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Update 67: Bon Voyage



Time to go on another sailing trip!





So this is where you all fought that penguin?

That's right. But, why are we back here?

From what I heard, it sounds like you never explored the place thoroughly since you had to run from it. Oh, what's this?

...As you climb the spiraling stairs, you come across a dust-covered bookshelf. Most of the books crumble to dust at your touch, but you do save one piece of parchment. Thinking that it might bear some valuable knowledge, you decide to take it to Armoroad.



Once King Penguin has been defeated at least once, we can come back here to grab this.







I bet Sidney would be interested to hear about this.

Why's that?

Oh, he has an ongoing rivalry with someone he knew. He's trying to come out on top by slaying a dragon himself.

Who's the guy he's competing with?

It's not our place to say. I wouldn't ask him about it either.





Now for our next destination, you'll need these ship parts.



It's been a while since we've done this, but we'll start out from Armoroad for this trip.





What amazing speed! This new sail is powerful indeed.

I wonder where we can go now that we have this. Hmm, we haven't explored the northwestern portion of the south ocean. Why don't we investigate there?

The Latin Sail enables us to move 3 spaces in one turn. It's a really big double edged sword, as we can travel far with it, but making precise movements have gotten even tricker.



Anyway, after traveling north 3 tiles, you'll want to travel west 5 tiles.



Then travel north 3 tiles again.



Then west 3 tiles.



Then head south into the current, and let it carry you.



Sail south 6 tiles then west 6 tiles.



Go south 2 tiles then west 2 tiles.



For this next step, you'll want to head north 15 tiles, but before you do that, go north then go south. I neglected to do that, and you'll see why not doing that is a bad thing in a bit.

There's another city over there!

However, reaching it will no doubt be easier said than done. If you are not yet prepared to make the attempt, you may return to port to rethink your plans.

You could probably reach the point where this message would trigger, but until you get the Latin Sail, reaching this city will be impossible.



But that pirate ship is in the way.

I don't think our cannon will even be able to shoot it down. If we bothered to bring it.

And for some reason I was at a loss on what to do here, even though backtracking a bit would have solved my problems. So obviously the next step was to...

What!? NO NO NO STOP STOP STOP!





Oh son of a-*blub blub blub*

Sail right into the pirate ship like a moron. Good going Fetus.



Well, if these coordinates are correct, it looks like you stumbled upon the ancient city of Ugarit. That city was the forefront of western culture, and ships heading west made a point to stop there. But ever since the Calamity, a sea dragon has been sinking ships in the area. Nobody dares to sail. Making matters worse, the western seas are plagued by pirates. Make sure your cannons are ready.

I don't think that will help. Those ships look heavily armored.

Why don't we try that again? Only without the part where we crash into a pirate ship.



So back at this part, spending 2 extra turns to move around will move this pirate ship out of the way.



So that we can sail east 3 tiles.



Then south 2 tiles and then west 1 tile to reach our destination!



Here's the full route that you need to take to get here.



You sigh, enchanted by the exotic feeling of the far west. You briefly envision the myriad western countries which Armoroad once traded with... Satisfied, you weigh anchor and make for Armoroad to report back.





The restoration of that route will give us a foothold in the western countries. Armoroad is bound to prosper once things start to take off with western trade. Well done, everyone. Here’s a little token of my appreciation. It’s a feast, best eaten on a ship. It’s costly, but it should give you quite a strength boost out there.







The Elephant Turtle is the final movement upgrade for the Tug Life. Oh and unlike the other foods, there isn't a cheaper alternative. Make sure you have enough money before you decide to sail out with this.





We can return to Ugarit immediately for another sidequest. For the rest of the destinations we encounter, we don't need to complete a Sea Quest to get some extra stuff from the cities that we discover.



That would be us.

I have a favor to ask of you, since you have been known to travel to far-away places. Here in Ugarit, we make ornaments known as netsuke. We used to import Ivory from the northern continent to create them. However, once trade with the northern continent stopped, it has become difficult to get any. So, I want you to obtain some Ivory from the north for me. Naturally, you’ll be compensated for your time. Please remember this if you ever go there.

The soldier leaves you alone and returns to his duties guarding the harbor.



To find the Ivory, we'll need these ship parts.



And we'll have to head out from here.



Just head to this spot.

From the deck, you can see the bones of large animals scattered in an inaccessible valley. You can try exploring the valley if you wish, or you can leave.



Are you sure we should be in a place like this?

There could be something useful we can find here.

Mmm, I don't know if I like this.

You take your equipment and use a rope to carefully lower yourself down into the valley. You can see countless bones and teeth. From closer examination, they appear to be from elephants.

An elephant graveyard? I thought that was a myth!

Could this be the legendary elephant graveyard, where these great beasts come to die? You thought it was just a rumor, but the scenery obviously proves that it is true. The numerous pieces of Ivory sticking out of the ground remind you of a sacred burial ground. You can take some of the Ivory, or you can show respect to these fallen giants and leave.



Evidently not. Oh my, look at all of that ivory!

Hmm, help me gather all this up.

Uh, have we stooped so low as to rob the graves of the fallen?

...Dude. They're just elephants. And do you know of another place to get ivory, cause I sure would love to hear it!

Yes, the people in Ugarit need this ivory! It is our duty to deliver it to them!

You gather as much Ivory as you can carry without hindering your climb and leave the valley.





You are pleased with your discovery, but as you set sail, the ship seems to be awkward.

Scott, you have been maintaining the ship, right?

Yeah. Nothing seemed off before we set off on this trip. I wonder what's going on.

We have angered the elephant gods! PRAY FOR YOUR LIVES!

Pfft. “Elephant gods.” Sure, whatever you say.

Because you have been maintaining the ship regularly, this puzzles you, but you continue on.



Yes, we just plundered an elephant's graveyard. And there's no way to avoid the turn penalty, but chances are that you weren't gonna reach your true destination if you made a pit stop here. Anyway, now that we have the Ivory, let's travel back to Ugarit.





We've heard this part before.

Oh you asked us about that. We have the ivory right here!

You remember that you already have some Ivory in the hold, so you unload it and show it to him.

You already have some!? You really have been exploring. Anyway, thank you very much! This is a gift for you from all of us in Ugarit. Please, take it.

The guard hands you a coin and a small charm known as a netsuke, a product of Ugarit.

Oh, and you can have this as well. It’s an old book from Ugarit’s library.

The guard hands you a piece of parchment, then has the Ivory taken away and leaves with it.











After seeing him off, you board your ship and leave Ugarit.







A powerful spear sounds interesting, but I prefer using my shield more.

But it can't hurt to look for it.



Incidentally, the map of the south ocean is now complete! All that's left is the north ocean.



After beating Manticore once, the Dark Forest has something new for us.

Now that Manticore isn't here anymore, we should be able to explore this place in peace.

Oh! Oh! I found something!

As you walk through the mud of the lightless groves, you come across something buried. It appears to be an old piece of parchment..! Thinking that it might bear some valuable knowledge, you decide to take it to Armoroad.









This would have been handy to know about earlier.

Oops. Can't believe I forgot to check the Dark Forest again after beating Manticore.




Also more stuff that I missed!

Though too small to be habitable, it is dense with trees, making it a nice resting spot. While looking upon the greenery from your ship, you detect a sharp whiff of citrus...

Oh, look over there!

Casting about for the source of the smell, you spot round, green fruit growing on the trees. It wasn’t obvious at first, but these are lime trees, whose fruit is useful for sea voyages. You decide to take a few back with you to Armoroad.

Ooh, limes! These'll be nice to have on our sailing trips.





Lime Fruits are the cheapest 16 turn food you can get, so it's worth unlocking them as soon as possible. And for even more stuff that I missed...



Oh dear, just what is that smell!?

Looking ahead, you see a smiling old man on the beach, laying fish onto sheets of straw. The stench must be from the fish, which are no doubt rotten...

Um. Excuse me? Sir? You do know those fish are rotten, right?

You politely inform the old man, but he only shakes his head and laughs. He answers that these are Xian Yu, a type of dried fish, which are quite tasty when cooked. Beaming intensely, he grabs one of the fish, toasts it on a nearby spit, and holds it out to you! You reach out and take it with trepidation, though you have not yet decided whether to eat it...



Uhh, I'm not really good with fish.

Oh for the love of-here! I'll eat it! Mmph, munch...

Scott? How is it?

You take the dried fish and nervously raise it to your lips... You are then shocked to discover how savory the foul-smelling Xian Yu indeed is!

Amazing! You all have to try this!

Satisfied with your reaction, the smiling old man says he’ll share some with you. In return, he asks that you spread the Xian Yu’s glory throughout the region. You shake the man’s hand, vowing to do so, and leave the island with a crateful of Xian Yu.





The Xian Yu is a cheaper version of the Sauerkraut. I know the ocean is big and all, but that's really no excuse for me missing all this stuff.





There's some new fish out in this part of the ocean.







For what I'm about to do next, it's important to fish up at least 3 Silver Saury or 3 Western Eels.



It seems the fishermen are having a drink on the ship, laughing and hollering as they do. They notice you and wave to you, inviting you to join the party. It occurs to you that the fish you carry may make a nice gift for the hungry sailors.



It doesn't matter what you give them.

Hey, we fished up a nice haul earlier. We could share some with you if you'd like.

You decide to take some Silver Saury to their party. As you arrive, the fishermen begin enjoying a type of smoked meat you’ve never seen before. You try a slice and find it to be most delicious. They tell you that it is whale meat. The fishermen rejoice at the gift and reward you with Tanniyn Bacon. You decide to load it into your hold as provisions. After having a raucous, good time with the men, you thank them and return to your ship.





Tanniyan Bacon is the cheaper version of Salted Meat.



If you are interested, you’re free to disembark and investigate.



When you near the crags, you find a stack of treasure chests hidden behind them!



Oh my goodness.

As queen of the pirates, it is only right that all these riches go to me.

You're not the queen of anything! And you're sharing this with the rest of us!

Thinking that this could be the great pirate’s rumored hoard, you whoop for joy and open a chest! However... there was nothing inside. It seems the contents have already been looted!

Curses!

I guess someone beat us to the punch.

Disheartened, you open the last chest, only to find a golden shine within! It is a pure gold statue of Sedna, goddess of the sea, known to bring good fishing and safe voyages. You decide to take it with you, aware that fixing it on your bow will bring good fortune.



At least we won't return empty handed.



The Sedana Statue has a 75% chance of converting 66% of the regular fish on the map to rare fish. Handy if you need to hunt down some of them for the Barter log. Unfortunately, this doesn't have any effect if you want to find Overlord Squids.





More fish that can be found in the north ocean.



Asteria. Please tell me you see a floating island up ahead.

Don't worry, Cassie. You haven't gone senile yet.

A giant island is floating in the sky! You rub your eyes and look again, but the island still hangs there. It is no illusion... Perplexed at the sudden discovery, you decide that you’ll need to get a better look to understand it.

We could try to reach that place, but I won't bother. Besides, getting there now would do nothing.



How peculiar... I’ve never heard of such a place, and I don’t see anything about it in our charts... Not to discredit you, but could it have been a mirage? Differences in air temperature can cause them.

We're pretty sure it isn't.

Maybe you should look into it on your own to satisfy your curiosity. Don’t let my doubts hold you back.



The Tug Life is caught on something! You all mind taking a look at the bottom of the hull?

Found the problem! We got caught in a fishing net.

Looking down from the deck, you see that your ship is caught in a fishing net. Deciding that you can’t continue tangled up as you are, you begin unpicking the net. Eventually, you manage to do so. As you pull it up, you let out an involuntary cry of joy!

Fortune smiles upon us once again!

An entire school of fish are caught in the net! Better still, the net appears to be in usable condition. The results speak for themselves before you; you decide to make use of it in the future when fishing. You have lost time and provisions, but the gains outweigh the losses. You set sail again.















We lose a couple of turns, but we get a bunch of fish and a new ship part.



And that's how much money we got from all those fish.







When you catch fish with the Fishing Net equipped, you'll also catch 1 to 6 extra fish for each kind of fish. This does stack with the Casting Net.



There are more daytime swimming events on the north ocean. Here's one in this spot. Oh and the text is pretty much the same as the other swimming events.



Okay, I think we've swam for long enough.

Um, has anyone seen Susan?

But, when the party returns to the ship refreshed, you notice Susan has yet to return... You all begin searching the area and see Susan pop out from the below holding something.

Look what I found!

On closer inspection, you see that it is a sea snail known as the spiny dye-murex. This snail is famous for secreting a liquid used in making the noble Tyrian purple dye. As a commemoration of your break, you take the snail with you and resume your voyage.







Here's another daytime swimming event. I'll skip ahead a bit.



You all begin searching the area and see Akatsuki pop out from the below holding something. On closer inspection, you see that it is a blade of Giant Kelp, which can grow as big as a whale. You tear off a piece of the seaweed and eat it, but you can’t say that it’s tasty. However, it may come in handy, so you load it onto the ship and take it with you.









I never got around to using that North Banner. Let's fix that. The pirates in the north ocean have a different drop than the ones in the south ocean.









And there we go. Still can't sink the black pirate ships at the moment.



Now this time, we're gonna be sailing to a new destination. You'll need this loadout for where we're going.



The 3rd Foothold is where you need to start for this one.



From the start, go 3 tiles west and 3 tiles north.



Then 2 tiles west.



Then go south-OH COME ON!

Uh, excuse me? Do you mind getting out of our way? No?

Ugh, let's just come back later.

Sometimes if you're unlucky, trade ships will block off your path.



As I was saying, go south 6 tiles.



Then go east 6 tiles, north 1 tile, and then east 1 tile.



Sail west 6 tiles then north 3 tiles. Yes, that was all done just so the Tug Life could sail west from this spot. The sailing puzzles at the end get much trickier.



Go west 3 tiles, south 3 tiles, west 3 tiles, then north 3 tiles.



Then go west 11 tiles, south 3 tiles, and then west 6 tiles.

Looking at the huge city facing the sea, you can tell at once that this is another civilization. It seems that you have discovered the nothern continent! You waver between choosing to explore the northern continent or checking back at Armoroad.

If we go back at this point, the Harbormaster has this to say:

Ah, I see you’ve finally reached the northern continent... It seems your guild was the right choice. Make no mistake, the city you found was none other than Aeaea. It’s a northern city, ruled by queens who use their mysterious power for the good of the town. But trade’s been cut off ever since monsters appeared that began sinking all passing ships. That happened soon after the Calamity. We’ve heard only vague whispers about them ever since. That’s why, once again, we need your help. Please head north and find a route to Aeaea. Once we resume trade with the north, Armoroad’s restoration will be complete. Be careful!



Go north 1 tile, and there's our destination!



This is the route that was taken to get here. Notice how convoluted the beginning of said route was.

Only small boats are anchored at the harbor, leading you to believe the trading here has lain fallow. As you disembark, an old soldier with a sorrowful look comes to greet you.





Greetings. We have come from Armoroad.

You tell the old soldier that you ail from Armoroad.

What!? Armoroad, you said!? Did you run into a beautiful girl... Or rather, a terrible monster?

We didn't see anything like that on the way here.

You see, it’s because of that monster that our trade route with Armoroad was closed down. But if you’ve found a way to avoid the accursed thing... maybe we can reopen it. I’m sorry to put this on you, but I need you to return to Armoroad and let your ruler know. I, too, will inform our Queen Circe of this. I’m counting on you to do your part.

We understand. Oh, incidentally, we're the Tidehunt guild.

My name is Glaukos. The time may come when I will need your help. Remember that.







So the city is still being threatened by a monster that appears now and again... I guess charting the way is only part of the problem. A vital part, mind you! Now we can send messengers to Aeaea, and we owe it all to you for blazing new frontiers. I’d like to present you with this. It’s Armoroad’s most powerful cannon, used on ships of the line. I’ll have the marines help you mount it if you want to put it on your ship. Thank you, as always!





This ship part now lets us shoot down both black and red pirate ships, which will let us reach some new places.





Like with Ugarit, we can head straight back to Aeaea to get another sidequest.



Here in Aeaea, our Queen Circe encourages the production of chocolate. At this time, we celebrate the revival of the trade routes by using non-native ingredients.That’s where you come in. I want you to get Armoroad Cane from SE of Armoroad and Cacao near Sheba.

Oh, we already have those!

Yeah, wait here while we haul it out.

You suddenly realize that you already have the ingredients that he is asking for. You tell Glaukos to wait and have the loads of Cacao and Armoroad Cane brought out.

You have found them already!? You truly are great explorers! Here is your reward: a platinum coin and a selection of Aeaea’s special Circe Chocolate.

Glaukos removes a coin and a bag of chocolate from his pack and hands them to you.

Oh, and take this as well. This book was found in our vaults. It may be of use to you.

The soldier gives you a book from his pack, thanks you again, and returns into the city.











And that's all for the sea. Now I have a question for you. Do you like exploits? Because I'm gonna show more of those off.



This exploit I'm about to show is pretty infamous among a lot of EO3 players.

Video: Scylla Exploit







Like with all the other exploits you need to save the game and then reset.





Hey guys, you wanna help this guy out? Guys? Huh. Guess I'll just go myself.

This is the Sea Quest we're checking out.



Place the party member you want in the top slot. Now what your character's stats are or what skills they know do not matter at all for this exploit. You'll see why in a bit.



Don't bother with any Limit Skills.





Uhh, okay this was a bad idea!

Scylla is another cameo from an earlier game. She comes from EO2, where she was the boss of the 3rd Stratum, and one of the major brick walls in that game.



On the first turn, escape.



I REGRET EVERYTHING!



...Huh?

Scylla will use Embrace, but it'll miss both of you.



Since you can't escape from Sea Battles, your escape attempt will fail, but...



...That was AWESOME!

Glaukos is a Wildling, and knows Call Tiger, which will instantly kill Scylla, so you don't have to bring a Wildling of your own here. For the record, Scylla is level 61.





The character you're grinding up will only get 28000 exp. Remember that the NPCs get their share too, despite being unable to level up. And to be fair, Glaukos is doing most of the work. So yeah, one of the biggest brick walls, reduced to a punching bag for most people. It's a very fast grinding method, and since it only takes one turn, nothing can screw with the RNG as long as you remember to save before pulling this off every time. However, it's not the best way to grind, but it is the method that requires the least amount of effort.





Thanks to all of you, the trade ships heading for Aeaea will no longer be threatened by the beast. In other words, the trade route between the ocean city and Aeaea just burst wide open. And that’s no minor feat. When I think about how much you’ve grown, it fills me with pride. Anyway, thank you as always. This came in from Aeaea as a token of their gratitude. Please accept it.







We get the Quintessence Limit skill after clearing a Aeaea Sea Quest for the first time.

Faye. Do you really expect us to believe that?

I'm telling you, that tiger gave her a heart attack! Or something.

You need to learn how to keep your imagination in check.

But it really happened! Come on! You gotta believe me!



For my next trick, I'll need someone who knows Call Tiger. Make sure they don't know Royal Veil! This exploit I'm about to show off isn't really that great for grinding. But it does have a use.

Video: Leviathan Exploit



Like before, save and reset.



For this one, you actually want to pick the 3rd Sea Quest.



It doesn't matter where you place the Wildling. And like before, you don't need to bother with Limits.





I do have to say, I really do like some of the monster designs in this game, and Leviathan is actually one of my favorites in EO3. Even if the boss fight itself isn't that tough.



Anyway, for the first turn, defend.



Fire Prophecy is an offensive version of Antifire. It does nothing in most cases, but if the enemy targeted decides to use a Fire attack on the same turn the prophecy was cast, the attack will be nullified, and they'll take Fire damage.





Sumitomo will use Pincushion and deal exactly that amount of damage to Leviathan.





And Minamo will do... that.









And there's Fire Prophecy in action. It's not too useful for dealing damage, as chances are, the enemy in question is resistant to the element you're trying to block.





Now cast Call Tiger on the 2nd turn.



Sumitomo will use Pincushion again.



Minamo will barely do anything to Leviathan again.





Cold Wave is a multi-target attack, but thankfully it will only target the NPCs in this case.





Taguion will cast Ice Star and deal exactly that amount of damage.



And Call Tiger will kill Leviathan here. It's level 68, so Fang just took out a monster that completely outclasses him now all by himself.





The exploit isn't useful for grinding, since you only get 17000 exp out of the deal, and you need a Wildling or someone with a Wildling subclass to pull this off.





Until now, that monster and the pirates were bothersome disturbances in Ugarit. But thanks to your hard work, a safe route to the western lands has been secured. This is a gift from Ugarit, sent as a sign of friendship. Well done as always, and you have my personal thanks as well.







This is the reason why this exploit is worth using. You're meant to get this Limit in the post-game, but that exploit lets you get it much earlier. I'll show off this Limit in a bit.









The Princess Fang and the Dragon Fur unlock some new weapons, which we need drops from enemies later in the game to unlock. Though the Ice Fang Rapier needs a drop from an enemy in the 5th Stratum that we haven't seen yet. Now let's check out those Limits.



Quintessence is one of the few 5-man Limit skills in the game.



Mass destruction!

Quintessence is an Almighty attack that deals 320% damage to all enemies at the end of the turn. It's not too great. Not only that, you can't even use Charge Tactic to boost its damage since that's also a Limit skill.



On the other hand, Lucky Hammer is one of the few 1-man Limit Skills available, and this one is genuinely worth it.



Bonk!



Lucky Hammer deals 130% Strike damage to a single target at the end of the turn, which isn't much. However, if you manage to kill an enemy with it, they'll be forced to drop all their items. This includes conditional drops, even if you didn't qualify for them! Essentially, this is Formaldehyde as a Limit Skill. However, the main difference between Formaldehyde and Lucky Hammer is that Formaldehyde only needs to be used on the same turn an enemy is killed. Lucky Hammer actually has to deal the killing blow, but it's reusable since it's a Limit Skill. To make things easier, you can have a Gladiator or someone with a Gladiator subclass use Berserker Vow + Charge to increase Lucky Hammer's damage.

Lucky Hammer can even be used as an extra bit of damage in battles since it's only a 1-man Limit Skill. And it's the main Limit Skill of choice in Warrior Might parties, since Warrior Might does chase Lucky Hammer. However, it is the only Limit Skill in the game with an accuracy check, so it can miss. But its base accuracy is 98, so you don't have to worry too much in most cases.

We'll go back to exploring the 5th Stratum next time.