can master the quickest/best way to do them easily. Cooking, with the Frying Pan for example, is right (short time), left (short time), right (long time) as you “flip” the ingredients. You don’t want them to burn or spill. I’ll go more in-depth with these as I unlock them myself.
Celine is one of the best characters to learn Alchemy. We will need it towards the end to make the elusive Blue Sphere for ultimate weapons.
Private Actions - How To?
Private Actions are few in this game and require very specific character conditions! If a PA says “OUT” that character must NOT be in the active party. If it says IN, they must be in the active party.
They also can happen pretty much anywhere: in towns, dungeons, ect.
How to play? General strategy?
To switch characters in battle, use Select.
To use items in battle, press Start.
To defend in battle, press the down arrow.
Break objects (tables, chairs, some plants) to sometimes find items.
If an enemy is too tough or blocking a path (that isn't a boss) you can attempt to run by moving to the far right of the screen. If you fail, your character runs out of their hidden stamina stat for awhile. If you win, the enemy disappears and you can snag any treasure / move on with ease.
PA's don't have any indicator. It's like talking to your comrades around a town and everything, but it feels more like an NPC interaction than a traditional Star Ocean PA. Because of the character IN/OUT (of active party) requirements, they can be easy to miss.
Forest / Crash Site
Bowman is also useful until you get to the Scout Village (Herb Gathering on the candy cane striped plants). To gather some herbs and to view Bowman's PA, exit Scout village and cut down the bush to the left. There will be a path where you can see the long-leaf stripey plants that Bowman can harvest. If he's not in the party, talk to him and initiate the PA. 
Private Action - Forest / Crash Site - Bowman (OUT) - Bowman gives you herbs.
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Bowman references the Metox, saying it's a very powerful herb :p
Scout Village
Private Action - Scout Village - Precis (OUT) - Precis is looking for parts to repair the ship. 
Sometime during the Mile Ruins (maybe before?), if you have an herb, one will randomly be selected if you talk to the boy near the entrance of Scout Village. You will get a Kitchen Knife (used for Cooking) in exchange.
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Fuck this NPC in particular. Get the Hell out of the way, bro!!
Mile Ruins
Finish the Mile Ruins. Don't forget to use the bomb on the crack in the wall to turn the elevators back on, especially to visit the 6th floor for some good items like earrings for Celine. There are other areas that require the Pull Field Skill and Precis' Hover, so you'll have to come back later on for the other items.
Vending Machine 1st Floor - Give it a lighter touch to get a useless but one-of-a-kind ??? Jam you can’t get anywhere else.
Check drawers for items and fol!
When you get out, go to the shops in the back of town. The left shop should have a discount, so buy some blueberries and a Frying Pan. Also buy Meat. Level up Ashton in Knowledge, Sense, and Tech until he learns the 3 skills for Cooking (Good Eye, Recipe, and he should start with Kitchen Knife) (If you're having trouble selling items, remember to scroll right to sell from other item categories; took me a little time to figure out. For the mini-game, gently move left to right and try to aim for the flipping food, because if you drop it it takes time which lowers your overall score. Try to aim for over 100.) If you can't afford meat to make steak, I highly recommend using the vegetables (which she usually has one sale, too!) to make Twice Cooked Pork and Amazing Vegetable Stir Fry, which also sells for a lot of Fol.
The shop on the left has Bombs if you need them (you'll need at least 1 to clear the path on the lower right of town). He will also give you the Bunny Comm.
There's a PA we can do. Ashton IN, Dias OUT. Kick out Dias and grab Precis and we can use her Pull ability to get some of the items we missed.
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Private Action - Mile Ruins - Ashton (IN) / Dias (OUT) - The two reflect on their swordsmanship. Particularly, that weakness comes with aging. This also opens up another PA later in the game.
If you also teach Precis Machinery, you can learn Hover by making a Nuclear Jet. I think Machinery needs to be at level 5 to learn it. Don't bother learning it now, though, as we can't buy any soldering irons...
Rupart Jungle
Before you descend into the jungle you can trigger a fight with a Baboon. He's a little difficult but he gives a whopping 20 SP per fight and is a good spot to grind up characters if you need to. Just heal for free at the ship or the old man with the kid's house and save before fighting it each time. I did this 3-4 times just to have some extra SP handy (and it should be enough to teach Precis Machinery Lv 5, but again, no soldering iron yet...) You may want to invest it in Dias Sense skills instead. I've been leveling Celine's Knowledge, since that's what she needs to max out first. In one fight Dias and Precis were dead and I used Firebolt, which sparked Celine's Starlight spell! She also has Bless and I don't think she started with it, but I'm not sure when I learned it.
Spell - Starlight - Celine - Requires: Monstrology Learned, Use Firebolt in battle
A lot of enemies in Rupart Jungle are difficult, but save often and you'll manage. Once you talk to the guys about the permit for the two ruins, continue to Ava City. We can finally buy a soldering iron here, so you can have Precis learn Machinery lv 5 and then score around 200 points and create the item (save scumming is recommended...). Make sure to restock any items you need. Do some cooking and upgrade your equipment, too.
Garp Ruins
In the Garp ruins I used Dias, Ashton *required for his Fire Breath field action, and Noel. Some of the enemies are tough. You'll also want to bring a few bombs, mostly for the room behind the boss.
After the ruins I leveled Precis' Machinery to 6... It makes the soldering iron faster in the mini-game, the higher the level... but after two hours I still can't manage to get Hover (I barely score 110 points most of the time, because the iron is so wobbly...) On the bright side I made some money and got a lot of Opera's KMs, so that will be nice when I get her. 
Note: I did give it one last shot, and wouldn't you know, I got the Hover ability... I didn't even score that high of points, so I'm confused? I did learn that the farther away a node is / more diagonal it is, the more points you earn, so perhaps it's advantageous to wait for further/diagonal nodes? I wish you luck obtaining the Nuclear Jet for Hover! I'll make a short trip back to the Mile Ruins and Garp Ruins and get items I missed, then go return to Ava City and talk to the Jabba the Hut Man again lol
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We finally see a little plot in this game...!
Leviabor Ruins (First Trip)
The Leviabor Ruins sucked. I think everyone knows that lol I used Dias, Precis, and Celine but I highly recommend bringing Noel instead. Celine learned Energy Arrows, though, which helped a bit! I only did the required floors for the time being and I've been focusing on maxing out each characters main skill branch for now.
I sold a bunch of Gold ingots for like 8k Fol... IDK if I'll need any later (I'm sure they can be made with Alchemy) but I didn't feel like putting athritis-hands through the riggamaroll of Cooking.
Spell - Wind Blade - Celine - Requires: INT 12, Use Firebolt in battle Spell - Energy Arrows - Celine - Requires: MP 160+ / Resistance learned, Use Starlight in battle
Speaking of, I haven't learned any new KMs for Dias. I can't combo at all. I couldn't even combo with Ashton, who is supposedly the easiest... so yeah, late game is gonna be rough.
Ava City (After free from prison)
Remember the girl you saved and got sent to Leviabor prison for? If you talk to her boyfriend, he gives you an item based o what console you are playing on (Gameboy gives a Might Chain... Gameboy Color gives a ???. I'm using Gameboy Advance emulator, so I got a Lunar Talisman)
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Yay, Ernest! I guess... I probably won't use him...
I kind of forgot about PAs, so here's some I did to take a break before the Gravis Forest. I remember my last playthrough I did this forest on the Super Gameboy and yeah... you thought it was bad in color. It's ten times worse when its limited to like, 2 colors... a monotone mess. If I didn't have the strategy guides I'd never get through it.
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Private Action - Ava City - Bowman (IN) / Celine (OUT) -  Bowman has a daughter! And her name is Erys! :o Notes: If done before recruiting Opera, you get this PA. If after, an Opera PA occurs instead. You can't get both according to the guide I'm looking at. Apparently this PA leads to more rare items late game as it unlocks a PA later.
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Private Action - Ava City - Chisato (IN) / Celine (OUT) - Chisato helps the girl on the west side of town find a job to support the girl’s brothers. Unlocks a hidden shop. The secret weapon shop (below) has decent upgrades!
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Go through Gravis Forest until you find the hideout, then talk to the soldier on the west side and show him the permit you got in Ava.
Gravis Forest Part 1
Follow the beetles
Look for the old man
Use a map
If you can combo, this place might be pretty easy. I can't get past 2 hits, so I focused on my mages and spamming Dias' basic attack to keep the apes in the second section from decimating my party...
Celine learned Curse during my time in the forest. Spell - Curse - Celine - Requires Fairyology - Spark with Firebolt
Spell - Bless - Celine- Start (I had her spark this, I swear... but the guide says she starts with it...)
Also, I don't really use Noel, but he learned a ton of spells including Dispel, which is very handy when you get confused by the beetles.
Spell - Dispel - Noel - Start (Oh, I didn’t notice...) Spell - Silence - Noel - Start (Really? I guess I was looking under Magic and not Technique...)
Apparently he starts with Bless, too? IDK
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Hideout
In the hideout, it will be registered to your teleporter, so if you want to switch some characters around, go for it. There's an inn and a shop in the hideout as well, so restock and move on through part 2.
Gravis Forest Part 2
For the gorilla boss, Dias had HP around 450+ and I let him take hits because I can't combo to stop the arm spin. Try to use the Up+B combo to "kill" the arms first, if you can. When you're back at the hideout again, talk to the guy out front to heal and then save. The boss, Atlas, died with one shot of Celine's Thunderbolt... sure is nice to see anything do damage in this game. You'll be healed and sent to he Slave Village. Save again and prepare for another boss... Three of Celine's Thunderbolts took it out. :)
Slave Village
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Private Action - Slave Village - Precis (OUT) That PA in Slave City with Precis should be open. Noel asks Precis what's the matter and offers her one of Chisato's snacks to cheer her up :) When that doesn't work, Noel starts calling a doctor (Bowman) for her. Precis finally spills her worries, about a friend named Latry (Razzly maybe?) who might forget... to record Precis' soap opera... Noel is not amused.
After the events on your second trip to Slave Village, you open a new path to Nusa Beach. On the far left you can flip some switches to make a shortcut back to the ship... for some reason, I guess.
We have some optional dungeons to do for now, so return to the ship/restock/ect.
Remember those soldiers outside Ava City blocking that dungeon? We can go now.
Ralph Ruins - Optional
Be careful where you step, it's similar to Gravis and that you can fall easily.
The wires on the lower levels seem impassable; all you need is someone with the Jump field action.
I recommend bringing Precis with Hover so you can reach some treasure and also not fall as often. This is especially useful for the conveyor belts just like in Leviabor. All I can say is just gather as many batteries as you can and on the basement level, look for a generator near a red snake in the bottom left of the overall map that says something like "activates elevator movement". Head as high as you can on the elevators and then all the way left you'll see the crab boss. You have to live long enough, but 3 Thunderbolts takes him out easily. *update note about Precis in conveyors in Leviabor.
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Behind the boss is a treasure with the first of 10 Rings we need for the Cave of Trials. Although I'm not planning to do them... but we did miss one in Garvis forest. If you want, go back and get it now (look for unusual, square hole right of the entrance to the forest). If I have time, I’ll add a guide at the end for the rings and how to open the last dungeon (as well as Celine’s Telelport).
Crane Ruins - Optional
BRING A FULL STOCK OF BOMBS, you'll need them! 
I highly recommend anytime you need to restock go to Scout village, because they often have sales on Blueberries and food ingredients. Plus, the bomb shop is right next to the item shop.
Crane Ruins are located south of Ava City (if you hit Slave Village you went too far, you need to go south, slightly east, south, and east again). Unfortunetly you need Precis (and a guide I saw recommended Ashton) for this dungeon, so you'll probably go with Dias, Ashton, and Precis... You could manage with Dias, Precis, and Noel, too. Celine is helpful for the machines and crabs, so if you don't need a healer, take her instead.
If you did that PA back in Mile Ruins, there's another with Ashton and Dias on the generator floor of the Crane Ruins. It's a shame you need Dias out, because you'll likely have to complete the dungeon and then return without him to see it. Luckily, it isn't too much of a feat.
Most of the enemies are easy here, except for the big rats. Try to avoid them and if you can't, use KMs if you have them or run.  
The upper floors have blocks you have to move onto buttons. Make < style arrows with them in the direction of doors you want open on that floor. When you get Floor 2 and 3, you can combine them to move say, > right and ^ up, but there's just some treasure here. Your goal is B1. You'll need Swim/Dive and Hover makes it easier. Collect the treasure by hovering to all the platforms and then take it section by section and dive for treasure. If you activate the generators on the bottom floor, you can also open up stairs to a boss. I tried a few times but Dias wasn't even scratching him, so I gave up for now. I'll come back to that ugly green bastard later.
Ocean Cave (Nusa Beach) - Optional
The final optional dungeon (Ocean Cave) is in Nusa Beach (go South as far as you can, if you got to Vanis city you didn't go far enough; look for the barnacles) and you need Swim/Dive to complete that, so chances are you'll be taking Precis then. I did check and other characters can learn it, but not as easy (well, Dias at least) but I'll just drag Precis along... I'm gonna gripe about it in my review, but it really sucks how you're forced to carry around Precis as an HM slave, since she sucks so much in battle. 99% of the time she's just dead in fights because it isn't worth the 5 blueberries to heal her. I think if they ever remake this game, there should be some sort of machine to carry around the abilities instead, so you don't waste a slot. Or, even better, a way to switch characters from the ship to your active party in dungeons... It would increase your options and this game is all about not giving you any options. For example, combos being the only way to give fighters more KMs is bad design. Not that they would have MP to use them anyway, because the ideal way to level them gives no MP increases... Just... bad design.
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This is how an average fight is going for me. Fun! :(
I'm ranting a lot at this point because this Ocean Cave was my third dungeon that day and I was just burnt out and exhausted of enemies that take 5 minutes to kill, keep respawning, ect. Even with a map, knowing what to do is confusing. I went and found a lever I couldn't flip and a door that needs the lever to open? But then I read in the guide you need a keycard.... So this morning, that's where I'm at. Bored, tired, and I just want the game to give me a break.
The Ocean Cave is added into the teleporter, so feel free to leave/return for supplies if you need to. I decided to go back, use some SP, and experiment with Smithing.  Longsword + Meteorite (50 Point Score) should make a stronger sword, but we don't have Meteorite. *sigh* So my thought process was, well, I'm taking damage, so maybe I'll make better armor.
Enchantment Use the chart on this site to determine the Armor latent value.
How it works: Armor + Source = Better Armor. Each Armor has a set amount of points needed to make it based on the formula below. I'll use the example the guide provided me. Formula: Armor Latent Points + Score Divided by 2 = Total Score (The Total Score determines what you get) Magic Resist Armor (35 latent points) + Score of 27 or higher Divided by 2 = 31 Total Score = Resist Armor possible.
I want to make a Duel Suit, as it's one of the best armors... So I used: Resist Armor (25) + Score of 125 or more = 150 Divided by 2 = 75 Total Score in theory should get a Duel Suit... (Note: I couldn’t get the score high enough, so no... I think I need Titania Source and max level for Enchantment...)
I'm not entirely clear how Sources play into the calculation, but they seem to provide some sort of bonus when scoring points? So, save scum and use rare Sources to easily create high level armor. (High level sources: Elf, Dark Elf, Titania)
I tried for a little while, but the two just kept swapping between Resist/Magic armor. I think I need Celine's Enchantment level higher (it's only 4) to make the mini-game easier, so we may as well get back to the dungeon and get some SP for that.
Back at the Ocean Cave... The keycard we need is on the third floor. Try to hang left for most of the time and you should reach it across a tiny water section. I went to where the guide said the card was and was back at the lever, which I could magically pull now. I have no idea what's going on (perhaps you have to examine the door on the lower level first, which is bullshit) but we should be able to move forward now. At the statue room, pull all the levers except the reset, go down the stairs, hop down, pull the green blocks, and drop down. You can unlock the door for later (you have to return with Teleport to get the treasure... ughhhh) and go fight the boss who is easier than almost every enemy in the damn cave. Grab the chest behind it and leave so we can go do the story again.
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I will say, it is nice we get to see an Edifian as a reward for this bonus dungeon... So there's that.
Vanis City
Don't waste money on the Elf Sources; you'll be able to buy the good ones soon.
I've been wondering where Opera is too. :( She's my favorite character, so imagine how sad I was that you can't use her for half of this game. Speaking of, this is almost the half way point. Not including resets and deaths, I've logged about fifteen hours playtime, so seems about right. The shops don't offer any better weapons, but there is some better armor for your mages. Get that when you can.
Private Action - Ashton OUT Noel IN - Ashton's feeling a little hopeless and Noel tries to cheer him up.
Private Action - Leon OR Opera IN, Ernest OUT - (I used Leon) They discuss how strange the planet feels (as if man-made) and how Edifice compares to Expel.
Private Action - Chisato OUT - Chisato has one line that just says Vanice City is kinda peaceful.Talk to the guy in the bar and we learn Opera is researching with another scientist in the City of Knott. Head South of town once you're ready. 
Road to Knott
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Bring a few bombs. Most of the enemies are easy.
Don’t walk forward on the beautiful screen above... you take damage lol
Ah, the infamous
Ruddle sidequest
begins. If you explore thoroughly, you'll find him on the way.
Please use CTR F to find my updated guide later (See: Scream), because I made an error here.
Spell - Noel - Cure Light - Requirements: INT 40+ stats, spark with Heal Spell - Noel - Fairy Heal - Requirements; INT 70+  stats, spark with Cure Light
Noel knows this game is gonna ramp up, huh?
Knott
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The Blue Sphere, huh? I’ll be back for you, sir.
Oh my god we finally get new boots and a new weapon for Dias. There's also Rune Bucklers, if you haven't gathered enough from dungeons for your mages. You can also buy the Dark Elf Sources now, so level up someone in Enchantment (Celine is difficult because you need to max her Tech first... so you can't level it to max, but you can get it high level) and try to craft some better armor.
Speaking of, Dias and Celine have 2-3 of their skills maxed in their primary category. I have been avoiding battles on the Road to Knott, so I may go back and train. The plants are fairly easy and they give around 35 SP each.
Enchantment, attempt 2
It took me about 10 resets to get a Magic Armor and a Dark Elf Source to become a Magic Resist Armor. I had to score 50 to get it. The trick is finding the 3rd checkpoint (when the cane glows white) before the timer runs out. When I tried again with the Magic Resist and a Dark Elf Source, after only 1 checkpoint I somehow got the Nexus Armor... I don't get it, either, you guys... Ideally I want another Nexus Armor and something stronger for Celine. I created a Mithril Coat for Celine and it seems if you get checkpoints in the center, it scores higher. Part of this may just be luck. I wish I understood it better...
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I’m on my way! Woosh~
Knott Secret Ruins
Once you're ready head into the laboratory of Knott (top right of city) through the 2nd room on the right, at the back. I can't help much with the dungeon, so please follow a guide. 
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Opera and Dias are my favorite characters... I feel re energized, even if I can’t use her in battle right now... (You CAN use her, but there isn’t any reason to over Dias, sadly.)
After you run into Opera, go down another floor, move the switch to the left in the first room (I used Noel with Pull because I wasn’t taking Precis again if I didn’t have to) and then head down a few times and you'll be at the boss. When you get to the room with the two big long-nosed blue guys (Carlas???) use Celine's Thunderbolt to take them out and save before going through the bottom right door.
In a random battle I accidentily used Bless instead of Thunderbolt. Celine got Anti.
Spell - Anti - Celine - Requires: RES 50+ stats, spark with Bless
Spell - Magnum Tornado - Noel - Requires INT 45+ - Spark with Wind Blade
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I love how Rival casually is like "let's look for the LOTR stone!" and we just go with it.
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I think I have trauma from the “join event” text from Star Ocean: the Second Story Ending 86 Guide I made... ;__;
The boss isn't too bad. Celine's Thunderbolt takes out a few parts. Finish him off with Dias forward stab regular attack and you should be good. I did have to heal a few times with Noel. After the fight, grab the Palantir and teleport back to the ship, restock, and then go find Rival in Knott.
Knott (again) lol Meet with Rival. She explains that she met Opera while looking for new discoveries. Rival is trying to find some ancient spaceship and asks everyone to go explore ruins. (For real, we should have just taken parts from Knott and fixed our ship and GTFO lol we have to help her because Opera helped her... oh, wait, no, we said Rival helped Opera after she crash landed... sure lol Opera only saved Rival from some rando rolly polly. Whatever. We have to go meet a guy at the bar in Vanis City.
Vanis City (return) Leave Knott and teleport to the ship and then to Vanis. Go to the bar and talk to the green guy, Simon, to learn about some ruins. The Ocean Cave, to be exact... which we already did. Upon leaving the bar someone shows up and says go to Knott! So back we go.
Knott (AGAIN) You'll be forced to fight red beetles, like the ones in Gravis. They should be cake now if you've levelled Dias a bit. They took a few forward slash basic attacks each. Same strategy with the 3 grey beetles. Once you save Rival, you find out that they unleashed some awful monsters from Gravis forest's underground. When you're ready, go to the door at the back of Rival's room that you couldn't go to before.
Gravis' Forest Path
I took Dias, Celine, Noel. Make sure you're fully stocked, this area isn't on the ship teleporter.
Bring a bomb if you're playing on a Gameboy/Super Gameboy 1 (Note: must be original, not a Color or Advance) and when you come upon a tower, you can use a hidden door on the right to enter or blow up the crack with a bomb (Mobile port only). I'm really kinda ticked because if you choose the item on the right you get a Blue Sphere just handed to you. This plus that Might Chain from earlier makes playing on a Gameboy or Super Gameboy 1 almost worth it... So, sadly I didn't get this item. I remember in my old playthrough this was around where I put the game down because the angel inside looks like Lenneth. Her sprite gets reused a lot in this game... I really thought it was Lenneth, though! :p Apparently her name is Maria--maybe an allusion to Star Ocean Til the End of Time (this title was a holdover until 3 released, so...)
Continue forward along the path until you reach the cave. Along the way are more of the red beetles. For the boss fight ahead, if you're using Celine, you may want to aquire Ray or Southern Cross. Here's how: Use Starlight (have MP 100+, INT 40+) to gain Ray and then use Ray (260 MP+, 80+ INT, know Herbology) to spark it. It's highly likely you won't have her Tech maxed out yet to learn Herbology for Southern Cross, but Ray should work in a pinch. It only took me four battles to spark Ray.
Gravis Forest II / Gravis Forest Cave
The red beetles seem to go down quicker with Starlight, but also Dias should be taking them out in 1-3 hits on average. I also had a red beetle drop a Mithril Mesh once I reached the forest, which is an upgrade to the Nexus Armor.
There are many hidden paths that lead to treasure, ect. so make sure you have a map handy. Go right and just keep going right and you'll stumble upon the Brown Card. After this, explore as thoroughly as possible to get everything. Most of the enemies are really easy, especially if you get initiative.
There is one room on the center/right side that has a large enemy called the Dragon Warrior. Luckily, you'll need Teleport so you'll have to come back later for this. If you beat him 5 times you get one of the rings for the bonus dungeon. If you have Ashton, you'll also get some cool dialogue between Gyoro and Ururun.
When you come across the room with two levers in the center, move the left one and continue exploring a bit. You'll need to get to Floor 2 to finish the puzzle. Along the way you'll probably see two chests, one in the top left and one lower/right from that. Once again, you'll need Teleport for them. I don't know what dev expects me to backtrack for this crap, because I don't plan to. Go across the bridge you lowered to Floor 2, flip the switch. Falling here does nothing, so don't worry about it. Go back across and you'll see some yellowish stairs. Use Jump to get back to the double lever room and swap the order from before, which lowers the stairs completely. Save before going to the boss room.
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Apsaras (hey, I recognize you from Megaten!)... not how I expected you to look. Anyway, I tried the Japanese website guide of using Ray, but... it did fucking nothing. The Official guide only recommends raising STR as high as possible and says even specials do very little here. Basically, this battle is gonna be a slog. Use items to your advantage.
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Seriously, this boss sucks. I almost put the game down.
My strategy was to control Dias and do a sort of attack a bit, back off/heal as needed, attack some more. Be careful, if you take out it's legs, it just insta-kills everyone after a few attacks... I'm seriously debating using cheats for this fight, because it's that hard. I KNOW the game wants me to combo to prevent it from attacking, but when you suck at stupid fighting game ass skills, it's useless. There really needs to be any kind of work around...
Okay, so I was reading up and the JP website says Dias just needs MP and to attack based on range for some of the lower level killer moves. Go figure, he only just now started getting an MP boost. I still can't combo for shit (got a 6 somehow in the boss fight) but I did put some points into Awakening. However, I don't think that's what helped... So I equipped this random ass ring I had because I think it gives you Strong Blow? Anyway, this boss went down in like 20 seconds once I had it on Dias! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS GAME IS ANYMORE. For information on where I got the ring, it was on B1 Floor of the Ocean Cave! It's called the Eclipse Ring and the Official guide translates the ability added as "Strike". I don't know what this ability is exactly but it seems to have saved my ass here. I got flashback to the Protection Rings / Barker fight in Star Ocean the Second Story... Ironically, that boss fight was what kind of gave me the idea to look at accessories. Nice to see something stayed from 2 that was actually worthwhile.
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Return to the ship, restock, return to Knott and go to the lab and talk to Rival. She explains that the Edifians were destroyed by a flood/tidal wave and that someone may have caused it. To learn more, she asks us to take her to Scream (and Lung). These names, bro... Anyway, we gotta go back to the road to Knott and find a new pathway.
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Road to Knott 2 If you remember where we saw Ruddle, with those plant octopus guys, go back there. Rival opens the previously locked door and we're at Scream.
Scream You will need Precis' Hover if you want all the items, but they should be gemstones and armor you saw like four dungeons ago. What you really want are the Sharp Edge and Sorceress Knuckles, if SO2 taught me anything. I was pretty boggled considering those are potentially strong / really strong weapons for Claude and Rena in SO2... You just need Push for those, so Noel should be fine. (Note: I later learned Rena uses knives, so... I guess the knuckles are good for Noel.)
Star Ocean has this thing where it really ramps up it’s environments late game and I’m feeling it! Scream has great graphics and atmosphere. (I forgot to get a picture, though...)
Once you get the weapon upgrades, go through the right door in that same area where Rival is waiting. There's a teleport pad but you can set it to specific places. Going to Nusa Beach or Mile Shop don't have a way back, so don't bother. Select Scream Floor 2 and keep trudging along. Don't go through the upper door. There's a PA with Rena later and if you go now, you lose the chance to complete it.
Your goal is to get the entire tower to line up. Once you get to 4th Floor, save, because the boss is on Floor 5 and he's a bastard. First, I controlled Dias and charged the Minotaur to get some distance between it and the mages. Anything this dude uses KO's mages on impact. I mostly used Celine (with a fire boost and a ring that decreases cast time) with Ray. I wish I had Southern Cross, as it would do more damage... :( It was a big fucking struggle. I used like 4 revives, quite a few MP items, and a all party heal item. Somehow I won. If you get one part of him destroyed he should go down pretty quick after, even if it doesn't look that way. I also had to use a save state about halfway through the battle to save time. It's like 30% luck and 50% cursing, but you'll whittle him down somehow. Just don't let your mages anywhere near him whatsoever and revive immediately. If you wait too long to revive and they're behind the Minotaur, they are good as perma-dead, because he'll attack before you get to even move them out of the way. This entire boss was BS, almost as much as the last one. It's a trend in this game that needs to die.
City of Lung
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Ruddle Sidequest Okay, in my last section I wasn't sure about the Ruddle quest. Unfortunetly, I chose the wrong direction and it lead to a dead end (the guide I was following was incorrect, so when I checked the Official Guide... yeah...), so this quest is over for me now that I've reached Lung. For the correct path, use the slapped together, Google translated pics I posted above. (I wanted to add the photo here, but Tumblr would NOT save it for some reason)
So much for my Fairy Ring :( I'm pretty peeved as it's so far back and I'm not doing those boss fights again. However, to make a Fairy Ring (halves MP cost, just like SO2), you can use Rune Metal and score between 270-319 with Jewelry Making (this is how the ROM translates it). I didn't have any Rune Metal, so I might try later.
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Private Action *This PA has a small window, do it immediately - IN: Precis - Ship - Rival admires the ship and gives you a Tri-Emblem (increase all stats). I'm unsure if it breaks or something, so I'll save it for the end... This won't be availible if you talk to the Priest in Lung, so do this PA immediately.
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Proceed down the path in Lung and you'll be escorted to the Priest, who is promptly killed by Rival. She also forces Claude and Rena to crash on Edifice, just like she did you.
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She is the planet's "devil". She leaves and a remaining priest takes you to the top floor to meet an Edifian named Rose.
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Rose explains Rival killed the Priest to get access to the Grand Knott, a weapon. Rose sacrifices a literal lung (I guess that's why the city is named that? lol) so you can breathe underwater when you go investigate the Comsat / Komsa Ruins.
Comsat Ruins - Bring a few bombs. - Equip Stone Checks
With the Aqualung, Dias can now use Swim/Dive, so we don't necessarily need to bring Precis. The dungeon is fairly straightforward. If a room doesn't loop back, look for a Microchip; this unlocks more floors on the elevator. There is also an item here we'll need to get Claude (yeah, he has a shitty sidequest; luckily this is the only item you’ll need for it), so make sure you nab the Minsidia by going 80% the way left on the continental shelf, then down to get the chest near the bottom. You'll have to backtrack, so be prepared. Once you backtrack once, teleport to the ship. This way you can just quickly return to the shelf by going to the ship/beginning of the dungeon. Anytime I got back to the starting floor, I went to heal/restock since it makes life easier. I avoided a lot of the enemies here as well, like the rhino-dino looking guys, because they just OKO'd my party all the time.
After getting the Minsidia, go back to the beginning of the continental shelf and retrace your steps across, but go all the way left and all the way down. You may want to grab Precis first because the two treasures here require Hover (a weapon for her and for Ernest--not worth trading out your healer, IMO). You'll now be in the seabed. You might be able to hover if you go left for a shortcut, IDK, but the path around is clockwise. If you want some treasure, go to the first door you see, but if you want to move onto the boss, just keep going clockwise towards the center.
I've had to do a lot of resets just because enemies KO Celine instantly :/ I've been using her Magic Shot field action to get the jump on some enemies and start battle controlling  her. A Thunderbolt takes out the Saber Fins in one shot. The Nautilus' take a lot of damage from Thunderbolt too, but to preserve MP, try to finish them off with Dias. They cause poison, so have Noel w/Dispel or cure poisons handy.
If you can get Celine's MP 200+ and INT 60+, you may have a good chance of sparking Thunderstorm, which may be an option we can use going further since Southern Cross isn't obtainable yet...
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The red shark is a sub-boss and if you got Thunderstorm, he goes out in 1-3 casts of that. When it attacks again, you wake up in Aqua City and are greeted by an Edifian. Is that what we're doing here? Talking to them? It's so strange we go through this dungeon instead of searching for Claude/Rena immediately... just sayin'. Go around and talk to the Edifians for the first plot in awhile. You'll learn they fought Rival 200 years ago and failed when she flooded the planet. We also learn Claude and Rena crashed near Nusa Beach.
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When you go to talk to the leader, they go on some typical Tri-Ace writing about the Aqualung being able to carry Rose's thoughts and that's how they know who you are and that the Priest wanted you to fight Rival. The leader goes onto say we need two more Edifian's help and must go to Ax and Azul and pass their trials. It's pretty similar to SO2 and the Four Fields. Head right from the leader's room and there are two warps.
Return to the ship and restock as needed. It's time to finally get Rena and Claude. Go to Nusa Beach (Use the shortcut in the Crash Forest or go through Slave Village passage [I also realized the upper left exit of Aqua City is a shortcut, later on... oops]) and get Rena, because you can't get Claude without her. One thing the website guide notes is they are completely optional. There is some text where Claude laments if you fail to recruit them, but since Rena is useful and we want the team reunited... let's go get them and level Rena up!
Nusa Beach Revisisted (Rena) Go to the location shown above (near one of the cities, I think? Before the Sea Cave) and you'll find Rena!
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I hope you've been saving Knife weapons... apparently Rena uses them in this one. It feels like a reference to her og PS1 art, where she had a short sword / dagger. She also uses mage armors, so you may need to go purchase some of the better stuff in Knott/Lung. We have to "level" her anyway, so use any spare SP on her and go train somewhere if need be. Go to Lung to upgrade first, then go to Knott since that's our destination. Claude has a disease that a scientist named Rush there can cure.
Also, while you're at Lung, you may want to invest in some Titania Sources and upgrade some things, especially since Rena probably won't have an Isis Tiara, we may want to make her one or something better.
Raising Rena
*Note, she will not learn Gravity Press with this method, BUT Celestial Arrow is better anyway.
Sense - Physical Sensation, Danger Sense, Radio Waves(Transmission)
Battle - Parry, Quigong (I didn't learn these, because I didn't see them come up quickly...)
The above are optional but learn one set before the other.
After learning Sense skills, learn all TECH skills through Lezard Techno.
After learning all the above, raise INT until you get Lost Magic.
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I levelled her at the base of the seabed. Use Celine's Thunderbolt to take out the Balloon Fish in a few hits. Enter the cave door and go back out to respawn. He gives 60 SP a go. I just refilled MP with Blackberries until I ran out, rinse/repeat. The cost of the Blackberries can suck, but don't forget that Scout often has them on sale. Also, depending on your playstyle, you may find an easier enemy that gives high SP, just do what works for you. In one "trip" I got Rena to a 67 Skill Level. Everyone else is around 100~ so I figured, close enough. I also raised Taijitsu a little for Celine and Rena so their HP was around 100 each.
Knott Revisisted (Claude) Go to the first door on the left of the science building where all those dungeons were to find Rush. He needs the Minsidia, which we already have. He makes the medicine and so we go to Vanis City.
Vanis City Revisited (Claude) You'll see a big guy right when you teleport there. Talk to him. Claude will be waiting at the ship if you want to use him.
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Now we can return to Aqua City. We'll take on Ax first, since it's a bit easier.
Ax - Right
Go the upper left door of the area and climb the shell. You'll face the Lord of the Sea who gives you hints on how to progress. These change each new playthrough, but for my own notes, here's what they were in my playthrough: Go through the door of bubbles. He also gives us something, but I have no clue what it was. (Okay, I'm dumb. Realized this on door 2... grab the item bag that appears behind the guy you fought! There's an item in it.)
Next aim for the door right, right again, and down. There's a door where you repeat steps. There's the King of the Sea who says (in my playthrough) go through the bubble door two times.
Next go up and right through the door and repeat the process a final time. Now is the Master of the Sea. His clue for my playthrough was: You have to go through the doors four times in total.
Lovely. At this point I was running low on blackberries, so I left to restock. I also wanted to see if I could get Rena and spells since we've amassed some SP. To learn Fairy Heal, we need Fairyology. I think because INT is NOT opposite TECH, it's alright to raise and we won't lose points, since we will level it after INT anyway. So I went and spammed Cure Light to learn Fairy Heal. In about 3 fights on the road to Knott, I got Fairy Heal AND Fairy Light in the same battle by spamming Cure Light and using Fairy Heal for the first time... We FINALLY have a full party cure! If we spam Fairy Heal, we have a chance to learn Raise Dead, too...
Item Creation: Jewelry Making
I really kind of want a Fairy Ring for Rena, but I can't get the points higher than 130-150, when I need 200+... I did get an extra Star Necklace (reduces cast time) using 1 of my Rune Metals, though. You'll need to buy the Magical Rasp from Lung and try to make a Circle or Cross shape for the highest points. The highest I got was 180 making circles... :( I think I need the level higher, but it conflicts with Celine's learning path...
I screwed around with Compounding, since Rena had it at level 6 after I trained her up earlier. If you mix Thyme and Rosemary, they make the basic Resurrect item if you score 150ish. Nice to get revives. I know Athelas makes resurrection items and some MP items in SO2, but I don't think they exist here. The best item, the Metox, is obtained through connect battles, so that's out.
Item Creation: Compounding
Thyme and Thyme with a low score can make Mixed or Fruit Syrup (HP/MP small and medium restore) and seem like an easy/good combo to make for the dungeon treks. To get Thyme, you can hunt Hippos in Garp. There's 3 right at the entrance and they go down super fast now that we're so late in the game. Bonus, it can be an easy but grindy way to amass some SP (19 SP each I think), so it's a win-win if you got a TV show to binge and wanna grind a bit. Just remember you can only carry 15 of an item, but doesn't hurt to have a full stack and extra so you don't have to leave dungeons as often. Another alternative is to grab Bowman and go to Scout Village, exit, go left and explore the first two screens for herbs, walk back to the village real quick, and repeat. You should have a plethora of herbs at your disposal after.
Another good herb combo:
Lavendar and Lavendar (Score: Auto / 150+) = Resurrection Mist  (Revives one 100% HP.) If you score around 80, you can get a Mixed Syrup, too.
Lavendar and Rosemary (150+) make a Cure Stone.
Lavendar and Thyme (150+) can make Cure Paralysis.
Rosemary and Rosemary (170+) can make a Mental Pot (increases Symbology in fights)
Now, to get back to the game for a bit... I returned to the bottom/center door near the crab because apparently there's one more guy to fight. He is the Demon of the Abyss, just a giant crab. His hint for my file was: There's a tricky room in the center of the tower, you won't be able to leave it just walking normally. After the door of bubbles, you must go through the door of waves.
Once done, go back to the second door we went through (the one that was right, right, down, next to 2 crabs); this will lead to the central tower that just seemed to loop endlessly if you visited before. On either side there are two doors. The left is the wave door and the right is the bubble door. There are two gaps that must be hovered/jumped over. Based on our clues, we need to: Go through the door of bubbles two times. We have to go through the doors four times altogether. After the door of bubbles, we have to go through the door of waves. My first guess wasn't right, so I'm not sure I understand the riddle... You'll know if you failed because you auto-fall into one of the gaps. My solution was: Bubble, Wave, Bubble. I have no idea why. Go up the central tower, Raum, one of the Edifians, is waiting at the top right.
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After speaking with Raum, we see a scene of Rival raising the Grand Knott (tower/weapon thing, kinda reminds me of Vane from Lunar). You'll be teleported back to the teleporters, where we can now take on Azul.
If there's any PA's you want to do in Ava City, do them now. I'm not sure if they become unavailible after the events of the second tower / talking to the leader after completing both towers...
Azul - Left Start by heading left and down through a hidden path. Step into the pool/teleporter. Grab the treasure and go up. This is where the official guide said to go first, but we need an orb first to open the door. Go back to the entrance, go down and right, right, down and you'll get a Devil Egg in the treasure box. Go back to the entrance and go all the way left and down to get the Devil Fruit. Go back to the entrance a third time, go right through the pool and up, up, then right. You'll see a hole. Put the Devil Fruit there. Do the same thing in the next room with the Devil Egg, then move the two blocks to the lit up areas in their rooms to unlock a pool teleport back near the red shark.
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Love the Tria reference lol These guys were so immersion breaking / over the top I loved it
Go through, grab the Blue Orb, and go back. If you go down, left, up there is another block to move (it doesnt change anything yet). Return to the entrance and go all the way left and get on the teleporter. Defeat the two fish to open the doors. Make your way upward until you see another block to move. This time it changes something. Go down and right through the pool teleporter. Grab the item and go back, go up to another pool teleporter. You can skip the first one, but the second teleporter has a Star Cloak you'll really want for a mage. Go back to where you moved the block on the same floor (left, up) and go left through the hidden passage. Go back to the entrance after grabbing the Green Orb. You may want to leave/restock and come back because the boss is soon. There's one orb left. From the entrance go left, down, through the teleporter, then up through the door we can now open. Toss the cap on one of the mages and get the Red Orb. Now we can open the boss door, so prepare/save and head up to put the orbs into the door with the red hinges (similar to the Green orb door we just busted up). You gotta defeat all the enemies. A few Thunderbolts take out the crab. I just ran from the dragon guys since they waste so much MP. A few Thunderstorms took out the boss really quick!
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Yeah, this is a lot like Vane’s destruction but in reverse lol
After you go back to Aqua and watch Rival and Ava City duke it out. We learn Rival powered Grand Knott with the Palantir Stone. The Edifians confirm Ava City is destroyed.
Remember those damn elevator ruins from early game? Yeah... :/ Rival has nestled Grand Knott into it and is waiting for us to stop her. They explain the Leviabor Ruins have powers of the ancient race and it's needed to power Grand Knott, which is docked and free to enter. Except for a barrier, which they can get rid of, so who cares. Anyway, I'd prep by trying to make better weapons, armor, and items. Make food, curatives, ect. Then when you're ready, go to Ava City and the Leviabor Ruins. This isn't the final dungeon, by the way. For some reason the game is gonna continue quite awhile. Luckily there is a final city soon that has a ton of good stuff, so you can probably trudge through the 10 Seals and Leviabor fairly easily. We'll see...
Let’s take a detour with...
Private Action Palooza! (aka A lot of PAs...)
There aren't many PAs in this game, but I wanted to go see any still left. There's a few more late game that get you some ultimate weapons, apparently, so I don't want to miss them and I'll include them in this guide. I'll note if there's any that were missed based on time (since some may have closed after the events at Ax/Azul)
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Okay, it’s wierd controlling Claude again... :p
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Opera, is this necessary??
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Spaceship - Chisato OUT - Speak to Chisato to gain her ultimate weapon, the Mirage. (A SO2 reference maybe?)
Ultimate Weapons
You'll notice they have 0 stats. It's because you need a Blue Sphere (Alchemy) and to take them to the guy in... Knott, I think? I'll have to double check.
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Road to Knott (Go to Vanis City south exit, down, right, right, down) - Chisato IN, Dias OUT - DiasxChisato shippers will love this PA--Chisato tells Dias it's dangerous to be out in the wild alone and that first impressons are important. She basically says his aloof and succinct words make it hard for the party to understand where he's coming from and everyone worries.)
Ava City - Opera IN, Celine OUT - After completing Ax/Azul / Before Ava is destroyed / Bowman daughter PA can't have been seen (?) - Obviously I couldn't do this one for multiple reasons...
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Slave Village (upper right house) - Opera, Dias IN, Leon, Bowman OUT - Leon and Bowman are playing a card game. Bowman lectures Leon on thinking too much about the game, which is causing Leon's losing streak. Dias lectures them for being nonchalant when the world needs saving, but agrees breaks are good, so Bowman offers to play. Opera taught them the game (from Earth - Hanafuda).
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Vanice City (go right twice from entrance) - Bowman IN, Opera, Ernest OUT - Bowman sees Opera buying a ton of alcohol. Opera offers Bowman some (apparently the alcohol is better than Earth) and I agreed to let Bowman live it up. They go back to the inn to drink. Eventually, Bowman passes out and Opera keeps drinking. It wouldn't be Star Ocean without someone getting shitfaced, you know? Opera leaves to buy more when she runs out and Ernest brings Bowman back to the ship, telling him not to attempt to keep up with Opera again... lol
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Road to Knott (Exit Knott) - Precis IN, Opera OUT - Opera's gun is veering left, so Opera asks if Precis can fix it. Opera's good with machines, but not computer parts... I agreed for Precis to look at it. Opera declines though, scared Precis will return it over-designed. I asked Opera after the PA, too, and Precis gets all mad because Opera won't let her within 10 feet of the gun in fear Precis will make it into an automaton...
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Knott (second floor item shop) - Opera IN, Precis OUT - Precis comments on Knott's dark atmosphere, compared to her school. Opera mentions El was a scholar... I think this is a mistranslation as she probably said "Ern", meaning Ernest.
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Spaceship - Ashton OUT - Ashton gives you his ultimate weapon 83 Inn's Claw (ROM) / Gine's Claw (Japanese website translation--I think this might be XINE?! Did XINE hand over a talon?!). Ashton says that Gyoro and Ururun want him to use the weapon, but Ashton says it was a gift from (Rasugas)? Does he mean Lasguss (mountains)? Perhaps from his home town that was scrapped in SO2? He says it has the spirit of a djinn inside. I swear I read in an interview Ashton's hometown had something to do with a djinn...
Note before these two PAs, bring Ashton and Claude with you. Dias should be able to handle any enemies. Do NOT bring Precis or Opera.
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Gravis Forest (Summit, where the boss was) - Ashton IN, Precis OUT - Ashton asks Precis if she can repair the ship soon. Precis says that means she'll go back to Earth and Ashton to Expel. Since they're supposed to be canonical in a way, I stated 'We'll be seperated again'. Precis tells Ashton he hasn't changed in two years, because he's sad about being seperated again. Precis says it's a good thing he hasn't changed, giggles, and runs off.
Ah, if I'd known about this... I'd brought Claude, too... If you do take my advice, try going down one screen and returning to see if the PA triggers, otherwise you may have to backtrack like I did. If you're lost, just keep heading up from the Hideout as best you can. It doesn't take too long as the enemies that remain go down really quick.
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Gravis Forest (Summit) - Claude IN, Opera OUT - Claude snaps Opera out of reading a book. She's exploring the wreckage of her ship and gathering things she might want to keep. I was curious so I asked 'What were you reading?' The Armoured Death and the Knight of Fire are what Claude notices. He says they're very military, even noting Opera's jacket. However, Opera hates war, she just likes good stories that are fiction and finds her jacket comfortable. When Opera mentions a far off planet, Claude reminds Opera that he's part of the Pangalactic Federation (she forgot!)
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Nusa Beach (use the Crash Forest entrance) - Rena IN, Chisato OUT - Chisato is worried about the universe constantly at war, saying the Nedians were a peaceful people. I told her 'There's hope in the future' basically. If you talk to Chisato after, she says because of the events two years ago, she became a Battle Reporter, specifically. :)
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Road to Gravis (Had to look up where this was... It's the area with the tower where Maria was, so go to Knott and use the back door where Rival used to hang out. Travel down the ladder, through the little tunnel, and you'll see Celine when you exit.) - Rena IN, Celine OUT - Rena finds Celine looking pale. I said 'I'm more worried'. Celine says a bug fell on her (reminds me of the trope they used in the EX anime) If you talk to Celine after, Rena says bugs don't bother her much.
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Scream (2F of Serpent Ruins, teleport to Serpent Ruins, leave, head right, then head for the top right of the dungeon) - Rena IN - Defeat the bird. The lady with the bento will die. Use Rena's Rebirth to revive them. This ability seems to be finicky? I guess use it in front of the "block" of floor where the lady died, and it should revive her. If you go to the back there's now a jam shop. Let me tell you, I was so mad lol I was hoping it would have the Aloe Jam that was so useful in SO2... NONE of the jams restore MP... FML. Buy the Blueberry Jam (20% HP restore) at least for dungeon crawling, otherwise this was pointless for the effort involved...
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Lung (item shop) - Requires Bowman's daughter PA to have been done - Celine IN, Bowman OUT - Bowman needs help deciding what to get, a dress for Nineh or a toy for Erys. Yeah, the toy seems the better choice, but it's trash compared to the Marvel Dress you get otherwise. (Marvel from SO1? Interesting lol) Move the Star Cloak to Rena and give Celine the massive boost from the Marvel Cloak.
That's all for now! :o We've only got a few PAs left for later... Where were we? Right, Leviabor Ruins...
Due to issues with Tumblr, please be patient. I’m tired of editing/saving 3x just to make updates to this post. It is very exhausting. Fix your shit Tumblr.
FINAL PART OF GUIDE, CLICK HERE
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ukulelesunanimous · 11 months
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Go ahead and get your strum on with our easy to try strumming guide! 😊
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junnnhui · 3 months
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just watched the gamethrough of beginner's guide and. wow. I will be playing.
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brandonfobell · 1 year
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The History of Wicca: A Beginner's Guide
Wicca is a modern, nature-based religion that believes in the worship of a goddess and god, as well as the practice of magic. It has its roots in various ancient pagan traditions, as well as the teachings of British civil servant and amateur folklorist Gerald Gardner in the mid-20th century.
Gardner claimed to have learned about the practices and beliefs of an ancient, secretive witch cult while traveling in the East, and he incorporated these ideas into a new religion that he called Wicca. Gardner's writings, along with those of other Wiccan leaders such as Doreen Valiente and Alex Sanders, helped to shape the modern understanding of Wicca and its beliefs.
Wiccans follow a set of ethical principles known as the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what thou wilt." This principle encourages Wiccans to act with personal responsibility and to respect the free will of others.
Wiccans also observe a number of rituals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the eight Wiccan holidays known as Sabbats. These celebrations mark the changing of the seasons and honor the goddess and god.
Wicca is a diverse, inclusive religion that welcomes people of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. If you're interested in learning more about Wicca, there are many resources available online and in bookstores, as well as local Wiccan groups and covens that you can join.
I hope this blog post gives you some ideas for your Monday Tumblr post on the history of Wicca! Remember to include relevant images or graphics to break up the text and make the post more visually appealing.
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ezrak · 2 years
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The Beginner's Guide (2015)
Davey Wreden's narrative game The Beginner's Guide approaches self-identity from an ENFP (Ne-Fe-Ti-Si) perspective. The game is about attempting to understand a person through various game levels they've created, effectively a display of Fe2-Ti3: Using the artistic expressions of a person to reconstruct their identity. The narration is all about "possible meanings" and reading into this person's work. And one of the first lines already (vaguely) points toward NF: "I want us to see past the games themselves. I want to get to know who this human being really is."
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As always, I recommend playing the game first before reading this analysis. It's only two hours long, and is one of the few "artistic" video games that actually has something to say.
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This video is an excellent analysis of the tricky relationship between "narrator" and "author" in this game, and in case you're not sure about the ending it's a great watch:
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Let's start with the basic concepts. The fictionalized ENFP narrator (who I'll refer to as Davey-narrator, to not get confused with the real life author) guides the player through various games created by Coda (which were really created by the real-life Davey). By compiling all of these games, Davey-narrator expects to be able to understand Coda himself.
This sort of "psychological gallery" seems like the result of gTe3→Ti3, transforming the gameplay of each level into various concepts and symbols. The most prominent example is the recurring door puzzle, which Davey-narrator reads as proof that "sooner or later you have to pick up and move". The dark area in the middle is similarly read as "a pause just for a moment [...] to reflect on and let go of the events that lead you here". These two descriptions essentially come from Ne1, which matches Davey-narrator's interest in change and experimentation. He thinks he's the only one who can understand Coda's work, and presents his biased view as authoritarian.
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The levels themselves are a sort of freak collage, combining the everyday and the surreal (Si4→gSe4). There's a particular obsession with rearranging everyday objects into different patterns, looking for the "best outcome". For example, the variations on the prison game come from a natural inclination toward exploring all the possibilities (Ne1), then deciding which ones "fit" the best (Fe2). The final prison game that we see, supposedly the "one that works", is a time travel story, a total Si4 thing.
Continuing with the Ne1 theme, Davey-narrator constantly expresses a sense of amazement about Coda's work, and is enthusiastic to show it to others: "when I took your work and I was showing it to people, it felt as though I were responsible for something important and valuable". And Ne1 > Fe2 leads to the attitude of: "I always felt okay as long as I had your work to see myself in". Davey-narrator becomes obsessed with reading his own meanings into people's work, and everything becomes intensely personal. The bits of autobiography we get also point toward ENFP:
"I saw him working on this very level, and it was just so different from anything that anyone else was doing so right away I was like, I have to be friends with this person. In retrospect, I think I was probably a bit too pushy trying to get his attention. I was overenthusiastic. But he was very gracious about it and very patient with me. And I cooled off eventually." There's a clear interest in novelty, and of course the characteristic overenthusiasm.
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And that's where the problem lies. After listening to Davey-narrator's ideas for two hours, we begin to realize his flaws. He begins making major assumptions about not just what Coda's trying to express, but about what's happening in his life, particularly his supposed creative frustration, anger, and depression. He takes it on himself to share Coda's work:
"[...] all he needs to do is just start showing his work to people! To get some actual feedback on his games! It might get him out of isolation. As so, I'm thinking this, I realize that I could be the one to initiate it."
"[...] when I took your work and I was showing it to people, it actually felt… It felt as though I were responsible for something important and valuable. And the people who played them, they treated me like I was important! They really listened and cared about what I had to say. ."
He's all about social discovery, helping other people be amazed and "having their minds blown" at the novelty and experimentation of Coda's work. The external validation he gets (Fe2) is so important to him that he almost can't help but share Coda's work.
By the end of the game, Davey-narrator no longer feels like he understands who Coda is. He finally realizes that he's been reading meaning into things he shouldn't be and ignoring everything that doesn't fit, like the three dots. Even more crucially, he admits that he's been modifying the games in significant ways.
Davey-narrator is trying to fit everything cleanly into an ENFP lens: Certain gameplay mechanics (gTe3) that turn into conceptual notions (Ti3) that imply shared values (Fe2). For example, the housecleaning game that conceptually fits the idea of "refuge" or "cleansing", which is parsed by Davey-narrator as "the moment after a difficult experience where you just need to let it sit [...] and eventually cohere into something meaningful". Once the housecleaning portion ends, he mentions that "you have to keep moving, it’s how you stay alive", which fits Ne1. But of course, the housecleaning game actually lasts forever, Davey-narrator just edited it to fit what he expected, what he saw of himself in the game.
Similarly, the stairs game is sped up, the prison section is skipped past, walls and barriers are removed, etc. His impatience changes the meanings of these games, and he transforms the unknown into the possible. But in the end he realizes his mistakes and feels like a failure for not understanding, for losing the validation he thrives upon.
The final section, along with the dramatic apology and the whole notion of "releasing this collection of your work", fits the idea of only feeling social in a market (Ne1 > Fe2). He's more willing to understand Coda through his work rather than through actually talking to him, and ultimately interacts with other people based on something novel and creative he has to offer. Once his ideas about Coda's games stopped mattering, he was cut off socially.
It's very dangerous to type Coda, of course, since we'd be making the same mistake Davey-narrator would be making. It's complicated, of course, by the fact that real-life Davey (also an ENFP) is behind the design of all of these games. Ignoring the work, though, the best guess would be ITJ, likely ISTJ (Ti-Si-Ne-Fe), Davey-narrator's contrary. That would match his ability to keep things to himself, and the ending of the game: "When you finally see what I am talking about: don’t say anything."
The contrary relationship also explains the admiration Davey-narrator has for Coda's work, as it "shows" Davey-narrator what he's trying to access in his unconscious. That could also be why Davey-narrator feels such a strong need to help⁠—Coda's work seems like a real problem to him, and he's willing to do whatever he can.
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning." — Louis L'Amour
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10 Easy Steps to Get Your Writing Career Started Right Away!
To kickstart your writing career, begin by refining your skills and building an online presence. Next, network with other writers and create a portfolio to showcase your work.
Embarking on a writing career can seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can launch your journey successfully. As you look to turn your passion for words into a profession, it’s imperative to focus on skill development and strategic self-promotion.
Today, a significant online footprint is crucial for aspiring writers. Creating a robust digital portfolio will serve as the cornerstone of your career, displaying your talents to potential clients or employers. Networking isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a gateway to opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative projects that can accelerate your growth. With the internet at your fingertips, there are countless resources available to help you enhance your writing abilities, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with writing communities. Begin with clarity of purpose and a commitment to continual learning, and you’ll find that launching your writing career can be a structured and clear-cut endeavor.
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>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily – Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>
The Call Of The Word: Is Writing Your True Passion?
The Call of the Word: Is the symphony of sentences and the rhythm of rhetoric music to your ears? Do you find solace in the warm embrace of pages? If so, writing might just be your true passion. Embarking on this journey requires a blend of creativity, dedication, and strategy.
Identifying Your Niche In Writing
Discovering your niche is akin to finding your home in the vast world of words. It’s where your thoughts flow freely and your voice resounds with authenticity. Consider the following to uncover your writing haven:
Interests: What topics spark joy in your heart? List them down.
Expertise: Are you an expert in a field? Highlight it.
Market Demands: Seek out what readers crave and align it with your interests.
Feedback: Share your work. Note what resonates with your audience.
The Role Of Passion In A Writing Career
Passion fuels persistence, the cornerstone of any successful writing career. It powers you through challenges and sparks creative fires. To gauge if passion drives your writing, reflect on these points:
Do stories and ideas constantly dance in your head?
Do you feel a sense of fulfillment when words form on a page?
Are you willing to write regularly, with or without immediate rewards?
Passion is not just the initial spark; it’s the relentless engine that sustains your writing journey.
Crafting Your Writer’s Toolkit
Embarking on a writing career can be as thrilling as it is daunting. The key to smoothing the path lies in preparing a robust writer’s toolkit. Think of it as your trusty sidekick, equipped with everything necessary to tackle any writing challenge that comes your way. Let’s assemble the essential gear to kickstart your writing journey with confidence!
Essential Tools For Every Aspiring Writer
Building a strong foundation starts with the right tools. These items form the core of your writer’s toolkit:
Reliable Writing Software: Choose a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Note-Taking Apps: Apps like Evernote or OneNote keep your ideas organized.
Grammar and Style Guides: Resources like Grammarly or the Hemingway Editor enhance your writing.
Inspirational Reading Material: Fill your shelves with books that ignite your creativity.
A Dedicated Notebook: For jotting down thoughts that strike at any hour.
Enhancing Your Digital Toolkit For Writing
Your digital toolkit is crucial for modern writing success. Ensure these tech-savvy items are at your fingertips:
Cloud Storage: Services like Dropbox or Google Drive safeguard your work.
Writing Community Access: Join platforms like Wattpad or Scribophile for feedback.
Online Courses and Webinars: Sites like Coursera or Udemy to sharpen your skills.
Keyword Research Tools: Utilize Google Trends or Ubersuggest for SEO-centric writing.
Social Media Profiles: Promote your work on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Pack these essentials, and your writer’s toolkit will be ready to tackle any task. Embrace the journey with your well-stocked arsenal!
>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily – Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>
Honing Your Craft: Writing Practices
Becoming a prolific writer requires dedication and practice. Start by fostering habits that sharpen your writing abilities. Aim for growth each day. Your skills will blossom with consistent effort. Let’s delve into the steps to refine your writing talent.
Daily Writing Routines To Boost Your Skills
Create a daily writing ritual. This habit forms the backbone of your journey. Commit to writing a minimum word count each day. The content doesn’t need perfection. The goal is to build muscle memory and confidence.
Start a journal. Capture thoughts and daily experiences. It sharpens your ability to observe details.
Play with prompts. They ignite creativity and offer fresh ideas. Use them to spark your imagination.
Write letters. Even if you don’t send them, articulate your voice and connect deeply with topics.
Time of DayWriting ActivityWord Count GoalMorningJournal Entry300 wordsAfternoonShort Story500 wordsEveningReflective Essay400 words
The Importance Of Reading As A Writer
Writers must be avid readers. Reading widens vocabulary and exposes you to different styles. You learn new techniques and storytelling methods. Dedicate time to read each day.
Diverse genres. Explore various genres to understand a range of writing styles.
Analyze writing. Don’t just read for pleasure. Study the author’s choices and use of language.
Take notes. Jot down phrases or structures you admire. Incorporate them into your writing practice.
Remember, reading is as crucial as writing. Both activities complement each other. They fuel your imagination and hone your craft. Invest time in reading broadly and deeply.
Building An Online Presence
Embarking on a writing career signals the start of an exciting adventure. However, before you can captivate an audience with your words, you must first be visible to them. Building an online presence is critical. This digital footprint makes you searchable and accessible to potential readers, clients, and collaborators. Let’s explore some essential steps to establish your online identity.
Creating A Professional Writer’s Website
Your writer’s website is your professional portfolio, storefront, and business card all in one. Here are key elements to include:
Home Page: An inviting welcome with your picture and tagline.
About Page: Your story, experience, and why you write.
Portfolio: Samples of your work, neatly categorized.
Contact: Easy ways to reach you.
Blog: Your thoughts and updates to keep visitors engaged.
Ensure your website is clean, navigable, and mobile-friendly. Use a straightforward domain name, preferably yourname.com
Social Media Strategies For Writers
Social media platforms are tools to amplify your voice and connect with your audience.
PlatformUsageContent TypeTwitterNetworkingQuick thoughts, industry newsFacebookCommunity buildingLong-form posts, event promotionInstagramVisual storytellingImages, short videos, storiesLinkedInProfessional brandingArticles, career milestones
Choose platforms that align with your brand and target audience. Post consistently, engage with followers, and showcase your writing style. Creating valuable content tailored to each platform can grow your followers and elevate your professional status.
Navigating The World Of Publishing
Embarking on a writing journey is thrilling! Entering the publishing world can be intimidating, but it need not be daunting. With some guidance, you can navigate this arena with confidence. Here’s how to understand your options and pitch your work properly, bringing you closer to your dream of becoming a published author.
Understanding Different Publishing Options
Before diving into the publishing lakes, you must know the types of waters. Traditional publishing involves established houses with rigorous selection processes. They often provide thorough support but expect high-quality manuscripts.
Self-publishing grants more control over your content and faster turnaround but requires self-marketing.
Last, hybrid publishing blends both, offering flexibility with some professional services.
Writing Queries And Pitching To Publishers
Once you’re set on a publishing route, create a striking query letter or book proposal. A concise query letter is a gold key to an editor’s attention. Start with a snappy introduction, an overview of your work, your bio, and the reason you think they’re the perfect fit for your manuscript. Remember, a well-crafted pitch sets the stage for your writing journey.
Highlight the uniqueness of your story.
Include a captivating hook to garner interest.
Show off your market awareness and target audience.
Maintain a professional tone throughout.
Ensure the letter is error-free and flawlessly formatted.
Embrace this new chapter with an informed, proactive stance. With consistency and perseverance, you’re sure to make waves in the publishing world!
>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily – Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>
Monetizing Your Writing
You love to write and dream of making it your career. The good news is that you can start earning from your writing today. With various options available, you can choose paths that align with your passions and lifestyle. Let’s dive into effective ways to monetize your writing, comparing freelancing with salaried positions and exploring diverse revenue streams.
Freelancing Vs. Salaried Writing Positions
Freelancing and salaried positions offer different benefits. Freelancers enjoy flexibility and variety, taking on projects that excite them. Salaried writers benefit from stability and regular income. Your choice should match your financial needs and work preferences.
Freelancing: Set your schedule, pick your projects, and be your boss.
Salaried Positions: Regular paychecks, company benefits, and team collaboration.
Consider starting with freelancing to build a diverse portfolio. A strong portfolio can lead to a full-time position later. Both paths are viable and can be rewarding for your writing career.
Exploring Revenue Streams For Writers
Expanding your revenue sources is vital for a stable writing income. There are many ways for writers to earn money beyond traditional job roles. Here are a few to consider:
Revenue StreamDescriptionPotential IncomeWriting ArticlesCreate content for blogs or websitesVaries by length and nicheSelf-PublishingWrite and sell your booksRoyalties per book saleCopywritingWrite persuasive content for businessesPer project or hourly ratesContent MarketingStrategy and creation for brand growthRetainer or project-based payAffiliate MarketingEarn by promoting products or servicesCommission on sales
Get creative with your skills and combine different streams for a robust income. For example, you may freelance while building your blog with affiliate links. Think outside the box, and do not hesitate to blend various writing opportunities.
Growing And Sustaining Your Writing Career
Embarking on a writing career sparks excitement and possibility. Yet, the journey from budding writer to established author demands effort beyond just crafting stories or articles. Success in the writing world hinges on building a sustainable career. This requires strategy, dedication, and a proactive mindset.
Networking With Other Writers And Industry Professionals
Connections propel careers forward in the writing industry. Networking is key. With the right community, you gain insights, support, and opportunities. Engage with others through these actionable points:
Join writing forums or online communities
Attend writing workshops or conferences
Follow industry professionals on social media
Participate in local writers’ groups or clubs
Collaborate on projects with peers
Sharing experiences and challenges with fellow writers can lead to partnerships, mentorships, and referrals to new gigs.
Setting Long-term Goals And Staying Motivated
Setting GoalsStaying Motivated
Define clear, achievable objectives
Break down goals into smaller tasks
Set deadlines for each milestone
Celebrate small wins regularly
Keep a journal of progress
Read or listen to success stories
Focus on long-term achievements to maintain a fulfilling career. Create a roadmap and celebrate milestones to stay driven. Balancing ambition with realistic goals keeps motivation high and burnout at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Start Writing Freelancing?
Yes, you can start a freelancing writing career by creating a portfolio, joining freelance websites, and networking with potential clients.
What Qualifications Needed For Writing?
No formal qualifications are necessary, but strong writing skills, excellent grammar, and a passion for writing are essential to succeed.
How To Find Writing Job Opportunities?
Explore online job platforms, reach out to content agencies, network in writing communities, and check social media for companies seeking writers.
What Is Essential In Starting Writing?
Understanding your niche, mastering the art of writing, and being persistent are crucial when launching your writing career.
Tips For Maintaining A Writing Routine?
Set clear goals, create a dedicated workspace, schedule regular writing hours, and minimize distractions to maintain a consistent writing routine.
Conclusion
Embarking on your writing journey is thrilling. Remember, consistency and dedication are your best allies. Use the steps outlined to build a solid foundation. Keep exploring, learning, and don’t fear making mistakes. Grab your pen, power up your device, and start crafting your future now – the world awaits your stories.
>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily – Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>
Thanks for reading my article on 10 Easy Steps to Get Your Writing Career Started Right Away!, hope it will help!
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Source : 10 Easy Steps to Get Your Writing Career Started Right Away!
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gardendrifts · 2 months
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Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps: A Beginner's Guide
Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps: A Beginner's Guide. Learn how to easily start your Honda Mantis Tiller with these simple steps. Say goodbye to struggling with other tillers and hello to effortless gardening. Follow our tried and tested tips for a stress-free gardening experience.
Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps: A Beginner's Guide. struggling with other Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps: A Beginner's Guide
About Honda Mantis Tiller
The Honda Mantis Tiller is a highly efficient and versatile gardening tool that has been trusted by gardeners for years. It is known for its superior performance, ease of use, and durability. Starting the Honda Mantis Tiller may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can easily get your tiller up and running in no time. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps on how to start your Honda Mantis Tiller and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is the Honda Mantis Tiller?
The Honda Mantis Tiller is a compact and lightweight tiller that is designed for small to medium gardening tasks. It features a powerful 4-cycle Honda engine, which eliminates the need for mixing oil and gas. The tiller is equipped with four tines that can cultivate up to nine inches deep and up to 10 inches wide, making it ideal for a wide range of gardening tasks, including tilling, weeding, and digging.
Maintaining and Preparing Your Tiller
Before you start your Honda Mantis Tiller, it is important to make sure that it is properly maintained and prepared for use. Here are some steps to follow:
Check the Oil
The first thing you need to do is check the oil level before each use. This is important because the engine requires proper lubrication for optimal performance.
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The Honda Mantis Tiller is equipped with a dipstick, and the oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
Inspect the Spark Plug
A clean and properly gapped spark plug is essential for starting your tiller. Make sure to clean the area around the spark plug before removing it. Once removed, check the gap and make sure it is between 0.020 and 0.024 inches. If not, adjust it accordingly or replace it if necessary.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can hinder the performance of your Honda Mantis Tiller Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps. Regularly check the air filter and clean or replace it when necessary to ensure proper air flow to the engine.
Prepare the Fuel Tank
Make sure that the fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean gasoline. The Honda Mantis Tiller engine is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher. Avoid using gasoline that contains more than 10% ethanol as it can damage the engine.
Connect the Tines
Make sure that the tines are properly connected to the tiller. Tighten the bolts if necessary to ensure that the tines are securely attached and will not come loose during use.
Adjust the Handles
The Honda Mantis Tiller is equipped with adjustable handles, which allows you to find a comfortable and ergonomic position for tilling. Adjust the handles to your desired height and position before starting the tiller.
Starting Your Honda Mantis Tiller
Step 1: Safety First
Before starting your Honda Mantis Tiller, make sure to read and understand all safety instructions in the owner's manual. Always wear protective gear, including eye and ear protection, when using the tiller.
Step 2: Prime the Engine
If your tiller has been sitting for a while or is brand new, it may need to be primed to get the fuel flowing to the engine. To do this, press the fuel pump bulb three times, making sure to hold the choke lever in the "start" position.
Step 3: Position the Tiller
Take your tiller to the area where you will be using it, making sure that you have enough space to maneuver it. Set the tines on the ground and hold onto the handles for support.
Step 4: Pull the Starter Rope
Slowly pull the starter rope until you feel resistance, then pull it again with a quick, strong motion. Repeat this until the engine starts. Once the engine has started Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps, release the choke lever and let the engine idle for a few minutes before using the tiller.
Step 5: Adjust the Throttle
Once the engine has warmed up, you can adjust the throttle to your desired speed. A lower speed is ideal for light tilling or weeding, while a higher speed is better for breaking up tough soil.
Step 6: Engage the Tines
When you are ready to start tilling, engage the tines by pulling the clutch lever towards you. Slowly release the clutch lever to allow the tines to start spinning.
Step 7: Tilling Techniques
When tilling, it is best to move the tiller in a forward motion, gradually pushing it into the soil. Avoid pushing the tiller too hard or tilting it too far back, as it can cause damage to the tiller or make it difficult to control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Honda Mantis Tiller to dig a new garden bed?
Yes, the Honda Mantis Tiller is designed for tilling and digging in small to medium-sized garden beds.
How do I know when it's time to replace the tines?
The tines on the Honda Mantis Tiller are designed to be long-lasting and durable. However, you may need to replace them if they become dull or damaged. To know when it's time to replace them, check for wear and tear on the edges and tips of the tines.
Is the Honda Mantis Tiller difficult to start?
No, the Honda Mantis Tiller is known for its easy starting capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily start your tiller and get to work in no time.
Can I use the Honda Mantis Tiller in wet soil?
It is not recommended to use the Honda Mantis Tiller in excessively wet or muddy soil. This can cause the tiller to get clogged, making it difficult to use.
How often should I check the oil in my Honda Mantis Tiller?
It is important to check the oil level before each use to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated. This will help extend the life of your tiller and keep it running smoothly.
Conclusion
The Honda Mantis Tiller is a fantastic gardening tool that can make your gardening tasks easier and more efficient. By following the steps and techniques outlined in this blog post, you can easily start your tiller and tackle all your gardening needs. Remember to properly maintain and prepare your tiller for each use, and always prioritize safety. If you have any further questions or concerns, consult the owner's manual or contact a professional. Happy tilling!
Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps
Learn how to easily start your Honda Mantis Tiller with these simple steps. Say goodbye to struggling with other tillers and hello to effortless gardening. Follow our tried and tested tips for a stress-free gardening experience. Honda Mantis Tiller Start Start Your Honda Mantis Tiller in 5 Simple Steps: A Beginner's Guide
How do I start a Honda Mantis Tiller?
To start a Honda Mantis Tiller, first make sure the gas tank is filled with fresh fuel. Next, turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position. Then, pull out the choke knob if the engine is cold. Next, squeeze the throttle trigger and hold it in place. Finally, pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull it quickly to start the engine.
Why won't my Honda Mantis Tiller start?
If your Honda Mantis Tiller won't start, there could be several possible causes. Some common reasons include a clogged air filter, a dirty spark plug, old fuel, or a faulty ignition coil. It is best to troubleshoot the specific issue or consult a professional if you are unsure.
How do I maintain my Honda Mantis Tiller?
Maintaining your Honda Mantis Tiller is important for its performance and longevity. Some key tips include regularly inspecting and cleaning the air filter, changing the oil as recommended, using fresh fuel, and keeping the blades sharp. Refer to your owner's manual for a complete maintenance schedule.
Can I use any type of gasoline in my Honda Mantis Tiller?
No, it is important to use the correct type of gasoline in your Honda Mantis Tiller. The recommended fuel type is unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. Using a lower octane fuel or one with ethanol can potentially damage your tiller's engine.
How do I store my Honda Mantis Tiller?
To properly store your Honda Mantis Tiller, first drain all the fuel from the tank and carburetor. Next, clean the tiller and make sure all the moving parts are well lubricated. Store the tiller in a dry and covered area, and make sure to properly winterize it if you live in a cold climate. Refer to your owner's manual for specific storage instructions.
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liminal-spaced-out · 6 months
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Play The Beginner's Guide (and join the server if you have played it... pretty please...)
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sygiandepths · 1 month
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Damn girl you are hot (please help im burning alive)
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so2collection · 8 months
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Star Ocean: Blue Sphere Mini Guide and Tips - Final Section
First half you can view by clicking here.
Leviabor Ruins (Part 2)
Private Action - Leviabor Ruins (Floor 320 / Right Side; Before clearing Leviabor Ruins) - Rena IN - Use Rena's Rebirth to revive some guy killed by a monster. He gives you an item based on the GB model you're playing on. GB/Super Gameboy 1 has the best prize. Note: I didn't do this, because the guide I used gave me the wrong requirements and I passed it. GBA gets an Orichalcum, so it wasn't really worth it anyway.
We can now unlock all floors. Talk to the man on the right and he'll automatically unlock all the floors on both elevators. Don't forget to check both. Make sure you get the Guiding fragments before looking for the Seal.
Go to Ava City (or, if you don't wanna look around, just teleport right to the Leviabor Ruins). Some of the shops are still there, but the buildings aren't… Lord Ava is nowhere to be found (and you still can't take his treasure darn it). 3rd door from the top of Ava's palace is the way back to Leviabor. If you check the inn where you can sleep at the bed for free, you'll also see that is where Lord Ava has taken refuge.
We already have the Fire seal from early game, so that's 1 down, 9 to go…
Water Seal - Start at the 103rd Floor. Defeat the enemies in the rooms going right, right, and up. A treasure appears with a Guiding Water fragment. Return to the beginning of the 103 Floor and go to the left, upper left this time. Defeat the Froggy to get a Blue keycard, then go up. There's a treasure with the Water Seal. Go back to the upper right side and we have to fight Titan. (Huh, he didn't appear for me… maybe I fought him earlier, I can't remember…)
Wind Seal (Rena is required for this floor.) - 114th Floor. Break the box (right, right, up) on the lower right to get the Guiding Wind fragment. Hit the switch ahead. Head up to fight a Titan. Two of Rena's Ray spells took him out easily. Press on until you see a broken floor switch. Use Rena's Rebirth on it. Before hitting this switch, go up and hit the lower right breakable box and reveal another switch. Hit that. Go left and defeat the two titans to get the Wind Seal. Go back using the teleporter on the right.
Earth Seal (Rena is required for this floor if you want the full set of Jeanne armor. Since I'm using Dias/Celine/Rena, it's useless. You should have someone with Push/Pull to avoid near soft-locking.) - 30th Floor. Match up the boxes to the spaces on the floor like you've done many times by now (you can just use Push, you don't need Pull) Go left and match up some more blocks in the upper and lower screens to open a door. Go left and break open the upper left box to get the Guiding Earth fragment. Return to the elevator room and go right this time. Keep going right, use Rena's Rebirth on the center to revive the block and finish the puzzle to get some Jeanne Armor (great for characters like Chisato). Go back to the room left of the boxes and down through the door the Guiding Earth opened up. Fight the Cooper and continue down. Go right and when you get to the room with two blocks, move them off of their spots on the floor to close the previous door and open the bottom one. Get the drive from the treasure chest (you'll need a lot of these, like 5 or 10 or something, you should have 1 so this should make 2).
So I soft-locked myself because I didn't have Pull :/ I had to Teleport out to the ship and go all the way back. To get Pull on Dias or Rena, they need Perseverance at 7. Safe to say, I could get it for Rena, but it just seemed easier to backtrack.
From the room where you moved the two blocks to make 4 match on the floor (lower/center), move them all OFF of the marks so you can go left instead. Grab the treasure for the Earth Seal.
Void Seal - Go to floor 227. First defeat the Carlas and hit the switch on the right. This is timed: Go left, go down, right, and down for a fight. Get the Gold Key and the Fairy Ring. (You don't know how happy I am for a Fairy Ring for Celine; I can spam her spells way more now!) Return to where you flipped the switch and go right. If you don't have hover, you'll have to fall into the pit and go back up. If you go right, there's some useless items. Go back to the elevator area. Go down and left, defeat the Carla, and hit the hidden switch in the block. Go down, hit both switches and return to the elevator again. Go left twice. Defeat the Carlas and get another Blue Key from a ? chest, then hit the switch and go down the lower right path. Go down and in the lower left corner in the Guiding Void. Go right, save, then go down for the boss. Go down and the Void Seal is in the chest. If you come back to large, open room where you got the Guiding Void, with Room Analysis FA, you can get Bunny Shoes. Just nab Ernest and come back.
Star Seal - Go to 216th Floor. Go left, down, left, left, down (use Gold Key you should have 227 Floor). Defeat all enemies in a room to get Blue Keycards. The Guiding Star is in a chest. Return to the elevator and go right and up to get the Star Seal.
Darkness Seal - Go to 115th Floor. Go left, get the treasure, then go back and hit the switch. Go right from here and hit another switch. Go back to the far left and up for the Guided Darkness fragment. Turn off the switch near the elevator and the one to the right, then go down for the Darkness Seal. Go right for a transport down.
Light Seal - Go to the 1st Floor. Go left for one of those Drives and then go back to the elevator area and go to the upper right for the Guided Light fragment. Take the teleporter down and return to the 1st floor. Go right, down, and right to find the switch puzzle room. It's confusing to explain, so I won't list the answer here. Took me about ten minutes to figure out. Go down, right, and fight the boss. Take the Light Seal and Fairy Source and go back down with the teleporter.
We're almost done… I stopped here to use the 2k SP I amassed on Celine and finally maxed out her TECH (I didn't get Lezard Techno, though, which sucked. Too many points in the opposite branch, I think.)
Bolt Seal - B12th Floor. Go down and move the block. Go right and get a Copper Key. Go left, left, up, right and open the door with the key. Go straight up and move the block. Go down and right a let the floodgates open. Swim down and get the chest you couldn't reach before for the Guided Bolt fragment. Go left and left and the fragment will open the door on the lower left of the map. Go through. The Bolt Seal is in the chest. Go to the elevator and switch floors then return to B12. Move the block thats downward near where the Seal was, then activate the water. Go grab the drive from the seal room. Finally, go and come back again, this time just let the water go first thing so it goes to B13.
Minus Seal - B13th Floor. Put all the blocks in the spaces and grab the drive from the center and all the stones in the other chests. Go down and swim to the two blue chests, one has a Platinum Key. Go back to the top side and right, you'll see the area in the screenshot, put the drives you've collected there.
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This drains the water. Use the Platinum Key on the lower left door. Go to the far right and put the green block on the green glowing space, then swim back to where we started. If you go up and all the way right, there's a blue chest with the Guiding Minus fragment. Go back to the Platinum Key door and go down until you're in a submerged room with platforms. You can swim, but it doesn't lead anywhere. You can jump, but it is a major pain in the ass. I went and nabbed Precis (switched for Rena) to use Hover to get through this section. Hover to the far left for a boss fight. He went down with 2 Thunderbolts and a Thunderstorm for me. Grab the chest for the Minus Seal. Use a bomb on the back wall and you'll need Pull to move the block (you can then grab 2 stones, nothing great so dont worry if you miss this) and then return to the boss room and go through the transport.
The Final Floor! - 320th Floor -
Put all the Seals in place and face the Chimera boss that Rival sics on you. 6 Thunderbolts took him out. When Celine gets fatigued, switch to Rena to keep Dias alive. Once Chimera is dead, this opens Grand Knott (finally). Go up to enter it, save.
We'll be getting some really good armor soon, so don't waste too many resources just yet. Heal up/restock and let's tackle the lower level of Grand Knott…
Grand Knott (lower layer) Go up and Rival says she'll be waiting on the fourth floor. (The number 4 is associated with death in Japan, so we all know what she means by that…)
Make sure you've saved/healed (Grand Knott is added to the transporter) and go face the boss, El Dorado. Just use a few Thunderbolts and keep your distance. Bless on Dias helps as well. This annoying gold BlackDragonFiendWannabe will be a common enemy soon... :(
Now, to get the treasure we need someone with Room Analysis, so we may have to lose Rena for a bit and bring Ernest. To the right is a Mithril. The left room has a whip for Ernest and I think you can get through it with his Whip ability, but I grabbed Precis to see what the item was (you need both, because you need Room Analysis for the treasure). After this go grab Celine and Rena again (you'll need either Precis or Rena for some items coming up).
Go up from the entrance past the boss room and go left, up, and right to reach a room with some treasure (very useful curatives), then go left and left again (you may have to clear a room of enemies to open a door) to get back to the central area. Go right, up, and left for more treasure (a weapon for Precis.. fun). Now go right, down, right, down, up and you'll see stairs. Go to Floor 2.
Floor 2 - Ignore the panel, go up, left a bit, and up. Grab the treasure (the Mithril Dress isn't better than anything you currently should have so you can skip this step if you want) and then go back to the panel and click it. Go straight up to the 3rd Floor.
Floor 3 - Push the brick onto the circle and the top area will open. Go up, defeat the Golds (do not let them get initiative; Celine's Magic Shot is great for this) and grab the Purple Keycard. Go back to the entrance, move the block off the circle, and go right and up (left is a dead end). On the left side of blocks, break the top right block for the treasure (weapon for Ashton). There are more El Dorados in some of the blocks, so be careful.
Spell - Rena sparked Light Cross from using Ray. :)
Go down and right and down and use Rena's Rebirth on the bridge. Put the block on the space and grab the treasure (Leon weapon) from the right room.
NOTE: There's Seraphic armor in the top hall, so be sure to explore there too. You do not want to pass on this armor. If you've played SO2, you know how powerful it is. Put the Seraphic Guard and Garb on Dias, since he's our meat-shield.
Go back to the bridge and down. It's hard to tell but there's a room with a glowing panel on the upper right. Flip the switch (change the arrow). You'll arrive on the fourth floor. Remember, this is where Rival said she's waiting for us, but we need the Prism Key from the 5th Floor…
Welcome to dungeon maze Hell. Best part is, this is gonna show up in the top half of Grand Knott, too.
Spell - During a battle, using Starlight, Celine sparked Lost Mental (Mind Absorber). Using Ray, Celine sparked Southern Cross (finally~)
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I wandered around for 3 hours trying to get elevators to where I needed them. Familiarize yourself with the layout before you do anything.
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Fuck this room and everything it represents. What a horrible fucking place to just punish you for learning the game. These little jerks respawn constantly.
There's a series of rooms and the elevators move between the floors. Just follow this guide: Top - A, Right/Middle - B, Right/Bottom - C, Left - D <-- these are the elevators Ride D up. Ride B down. Ride A up. Ride D down. Go right and down for a green dragon enemy. He gives 99 SP per fight and can be one shot killed by Celine's Southern Cross. Go left and take the elevator to Floor 3, then save and go up.
You're truly on the 4th Floor now. Rival lays await in the room ahead. Get the Prism Key from the left side and a Robe of Ishtar for Rena on the left (and Elven Boots too, if you want them). You shouldn't need help with these puzzles, considering they put them on the back of cereal boxes and restaurant playmats… You may even consider grinding that green dragon for SP. When ready go save before going through the door.
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Rival is gonna give a whopping 600 SP, so use an Extension Card at the start of the battle! For the fight itself, remember this isn't the final battle… So, don't go ham on using your best stuff yet. Besides, two blasts from Celine's Southern Cross decimated her. I even had time to prep with Anti and Bless, because I went in expecting the worst. :p In fact, using Bless, I sparked Angel Feather!! Even better!
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Nice to have some easy levels/fights after that fucking slog that was Grand Knott's lower layer… Rival shows up for real and reveals we defeated a clone. She tries to kill us, but the Edifians intefere and teleport us out.
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Aqua City Revisited The Edifian leaders say Rival went to the orbital elevator, Ex Trokia. It's some form of a structure that exists on the planet underwater and can communicate with space (where Rival piloted Grand Knott). The Edifians take you there.
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Heal. Restock. Grind a bit in Grand Knott if you want. Make sure you save/have some Extension Cards for the boss battles ahead (make them with Art). When you're ready take the upper left door in Aqua City (the one that previously and can be changed back to Nusa Beach, if you want)
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Looks straight out of Alien, huh?
Ex Trokia Trade Rena out for Precis. Floor 2 - You start on 2F. On the left, go left again for treasure. On the right, go right for treasure. Once done, go drop Precis for Rena (the best item was the Shield Earrings, put those on a mage if you need to take less damage) and come back, go back to the right and this time go up (you can jump the 2 gaps). You'll find a ladder to F1. Go down and right and blow up the lower right wall with a bomb. Toss the Mithril Helm on Dias and go back where you blew up the wall and head up.
Floor 1 - On the left, light up the 6 switches before the lights go out. Study duration and use Dias' Dash to get them all. On the right side press the blocks in this order or you'll get attacked: low right, upper left, upper right, lower left. In the center/up room, align the blocks in a cross/plus shape.
Floor 3 - Go up to Floor 3. Go left and flip the lever and go up and activate the console. Return to the beginning of the floor and go right and up for the stairs. If you hit the switches in the room, they open doors. The only item is a Mithril, so go up and right to the 6th Floor. Don't bother with the elevator path on the left; it's a dead end with no items.
Floor 6 - From the stairs go: up, up, up, left, save, and through the door. All the items are just common junk, so don't bother. There's a boss fight coming so heal up and launch the Linear Shuttle to the Metro.
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Nu, one of Rival's flunkies, attacks. I used Angel Feather on Dias, then kept my distance as much/often as possible to give time to cast Southern Cross. His first form goes down in 4-5 casts. The second form will take double that. Your biggest issue for the second form is avoiding stamina fatigue and keeping everyone alive. Switch who you're controlling if you need to. Be patient and you'll win quickly. He gives 440 SP, so it's worth using an Extension Card (I forgot)…
Now we're in some kind of colony. They don't register to the teleporter… There's a tricky jump on the upper right. Save, then stand on the metal bar on the right and leap up. Go left, up, grab the ? treasure, and continue right and up. Go to the next shuttle and the next colony (Norn colony).
Go up and right. Defeat the dragon guys to open the doors again. Go up (right is nothing and the enemies do respawn). Go to the next shuttle / Metro colony. Go up for a place to heal for free. To the right of the beds is a wall to bomb. You get one of each Check (Stone ect) and some Talismans. Go back to the main area and go right.
There's a series of rooms here with blue crests on the floor. Kill the enemies WITHOUT destroying the boxes. When you put them over the crests the block in the center becomes a treasure (usually its the best weapon in the game outside Blue Sphere crafting or Cave of Trials, so they are well worth it!) I think if you mess up you can go back to your ship, but you can't go to the colonies, so you'd have to backtrack… Save carefully (I missed Precis' weapon) If you go up you'll find an elevator that takes you to the final city, Cosmo City, so there may be hope yet to complete the colony…
Of course, we have to go through a little road to the city. Go left to heal/save. Go up through the enemies to face a boss, Rival's other flunky, Diablo.
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Use an Extension Card first thing in the fight. Use Celine's Southern Cross and Rena's Light Cross to take him out fairly quickly (he also doesn't have a second form and he isn't as aggressive as the other guy was).
Cosmo City Enter Cosmo City. There's a blue Froggy enemy, but he isn't hostile. All the little robots are talking about their Master away on a trip and are obscessed with cleaning. It's kinda sad :( Make sure you upgrade your main trios weapons (I guess the upgrades in the dungeon weren't as good? Or the same?) Anyway, they're pretty pricey. If you go to the Item Shop they have higher-grade food ingredients, so you could cook with those or use anything you have. Personally, I sold gold bars and all the Bunny statues and got just enough Fol for weapons, a Duel Helm for Dias, some accessories, and restocked my usual consumables.
Go back to the ship to heal for free and feel free to pick some herbs in Cosmo with Bowman if you want. Also, make sure to switch out Dias and talk to him for his ultimate weapon. (Private Action) Fun fact, he says he got it from Gamgee! Nice!
Speaking of… How do we get the Blue Spheres for the Ultimate Weapons?!
Item Creation - Alchemy / Blue Sphere Make sure skill is maxed Make sure you have the Lezard Flask This works for everyone except Dias, Chisato, and one other (I need to look this up again) who obtain through Psychometry and NOT Blue Sphere. Make Blue Sphere, have the ultimate weapon, and bring it to the man in Knott…
You need to make connections between the elements. Blue Sphere needs: Earth (4), Water (6), Fire (4), and Wind (4 Minimum, 6 Max). Connections are when the gems connect, like this: o-o-o = 2 connections o-o-o-o =3 connections
My wife and I tried for a long time… it's basically impossible. On the bright side, iron is cheap and using alchemy can be a great way to make money for late-game. The only other way to get Blue Spheres is to play the Connect feature, which isn't usable for English. :( My only idea is to load up my save in a GB and go grab that supposed free one, so let's try that…
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Go to the door behind Rival's old base in Knott and find the tower with the breakable wall (remember, the wall is only breakable in Mobile version, which is lost media… So the GB version (Black and White) makes a hole you can pass through)
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Thank. God. Using my emulator to change the settings worked (make sure it's set to Gameboy, Black and White) or the door won't appear. So, we have 1 free Blue Sphere. Let's take it to the man in Knott…
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Okay, I can confirm there is none for Dias, Ashton, or Chisato, so don't bother. We may as well make Celine hers. So choose 'Rod' from the list. You'll get the Volcanic Mage Rod. Now, you may notice it's like the other ultimate weapons (which, btw, Dias, Ashton, and Chisato give through their Private Actions). All the stats are 0. That's not quite the case!
How do the Ultimate Weapons work?
Here is how they work: ATK = Stat Base + STR divided by 2, Stat Base + HIT = Dexterity divided by 4, Stat base + MAG = INT divided by 2
So, Celine's base INT right now in my file is 304, giving this weapon an +INT of 152, bringing the total MAG/INT to a powerful 456! You can see the stat change in the Status Menu.
In comparison, though, there are the Cave of Trials weapons. Celine's best CoT weapon is the Forbidden Maze (not sure of the ROM translation, this is from the guide) which only has an INT of 100… There is also that early dungeon weapon based on total playtime, but it seems a pain to calculate. If you wanna go grab that and give it a shot, go for it! (I mentioned it early on in the guide.)
Don't get confused by the 0 change to Dias' STR, his ATK power goes way up! :)
In conclusion, the Blue Sphere is worth it.
Skills - More Tips A character is maxed/can't learn anymore skills when the skill level reaches 350. You REALLY need to not level the opposite branch at all. I did this for Dias and he learned Awakening, but Celine had too many points in Battle and did not learn Lezard Techno or Lost Magic.
Item Creation - Psychometry From what I gather, if Dias learned Awakening, then he just needs Radio Waves (Sense Lv 1 Skill) and Religious Studies (Theology) (Int level 1 skill) also to unlock Psychometry.
I'm not going to touch on it too heavily, but the object of the game will let you use up the ultimate weapon to unlock the ultimate skill (SAVE before). I think if you succeed / luck you can keep the weapon AND learn the skill. Theology seems to be a late INT skill, and I haven't maxed Battle yet… I will update if I manage to train enough, as having another skill would be great, but not at the loss of the weapon…
Late-Game Levelling (before Cave of Trials) I want to make more Extend Cards and go fight those green dragons that give 99 SP each, since they would give 198 SP each fight and they go down in one hit of Celine's Thunderstorm…
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Item Creation - Art (Extend Card) First, we need Extend Cards, so we need Art. Celine should have it near max. Buy Magical Canvas from Mile Ruins' Shop. Save. To get Extend Card, you need red paint in the center of the image (each different item requires different colors/placements). If you have trouble affording the Magical Canvas, sell any paintings or cards you don't want, food, or stones made with Alchemy.
If you don't get red paint, don't worry. Just stay nearest to the center as you can and you can still get an Extend Card. If you have another color but already have red in the center, you can hold the brush off of the canvas as well. My advice is to just keep all paint towards the center by lightly tapping opposite the direction the paint brush moves.
Once you have 15, go to Ex Trokia (3F) and fight the green dragon enemies. I know you can use Rena's Rebirth to revive monsters, too, but an easier way is to get to the 4F stairs and go back down to respawn the dragons in the rooms. Once you enter a room, wait a second and use Celine's Magic Shot FA for initiative. Get some distance in the fight, have Rena use the Extend Card, and then cast Southern Cross for easy one-hit wins.
Also, while leveling Dias, I learned the skill he needed for Pull, which is Mental at level 7 (it's a Battle Skill). Also, once he got the Level 4 Skill Combination the AI was doing 4 hit combos and taking down the dragons itself.
I am hoping to max Dias, but I don't wanna go forever training. I'm already at 40 hours playtime. Heal/stock/save, maybe try to make some more armor if you want, then let's go complete this game!
Grand Knott (upper layer) The transporters in the first area with the escalators all lead to the bottom. Bring a few bombs.
Go up the right escalator 4 times, then take the left path for a treasure. Keep going up from there.
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There's a bomb wall on the right. I put the Mirage Robe on Celine for the extra evasion, since she's middle spot. Don't bother with the escalators for now (left ones are an enemy filled dead end, right leads up). Go left and then go through the door with the guard.
Here's the damn elevator puzzle again. Go up twice, take the elevator. Go right, down, down, left, down / out the door, down the escalator, left and through the door again. Go left and ride the elevator. Go right, down / out the door, up the escalator, and through the door. On the right there is a dead end with a weapon for Precis. From the entrance go left and up. If you want Sylvan armors (not useful for Dias/Cel/Rena), ride the elevator. Grab the treasure (be careful of the red dragon, we're back to OKO enemies boys… I just ran) and go back down the elevator. Go right, up, left, up, right, up, left. Solve the maze to get to the upper/right side, go up the stairs and get one of the God Rings for the CoT.
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Go back down to the maze and solve to go up. Rival greets us and welcomes us to the Grand Knott Core.
Grand Knott (Core) Use Jump to grab the Philosopher's Stone from the chest, then teleport back to your ship real quick.
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Private Action - OUT: Celine - Spaceship - Gain Field Action / FA Teleport by speaking with her outside the ship.
Prepare now. By the end of the dungeon, I did learn Psychometry (leveled Sense and Battle to full, then learned Knowledge until I got Theology!)
You'll need Teleport or Hover to get through easiest. The main enemy here is that red dragon, so it's not going to be a cakewalk… There's a little bit of dungeon to explore (best items are Wizard's Mesh on the far bottom right and the Oberon Knife (towards the top left, you'll need Teleport or Whip to reach it), but I'll provide the most direct path to Rival / Final Boss: Right, up, (Repair the bridge with Rena's FA Rebirth), up, left, up, up, up, right, right, right, across the gap with the poles (use Teleport or Ernest Whip), go all the way left, up, right, and you should see an opening going up. Save!!! The final boss is on the other side!!!
SAVE
I equipped Dias with the Tri-Emblem. Celine removed Star Necklace for a Resist Ring.
Final Boss Rival
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She shifts between four forms. You must defeat a form in 30 seconds to kill it. If you only damage it and she shifts, the form fully heals.
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The mecha goes down pretty quick between Dias' attacks and Celine's Southern Cross. The demon only takes three Southern Cross to kill. The wizard takes a long time casting, so using spells/attacks it should go down quickly. Make sure if you're controlling Dias to stay up on her, she likes to back up. Lenneth form is the worst one, mostly vunerable to physical attacks; if you can hit her. Use Angel Feather and any support items (Mental Pot on Celine, a Speed increase for Dias). After I did this Dias finally took her out fairly quickly. The normal form of Rival is cake and goes down super quick. You should see it briefly at the beginning of the fight and again at the end.
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Rival, defeated, explains she is a human created by Edifice, a master computer from another world (Mother Brain?) It's goal is to never let humanity evolve too far and erase it every time it advances. Rival also explains that she wanted to defeat Edifice, but isn't able to, so she summoned the SO2 group to do so.
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Rival gives her goodbyes and you go on to face Edifice. Don't worry about the fight; Dias took it out in like 3 hits.
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Looks like a FNAF endoskeleton D:
Mother Brain explodes and you escape. Congrats to us all, for finally completing the main story of Blue Sphere! :)
ENDING - SPOILERS (Note: There are not multiple endings, but there is a post game.)
Okay, shitty new Tumblr only allows 30 images per post, so PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE ENDING / FINAL THOUGHTS POST. (This is ridiculous.)
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iwritingsolutions1 · 3 months
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Beginner’s Guide to Google Manager Account
You can now manage your multiple Google Ads account using Google Ads Manager, which has a free and paid version. The paid version, Ad Manager 360, has additional features exclusive to users who have paid and reached more than the monthly impressions limit.
Additionally, Google Ads Manager has features that can help you provide or restrict access to your staff, clients, or other Google Manager accounts. Follow this beginner’s guide on managing multiple Google Ads accounts with Google Manager and its simple user interface.
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dignitzagency · 3 months
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The Beginner’s Guide to Website Development
🚀 Embark on your web development journey with our latest blog post, 'The Beginner’s Guide to Website Development'! This comprehensive guide offers an insightful overview of the essential aspects of web development, from the basics of HTTP and HTML to the intricacies of CSS, JavaScript, and React.
Whether you're planning, designing, or maintaining a website, our guide covers it all, making it an invaluable resource for anyone stepping into the digital creation space.
Dive into the world of website development and unlock your potential today! 🌐💡
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Embark on a transformative journey to master affiliate marketing and unlock a world of passive income and financial freedom. Learn from expert strategies and build a thriving affiliate business from the ground up.
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