My Jolly Romp Through Ivalice [Filled to the brim with Spoilers]

[Dynast-Kid]

This is my own little blog/journal thing where i'll post my progress and opinions and stuff about FFXII. You can respond to anything I post! Argue, agree whatever is on your mind. I am eager to see how fellow FFXII lovers feel about things.
Anyways, our story begins in a faraway land called...My middle school.

Today, we went on a field trip to watch a boring Edgar Allan Poe movie. 'Twas very boring....Anyways, we got back at school and spent the rest of the day watching movies and eating candy. I was having lots of fun with my friend Sarah Beth (Though FFXII was still on my mind) in 5th period. Suddenly, I get called for dismissal. I am picked up by my older sister. When I get in the car, I soon find that...

My goddess of a mother had bought the Collector's Edition game and strategy guide!

I was so happy, and my sister took me home so that I could play it right away. I was so very, very happy.
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Well, that was the little explanation of how I got the game. Below is all of the juicy FFXII-related things you've been dying for...And all of the spoilers.

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Well, I practically fainted after watching the opening scene. It was so beautiful! The misic, the images, just everything about it was gorgeous! Anyways, I despised playing as Reks! I know it was meant to help us adapt to the battle system and stuff, but I thought it was pretty boring. Luckily, 'twas a short sequence.

O-M-G!

Rabanastre is SO frickin' huge! When I first played as Vaan and tried to find Migelo's shop, I got lost like, immediately. I love how in this game people actually sit with each other and talk and laugh. Makes it feel like a real city. And the Arabian themed architecture is so beautiful! I'm not a big fan of Penelo's voice though. I imagined it to be a bit higher, but I grew used to it. Anyways, I finally found my way to the shop. Migelo looked really frightening when I first saw him, but then I was like: "Awww...He's a cute old Bangaa man!" And when he told me to go to the Sandsea, I thought he meant an actual desert or something. I was very wrong. It's a bar! Anyways, I couldn't wait to go to the Estersand and start bashin' some skulls!
Combat is much easier than I thought. I found myself targeting an enemy, circling and running from them (not fleeing though) so they couldn't hit me, and when my little gauge thing was full, I could attack. Anyways, I didn't want to rush out and kill the Rogue Tomato, so I went around slaying Cactites and Wolves. On the western entrance to the Estersand, I was attacking some wolves when I got ambushed by a pair of Cockatrices! They were really tough for fat little birds. And I started to go try and kill the big, green tyranosaurus thing, but luckily my strategy guide said not too! After that, I went to kill the Rogue Tomato. He was really easy, and IMO he looked like a little tomato-headed clown/jester.
I was kinda angry in the part where Vaan returns to the city. Those Imperials were big, dumb jerks! And then I giggled when Migelo bribed them with his wine!xD
It took me forever to find the Clan Hall! I searched almost everywhere, but I found it after a long while. Montblanc's hair looked weird IMO, it looked greasy and gross.
I couldn't help but notice how much Vayne's outfit differed from that of the Dalmascans. Vayne was wearing that black armor suit thing while everyone else was running around shirtless and barefoot!
I was utterly fascinated with the Rabanastre Lowtown. It was like the big city of Rabanastre is built on the big city of the Lowtown. I got kinda lost, but the map really did help me out. Old Dalan is so cool! I love his Carribean accent! And did anyone else notice he was smoking from a hookah?xD
I really loved the Giza Plains. I liked how the big black Dark Crystals jutted out of the earth. It really added to the landscape. The Urstrix (bird/people monsters) were really annoying, and the place was infested with Hyenas. I gained alot of LP though, and the EXP was really good too. Has anyone fought the Werewolves? I really wanna know if they're as tough as the strategy guide says they are. I had to visit all of the crystals to power up my Sunstone, and I really got used to the battle system. It seems a lot smoother and more riveting than before. Anyways, after I gave Mayasu the Sunstone, I went to Arjie to buy goods and sell some of the useless Wolf Pelts and Wind Stones I collected.
Okay, the Garamsythe Waterway is like a big huge labyrinth! I got kinda lost, but I did appreciate all of the treasure. But then I was a bit ashamed when I was too confident and was killed by a Dire Rat.
Whoever came up with the puzzle in the Lower Halls is a genius! At first I was really aggravated that I kept getting caught by the last Imperial, but then I did it right (with the help of my strategy guide) and saw how it all fit together.
I absolutely love Fran's voice! It's so beautiful! I hope she has alot of lines later in the game. Balthier's voice is kinda annoying, but then I became partial to his British accent. It really suits him. Anyway, I loved the scene where they leave the treasury and are on the bridge. It was so funny when Balthier threw Vaan off the ledge. If you look closely, you'll notice Fran thrust her hand out to him, but she misses!xD Luckily she caught him the second time.
Uggh. Not the Garamsythe Waterway again...I really hate this place. I always get confused and have to religiously check my minimap to see which way to go. Is it just me, or are the Gigantoads really hard? My characters kept getting killed by them. Luckily I made it through to the Southern Sluiceway.
The Flans in the Garamsythe look really gross. Big, sweaty pimples w/ magic powers...They weren't that ahrd to defeat, and it really was a help to have 'Amalia' around to help. She seemed really cold and kinda bitchy, but i'm sure that our favorite Dalmascan princess will become alot kinder.
Firemane was easy! When I first saw that big fireball fly through the colums, I was like: "Uh-Oh, not good..." But he was surprisingly easy. The only thing I had trouble with was that stupid Bushfire attack! Vaan and 'Amalia' kept getting poisoned! I thought it was really screwed up how the Imperials came and arrested them all shortly after defeating a boss.
So i'm currently in the Nalbina Dungeons. It looks really scary and unsanitary there...But i'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to see how terrible the Dungeons really are.
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After reading this myself, I think all of my info placed had no fluid transition. I'll fix that in my next installment. I'll post some more detailed weapon/battle info in my next installment. Stay tuned!

[Dell]

Garamsythe Waterway is huge because they have to spare some place for (SPOILER)CuChulainn, but you can't access it now *Laugh*.
When you're in Estersand, do you not realises a wild dinosaur, avoid them. Remember, you only travel through the small portion of the Estersand, you can access more of it later, some be sure to come back when you're level 30.
Don't even think of going deeper (There's entite and Dive Talon) to the Westersand, at least be at level 30.
Lastly, now that you have Fran and Balthier, go and hunt Thextera in Westersand (It's not located deep within the Westersand).
'Amalia' is nice, btw.

[Dynast-Kid]

Garamsythe Waterway is huge because they have to spare some place for (SPOILER)CuChulainn, but you can't access it now *Laugh*.

That's what I was thinking.

When you're in Estersand, do you not realises a wild dinosaur, avoid them. Remember, you only travel through the small portion of the Estersand, you can access more of it later, some be sure to come back when you're level 30.
Don't even think of going deeper (There's entite and Dive Talon) to the Westersand, at least be at level 30.
Lastly, now that you have Fran and Balthier, go and hunt Thextera in Westersand (It's not located deep within the Westersand).

Thanks for the advice.

'Amalia' is nice, btw.

I'm sure she is.

[Dynast-Kid]

Well next installment!
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Current Character Stats

Vaan
Level: 11
Max HP: 358
Max MP: 48
Weapon: Assassin's Dagger
Off-Hand: Escutcheon
Helm: Leather Cap
Armor: Leather Clothing
Accessory: Bangle

Balthier
Level: 11
Max HP: 346
Max MP: 41
Weapon: Capella
Off-Hand: Silent Shot
Helm: Headgear
Armor: Bronze Armor
Accessory:

Fran
Level: 11
Max HP: 348
Max MP: 48
Weapon: Silver Bow
Off-Hand: Onion Arrows
Helm: Headgear
Armor: Leather Breastplate
Accessory:

Basch
Level: 10
Max HP: 319
Max MP: 35
Weapon: Mythril Blade
Off-Hand: Leather Shield
Helm: Bronze Helm
Armor: Bronze Armor
Accessory: Tourmaline Ring
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Well at this point, i've grown pretty fond and adept of the battle system. And since this game doesn't have any sort of job system (and no one has any special indivual abiloities except Quickenings) i'm giving them all defined roles:

Vaan-Damage dealer by means of Physical or Magickal damage

Balthier-Healer/ Support unit with occasional damage dealing

Fran-Healer/ Support unit with occasional damage by Magickal means

Basch-TANK

Well,I made it through the Nalbina Dungeons in one piece. I then had to make it through the deadly Barheim Passage. That place was so awful! I hated doing that draining/conduit thing, it was really frustrating. Especially when the gauge dropped below 30%, that's when the ghosts and ghoulies came out! I had to Flee so much in this area. Noto nly was it too big,but the enemies were pretty strong. I almost ran out of Phoenix Downs. But that Mimic Queen was a pushover. I had Basch and Balthier attack her mainly while Fran and Vaan attacked her little minions for bonus LP and EXP. When we finally defeated her we were back in the Estersand and I was very happy!

[Dell]

You have to make your decision after this.........

I don't have much problem in Barheim, because my level 13-14 at that time. I don't recommend you to make jobs like that, because deep in the game, you'll find out that your Vaan cannot just attack and your Fran cannot just use MP for magicks, it's better to give them all of the job, make sure that everyone learn all of the magicks/technicks. Lastly, I recommend you to get a Quickening for each of your character here or the next dungeon.

Collect some LP in Estersand.

[Dynast-Kid]

You have to make your decision after this.........

I don't have much problem in Barheim, because my level 13-14 at that time. I don't recommend you to make jobs like that, because deep in the game, you'll find out that your Vaan cannot just attack and your Fran cannot just use MP for magicks, it's better to give them all of the job, make sure that everyone learn all of the magicks/technicks. Lastly, I recommend you to get a Quickening for each of your character here or the next dungeon.

Collect some LP in Estersand.

Thanks and this next installment is a doozy!

No Character Stats Currently Available

Okay, well after I made my way through the Estersand (killing many Wolves & Cocatrices along the way) I finally made it back to Rabanastre. I was shocked to learn that Ba'Gammnan and his thugs kidnapped Penelo, she's so nice! Anyways, time to head for the Aerodrome, but not before hunting some marks for extra Gil! Time to take on Thextera. Thankfully, I was at a high level and Thextera had pretty low HP, so it went down easy.

I'm so thankful for the Moogling! Without it I would probably never make it to the Aerodrome. I was excited to make it out of Rabanastre. The place was getting too boring for me.

Bhujerba is so beautiful. The Marquis's estate with the Magicite wings was so pretty. The city is really different than Rabanastre. Alot smaller, but just as confusing. I was stuck wandering a while before I finally found my way to the Lhusu Square! The Lhusu Mines looked really daunting, and I was scared to go in. After Barheim I was a bit scared to enter the dungeon-like places, but 'Lamont' was just so smart. I knew he'd be a big help when fighting. The Steelings were easy to beat, it was the Skeleton creatures that had me nervous. They were pretty tough when I first got there, but by now I could take 'em on no problem. I almost got lost like I did in Rabanastre, but the map I found came in handy. I was doing well until I made it to one of the open-aired bridges. It was none stop Skeletons and Steelings, I got a Game Over... But the next time I went through there, I didn't die. I finally made it to the end of the Lhusu Mines, and watched the long cutscenes. Then, I started to fight Ba'Gammnan, but my strategy guide said to run. I was happy I did.

Then we had to do the whole 'I'm Captain Basch' thing. At first I was mad because no one would notice me, but finally I got them to pay attention. Then we met the Resistance balh blah blah, I met Ashe we left Bhujerba, you know the story. Anyways, we were off to the Sandseas.

'Whoa...This place is weird' is all I could think when I saw the Ogir-Yensa Sandsea opening. I'm still a bit fuzzy on whether the sea is made of actual sand or some sand-like liquid. There sure were alot of Alraunes and Urutan-Yensas. I gained so much EXP and LP in the Sandseas. After a while, I got sick of fighting thousands of Alraunes and passing the same boring oil towers, and it was very refreshing to finally make it to the Nam-Yensa Sandseas.

Now this place was really interesting. At first I was like, "Oh this is just gonna be fight through tons of enemies until you get to Raithwall's Tomb" but whne my strat. guide said to go north (away form where I was supposed to go), I was very intrigued. When the Moogle said to head back to fight the Urutan Eater, I was mad because I had to fight the same enemies all over again. The Urutan Eater was so easy. But he gave away a generous amount of LP.

I swear, the Urutan Yensas are the ugliest creatures in Ivalice. I always thought they were evolved from cats, not crustaceans (crabs, for those who don't know). I mean, when the Urutan Queen was talking, I was just in awe at how hideous she was. Anyways, I was glad that I received the Eksir Berries and so I made my way all the way to Raithwall's Tomb.

When I first saw the tomb, I was so amazed. It's amazing what wonderful things SE can make using little squares. Suddenly, the Garuda comes out! I used the Eksir Berries and then immediately used all of my characters' Quickenings (everyone except Vaan who didn't have one at that point). The Garuda went down just as easily a Thextera. So, I bought some goodies from Dyce and headed on into the Tomb of Raithwall!

I was in the Royal Passage and was ambushed by the first Demon Wall. I was so scared that it would crush me, but I escampered! Then there was the second Demon Wall to deal with...

It was actually easier than I thought. Since there was a time limit, I took off all healing Gambits and made sure everyone was attacking. The only real problems I had were the stupid status ailments, and that blasted Telega attack (It took out my Balthier). I then had to rely on my Quickenings. Finally, I took out the Demon Wall!

*Fast Forward to when all of the Way Stones are activated and I made my way to the Chamber of Flame*

Now, it's time to take on the great Gigas himself, Belias...This fight was much harder than I had anticipated. I relied entirely on Quickenings and Water spells with Vossler and Vaan non-stop attacking. Finally, Belias was killed!

Well, Ashe finally got the Dawn Shard. And we also encountered Rasler's ghost for the first time. I eagerly await to see when he makes another (significant) appearance.Then, when I left the tomb-Dun Dun Dun!-The whole Arcadian fleet dropped by to capture us. We were then inside of the Dreadnought Leviathan.

Well, this part was harder than I thought. Those little sensor beams were really annoying at first, but then I, purposely, activated them so that I could fight more Imperials and gain some EXP and LP. I was then able to licens a good amount of Licenses.

Whoa! Fran is a beast! I had no idea that when the Mist was so crazy, she'd go bananas as well! I had to giggle during that cutscene! But the next fight was NO laughing matter...

The fight against Vossler was definitely the hardest yet. He was SO fast and used SO many combos! I had to use all of my character's Quickenings to beat this sucka! And Luckily Vaan had one in this fight and we chained enough times to cause a few Inferno attacks.

So then I was finally back in good ole' Rabanastre. I took this time to do the Wraith and Flowering Cactoid Mob Hunts, go exploring, buy items, fight and help out the people in the villages on the Nebra.

So now, it's time to head for the Giza Plains...during the rainy season!

[Tainted Angel]

I then had to make it through the deadly Barheim Passage. That place was so awful! I hated doing that draining/conduit thing, it was really frustrating. Especially when the gauge dropped below 30%,

First off for people who havn't done this yet. Kill the fleeting ones if you can. Put a 'tanker' between the mimic and the wall/conduit's and you will be able to SMASH the things. (Not always a 'smash' but.. close enough. I could six-hit them , or oen hit from the tank, and two blizzard spells. (All characters have all knowledge of magic my party has ATM. So...)

Plus when the bar is stationary (not all that infrequent..) start running around a pillar with your primary mage. This will allow you to regain MP easish.

This makes it soso easy. Too me three tries, and four for the (SPOILER)Queen Mimic boss.

[fullmetal_fantasy]

I swear, the Urutan Yensas are the ugliest creatures in Ivalice. I always thought they were evolved from cats, not crustaceans (crabs, for those who don't know). I mean, when the Urutan Queen was talking, I was just in awe at how hideous she was. Anyways, I was glad that I received the Eksir Berries and so I made my way all the way to Raithwall's Tomb.

Where is this....Urutan Queen? SHE gives you the berries?? I thought it was somthing else! I was so scared that i sold them as loot! >_<
Much appriciation if sombody could tell me that or else i'll start a whole new game for nothing...good thing i saved my old game -phew-
Oh and nice wrting by the way. It's really interesting

[Dynast-Kid]

I swear, the Urutan Yensas are the ugliest creatures in Ivalice. I always thought they were evolved from cats, not crustaceans (crabs, for those who don't know). I mean, when the Urutan Queen was talking, I was just in awe at how hideous she was. Anyways, I was glad that I received the Eksir Berries and so I made my way all the way to Raithwall's Tomb.

Where is this....Urutan Queen? SHE gives you the berries?? I thought it was somthing else! I was so scared that i sold them as loot! >_<
Much appriciation if sombody could tell me that or else i'll start a whole new game for nothing...good thing i saved my old game -phew-
Oh and nice wrting by the way. It's really interesting

Yeah, in my strategy guide they told you how to do this mini-sidequest thing where you have to help the Urutan-Yensas fight a giant turtle thing.

And thanks for the compliment.