Tales of Symphonia - Chapter 12: Eternal Sinners

The Papal Knights are waiting to ambush us at the entrance of the Gaoracchia Forest; like they knew what our movements would be. It's the same battle as the one at the Bridge, but make sure Raine uses a Magic Lens since she's back in the party now. If not, there will be another shot at these guys later on.
 

New Monsters in the Gaoracchia Forest: Pumpkin Tree, Boxer Iris, Tropical Worm, Ghoul, Phantom, Undertaker

Lots of new monsters are found within this dense, labyrinth-like Forest. Tropical Worms drop a new type of customization item, Mystic Herb; and this is one of only two enemies that hold them. They are a fairly common drop, so make sure to get at least four for future purposes. Ghouls hold Super Pellets to steal and drop, if you want to pick up some of these, but a better location to farm them will come later. Their fellow undead, Phantoms, drop Black Silver, which is your best source for it in Tethe'alla.

 

The dangerous Boxer Iris monsters rarely drop Bellebane; a rare statistical item. These permanently increase a character's Defense and can be transformed into the improved Red Bellebane item with a Rune Bottle. Speaking of Rune Bottles, Colette can steal them and they drop from the undead Undertakers, as well.

 

Not too long after entering the Forest, the comical skit "Labyrinth Forest" will become available to view. A bit farther, you'll come across a Sorcerer's Ring altar. This transforms the Ring's effect into a beam of pure light that will wilt plants and shrubs, however, its usage is limited and must be recharged. It's also oddly reminiscent of the Grandia series save points. From the altar, use the exit to the northwest to exit back out to a new section of the world map.

There are new monsters to encounter here, but we'll cover them in a bit. For now, look for the Gaoracchia Forest area's Guidepost Monument to activate to the east.

 

To the north is a relationship light circle for Genis. Reply: "What's wrong?" to increase affection with him, or "Stop daydreaming." for no change. That's all for this tiny area, so return to the Gaoracchia Forest.

 

Return to the altar and change the Ring's function, then exit to the east. At the crossroads, look for a yellowish, semi-hidden treasure chest in the shrubbery to the lower-left of the shimmering flowers. Inside is a Drain Charm accessory. It protects against the curse and weak status effects and grants some protection against dark elemental magic. The nearby flowers, scattered through the dungeon, are used to "charge" the Sorcerer's Ring's light ability when stood upon for a period of time.

 

From the Drain Charm, take the northwest path that curves around to the east. Use the Ring's ability to melt away the greenery (Shown by floating green circles) to find a chest with a Phoenix Rod for Raine within. The Phoenix Rod is a one-of-a-kind weapon.

Exit east of the Phoenix Rod, then use the first upper-right exit. This is the first of several areas of the Forest that cycle in an endless loop until you return the way you came. The purpose for coming here is that continuing to use the loop, as if you are lost, produces two skits: "Legendary Strategy" and "Best Strategy".

Out of the loop, continue south, and look for another domed shrub just past the first right. Melt away the vines to procure a Witch's Robe armor. I gave mine to Raine.

To find the next treasure, you are going to need to hike to the extreme southeast of the current screen. To disperse the vines, you have to be extremely precise with the light because, for whatever reason, this shrub is stubborn. Once melted, take the Pretty Ribbon inside the chest. I equipped it to Sheena.

 

Move back to the treasure that held the Witch's Robe, then use the upper exit to the east. Just beyond, in the corner, is yet another patch of vines to melt. This produces an Angel Bracelet treasure. Pocket it, but don't equip it on anyone yet. One of the monsters on this screen will drop a Memory Gem for you, too.

Work your way south, and take the second eastern exit, past the patch of flowers. Further east is one final shrubbery to do away with. It reveals a mysterious, black treasure chest that is sealed. We'll come back for this later on.

The exit to the southwest, that takes you to another endless cycle, has a familiar foe just before it: the Sword Dancer! Of course, if you didn't defeat him earlier at the Ossa Trail, he will not appear here. You can fight him if you like, but personally, I fight him later on. Back the way you came, exit to the southeast to find a save point in a clearing, then further southeast to a boss fight. Note: There are other patches of vines that you can burn away in the Forest, but they contain monsters and not treasure.

 

Colette can hear the Papal Knights clamoring in the direction of Altessa's House, so Sheena sends Corrine out to scout the area. The shackled man from the Meltokio sewers then drops in from the trees above. He doesn't want to fight, and only wishes to speak to Presea. High-strung, Lloyd and Genis sense an attack when he moves closer to her and a battle ensues. The Convict is fairly easy, just make sure you guard and counterattack appropriately as he's a combo machine. He's easily dealt with from a distance with magic, however, and buffers like Holy Song and Field Barrier/Permaguard are recommended. For winning, you receive another rare Elixir.

The route to Altessa's House being cutoff, and to prevent a pincer attack from the Papal Knights in the Forest, Sheena sees little choice but to take the party to her hidden village of Mizuho. Zelos is told to carry the blue-haired man with us, but he grumbles about how heavy he is. Personally, I think they should have had Presea drag him by his leg like she did the sacred wood in Meltokio, but anyway, Colette can scoop him up with one arm, apparently!

 

Exiting to the southwest takes you out to the world map near Mizuho. There are many new skits to view before entering the small hamlet. They being: "Mizuho, Kingdom of Gold", "Mizuho, the Mysterious Kingdom",  "People of Mizuho", and "Pretty Boys Die Young". Don't enter without at least seeing the first two skits.

 

You'll also see a light circle for Sheena not too far into the distance. Lloyd can reply: "Okay." to increase Sheena's affection with him, or "What, to you?" for no change.
 

The villagers of Mizuho aren't exactly thrilled to sees outsiders brought into their village by Sheena; especially being from the "rival" world of Sylvarant. Sheena briefly leaves the party with another "ninja", Orochi, to talk with the Vice Chief. The Convict also wakes from his slumber, and we'll be escorting him around as our prisoner, I guess. Across the bridge, and to the north, is a shop and a dog sitting outside that Colette can name, Tiggy. We'll come back to the shop in a second, so for now, talk to Orochi outside the Chief's house to be invited inside.

 

You are introduced to the Vice Chief of Mizuho, Tiga. Igaguri, the village's actual Chief, has been sleeping ever since a certain incident. He wishes to know what Lloyd and company's intentions are in Tethe'alla. Lloyd tells the Chief how he desires to find a way to save both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla; for a world where people can live in peace and nobody has to become a Chosen or be discriminated against. Tiga thinks that Lloyd sounds just like the ancient hero, Mithos, of the ancient Kharlan war. Lloyd doesn't know about that, but he is determined to find a way to end Yggrasill's manipulation of the worlds. Tiga agrees to help the party; sending Sheena along with them as a Mizuho representative, on the condition that they be allowed to move to Sylvarant when the time comes. They never explain why they desire that, but I guess it has to do with making an enemy out of the Pope and King. 

 

To begin to save the two worlds, we're first going to need the help of the Rheairds, though. Thankfully, Sheena attached a guardian (Tracking device?) to them, and Mizuho's network will be looking for their location while the party visits Altessa. After the conversation, Lloyd gains the title Gentle Idealist (Def, Int: 40%, TP: 10%).

Outside, the blue-haired Convict reveals that his name is Regal and Zelos suggests we let him fight alongside us. Some of the party is hesitant, but Regal gives his word that he will not betray you. Regal then joins your party. Finally, the party is full; at least for the moment. Regal uses cloaks, like Genis, as his armor, but the strongest one you can have for him at this time is the Amber Cloak. Equip him with the Cleric's Hat and Angel Bracelet, as well. We'll talk about his accessories once we visit the shop. Note: Regal comes equipped with the second of only two Cloaks found in the game.

 

Many new skits become available in Mizuho; one of which is required to receive a title for Zelos. Look for: "Mizuho's Information Network", "Small Knight", "Reasons for the Shackles", and "Mizuho, the Mystical Village". If you saw the skits involving Zelos telling the group tall-tells about Mizuho, the latter skit will become available. After viewing, Zelos will then receive the Idiot Chosen title (TP, Eva: 30%).
 

Go back inside of the Chief's house, which has a secret door from the outside too, and search the food container to find the Wonder Chef. He'll teach the group to make the Ramen recipe that restores a moderate amount of HP.

Let's take a look at Mizuho's shops now, but before that, you should know that you can save 10% at all shops by equipping Regal's Lv2 Personal EX Skill; you also gain an extra 10% on your sold items. At the customization shop, we run into the same problem of lacking Metal Spheres, but we can create two Assault Daggers for Zelos.

 

At the variety shop, buy the Shiden, a throwback weapon from the original Tales of Destiny, for Lloyd and two Shurikens for Colette; a weak, but non-elemental Spell Card weapon and Manji Seal accessory for your inventory and a Card of Wind to equip Sheena. Lastly, the Water Spider accessory is a huge improvement over the Leather Boots defensively and provides protection against water attacks. You should purchase them for any characters you have still using Leather Boots. Also, purchase several Mizuho Potion items, unless you happen to have an ample supply of Palma Potions in your inventory. For Regal's accessories, I took the Holy Ring from Presea, swapping it for the Attack Symbol, and paired it with a Water Spider for him.

 

With Lloyd's lightning elemental Shiden equipped, he can access two unique techs. If having used Sonic Thrust and Tiger Blade at least 200 times, they will become Lightning Thrust and Lightning Tiger in battle. Lightning Thrust is, more-or-less, Zelos/Kratos' Lightning Blade, but Lightning Tiger is very nice. Anytime Lloyd's weapon becomes lightning-based, through Sheena or an item, these techs will activate, also.

Zelos' "Hunny" Count in Mizuho: 4

 

Back out to the world map, look for another skit "Chosen From the Other World" to appear and to activate one more, have Regal cook a recipe after battle to view "Chef Regal". With Regal now in our party, Presea can receive another title, as well. Form a party of Presea, Sheena, Zelos, and Regal and win a battle. For battling with only characters from Tethe'alla, Presea gains the Associate title (Def, Int: 30%). This becomes a missable title if Kratos rejoins your party and you lose Zelos.

There's one other skit you can view with Regal, titled: "Fight with Your Feet", but in order for it to activate, you need to drop your entire party's Gald down to exactly 0. I wouldn't recommend it, but the opportunity is there if you want to view all of the skits.

With our final character joined, let's take a look at the titles he can possess right now.

 

Regal's Titles

 

Convict: Character's default title with no statistical gain.

Battle Artist: Regal gains this title at level 40. (HP, Str: 50%, Acc: 40%)

Perfect Battler: Regal gains this title at level 100. (HP, Str: 100%)

Testosterone: Form a party of Lloyd, Genis, Zelos/Kratos, and Regal and have them fight a battle together. Afterward, having a party full of just the guys, Regal obtains the title. (Int, Eva: 40%)

Potion King: For this, you need at least six Palma, Mizuho, or Flanoir Potions. Use six of these on Regal during a single battle for him to receive the title. (Str, Def, Acc: 30%)

Pratfall King: To start, be in control of Regal and set your other party members' Strategy to "Hold Position". Go back inside the Gaoracchia Forest and look for a Boxer Iris monster. Let them punch Regal backward, but don't recover in mid-air with the X button; instead, let him land flat on his back and then get up. Have this done to you three times in one battle and Regal will pick up the title upon the battle's end. (Def, Eva: 40%, HP: 20%)

Way of the Jungle: Basically, Regal needs to win a battle with an enemy that he has a nine+ level advantage over. If you're over-leveled, you can easily get this right now; but for some players, you may need to wait until you can go back to Sylvarant and fight weaker monsters. (HP: 40%, Def, Eva: 30%)

Regal learns two HP recovery techs; which aren't bad at all, however, you'll quickly learn that the AI loves to use them. In my opinion, it's a good idea to switch these off and leave Regal on the frontlines fighting instead of him constantly trying to drop back and heal when a character's HP drops. If you need to use them, you can always issue a manual order, or use them to recover outside of battle.

 

New Monsters in the Gaoracchia Forest, Mizuho, Ozette, and Altessa's House areas: Mantis, Gold Beetle, Ranger, Drake (Plains/Barrens), Beast Ogre (Forests), Seahorse (Beach near Ozette)

The monsters in this section of the continent span over the entire Gaoracchia/Ozette/Mizuho region. Most of them aren't of interest besides adding their data to the Monster List, but finding the Drake monster will take some time. They CAN be found on the grassy plains, from a large monster icon, but are incredibly rare. In my experience, they can be encountered easier on the brownish barren spots where the Guidepost Monument was found by exiting the Gaoracchia Forest to the northwest.

 

Of other note are the Seahorses you can find on the beaches east of Ozette, near the pier. Since, back in Sylvarant, the Thoda Geyser is a temporary dungeon, Seahorses will eventually be your best option to obtain Aqua Quartz.

The exit to the Ozette region is the first eastern path in the Gaoracchia Forest, having entered from the Mizuho area. Ozette is settled into the forests to the south, just off the bridge. However, if you want to view a usually-missed scene, move past Ozette, to the northeast, and board the EC at the pier. Sail directly north until you reach the large southern continent, then divert east to another pier. Inside the mountain to the north is the Toize Valley Mine dungeon. Enter and the group will find the Papal Knights confused by some sort of trap that has been erected at the Mine's entrance. Nothing special, but is easily missed by a lot of players. Note: Before entering Ozette, be aware that Presea will be leaving your party for a while, then Colette once she returns, so if you want to do some leveling with all eight party members, now is your chance.

 

Upon arriving in Ozette, Presea exits the party and runs home. The inn is on your first left, and inside, examine the parrot to usher out the Wonder Chef. He teaches you to make the recipe Tenderloin that recovers a moderate amount of TP to the party.

Note: It's extremely important to understand that Ozette is a temporary area, and as such, everything here, from the Tenderloin recipe, dogs for Colette to name, Zelos "hunnies", and most of the armor shop stock are all missable! I will warn you when this is about to occur, however.

Down the hill from the inn, sitting outside the shop, is a dog for Colette to name, Kalcy.

 

At the customization shop within, simply make a Silk Gloves for Raine.

 

Shopping at the armory, buy two Breastplates, an additional one for Lloyd/Zelos, and one for later customization. Pick up two Silk Cloaks for Genis and Regal to equip. You can wait on buying a Witch's Robe for either Sheena/Raine since we will find a better piece in the next dungeon. As for Cross Helms, I'm staying with the Cleric's Hat for Lloyd and Zelos, personally, but make your own decision, just be sure to buy one for your inventory. Buy two Pretty Ribbons, also, one for Colette/Sheena, and the other for when Presea rejoins our party; I keep the Gold Circlet on Raine. Lastly, I get Angel Bracelets for Genis and Sheena, with Colette retaining the Bridal Gloves, and Raine, the Silk Gloves, since she doesn't need the small Luck boost of the Angel Bracelet.

As noted before, the Breastplate, Silk Cloak, Witch's Robe, Cross Helm, Pretty Ribbon, Angel Bracelet, and Silk Gloves all become missable items once Ozette is destroyed. The elimination of the Breastplate causes another later item, the Reflex armor, to become missable, as well, since it is a required part of customization.

There's an easily-missed pathway that is southwest of the armor shop, that twists up to a grocer high above. There's nothing special for sale there, but it's been a while since we've been able to replenish our food items. There's a dog outside the shop that Colette can give the name Sammy, also.

 

You'll find Presea's lonely house to the south. She's talking to the mysterious man we saw not only in Meltokio, but also on the projectors in the Sylvarant Human Ranches! He's pleased to see that Presea has returned to Ozette, and it doesn't look like she intends to keep journeying with us despite our efforts to make her a Key Crest. Inside her house, to their horror, the party finds the dead body of one of Presea's relatives that she has been unable to notice the death of due to the emotion-numbing effects of the Cruxis Crystal. She's not leaving, so we'll have to leave her behind and continue to Altessa's House. After the scene, look for the skit "Weird Guest".

 

Return back to the top of Ozette, outside the grocer, for a new scene to occur. The guy here wants Lloyd to take the "monster" Presea away from Ozette. Lloyd can respond: "I understand..." to increase affection with Raine, Zelos, Presea, and Regal or "How can you say that?!" to positively increase Colette, Genis, Sheena, and Presea's affection. Either way, Lloyd lets him have it verbally! Don't miss this scene as it is a requirement to obtain a later title for Presea. After, exit out near Presea's house. Colette will trip and fall, but you can enter Altessa's House that is just outside.
 

Zelos' "Hunny" Count in Ozette: 3

Quick Equipment Update:

• Lloyd: Shiden, Breastplate, Cleric's Hat, Claw Gauntlet, Blue Sephira/Water Spider, Spirit Bangle
• Colette: Shuriken, Elven Protector, Pretty Ribbon, Bridal Gloves, Rabbit's Foot, Guardian Symbol
• Genis: Thunderbolt, Silk Cloak, Pointed Hat, Angel Bracelet, Spirit Ring, Blue Talisman
• Raine: Phoenix Rod, Witch's Robe, Gold Circlet, Silk Gloves/Angel Bracelet, Yata Mirror, Water Spider
• Sheena: Card of Wind, Misty Robe/Witch's Robe, Pretty Ribbon, Angel Bracelet, Black Onyx, Warrior Symbol
• Zelos: Assault Dagger, Breastplate, Cleric's Hat, Omega Shield, Water Spider, Rabbit's Foot
• Regal: Leather Greaves, Silk Cloak, Cleric's Hat, Angel Bracelet, Holy Ring, Water Spider

Enter Altessa's home to be greeted by an android-like female named Tabatha. At the first mention of Presea, Altessa immediately orders the party to get out! Tabatha apologizes; explaining that Altessa doesn't hate Presea, but is guilty for his role in her experiments. She does provide a hint to the group, though, in the knowledge that Inhibitor Ore is required to forge a Key Crest for Presea. Thankfully, back outside, Regal knows just the place we can find some; which draws suspicion from Zelos.

On the world map, many new skits become available. They are: "Is Tabatha an Angel?", "Use Your Head", "Homesick", "Dirk and Altessa", and "Shackles". Watching "Use Your Head", look for the name "Moria" being dropped as being connected to the Toize Valley Mine; an obvious homage to the Lord of the Rings! Note: Play Lord of the Rings: The Third Age on PS2!

For an event that has a limited availability, return to Mizuho. Talk to Puninja at the shop and he'll ask Sheena and Lloyd to retrieve something from the well at the back of the village. They'll find a faux "Account Book" inside. Puninja, after offering up some terrible jokes, tells you that it is actually his notebook of secrets and let's you keep it; adding the Secret Notebook to your inventory. This item is just for collecting purposes, and has no use, but it is missable!

 

If you viewed the scene with the Papal Knights, you already know how to get to the Toize Valley Mine. If not, using the pier to the northeast of Ozette, sail directly north until you reach the large southern continent, then divert east to another pier.
 

As soon as you dock the Elemental Cargo, you'll spot a shining light ring just to the east. This is your first relationship skit for Regal. Have Lloyd reply: "Yeah, you're right." to boost his affection, or "Such a hassle." for it to remain the same.

Make your way northeast from the pier, eventually turning southeast onto a sandbar. Take the solitary treasure chest with the Rune Cape accessory inside. Boosting Def, Int, and Eva, I switched this with Colette's Guardian Symbol and then gave it to Regal over his current Water Spider accessory. The Rune Cape is great for Genis, Raine, and even Lloyd (Magic defense), if you prefer.

New Monsters outside the Toize Valley Mine: Red Mantis, Scarlet Needle, Basilisk (Plains), Bacura (Pier), Killer Bee, Storm Claw, Red Bat (Forests), Mermaid (Beaches)

 

If you're planning to fight around the Toize Valley Mine area, I highly recommend you keep Raine close at hand because the monsters can cause a myriad of status effects. Depending on the location around the Mine that you fight, you can encounter several different enemies. You only need to concern yourself with the Red Mantis, Scarlet Needle, and Mermaid, however, since the other monsters are found inside the next dungeon or better accessible in other ones. Besides being a very rare encounter from a large monster icon on the beaches, the Mermaids drop Mermaid's Tears that are your source for them, at the moment, but we'll find a better alternative in Tethe'alla later. In regard to the Killer Bee, if you don't want to wait until the later dungeon, they very rarely can drop the valuable Red Saffron item that increases Evasion by 3.

In a bizarre occurrence, if you can lure an enemy icon onto the pier; which acts as a road battlefield, you will encounter the unique Bacura. I'm not going to go into detail about it now as it is better encountered in the next dungeon, but it is an odd sight. When ready, head north of the dock to find the our destination: the Toize Valley Mine.