Where we last left off, the guard was a jerk and said we'd have to explore anyway, so we'll need better equipment.
So, back in the plaza, let's do some shopping.
Ere: This stinks. I should roast that guy for being unhelpful.
Report: Calm down, Ere.
Gabe: We only have daggers and the clothes on our backs. I don't think we can go exploring a monster-filled maze with just this.
Ranko: Oh, I know! This way.
[Napier's Firm - Professional-quality provisions]
A young woman in a red kimono sizes up the party as they enter, a sly grin on her face
Woman: What's this...? Unfamiliar faces? Let me guess: new explorers lured by the sweet scent of profit?
Ranko: Not quite. We're here to investigate the Labyrinth, but we need some better gear.
Woman: In that case, welcome to Napier's Firm. We carry all of the weapons, armor, and tools you'll require.
Axel: Bah, I've got all the weapons, armor, and tools I need right h-my swords are gone.
Hey, wanna see Axel become visibly shaken?
Axel: Where are my swords?
Report: Mine are gone, too. What about you guys?
Ere: I can't access my hammerspace.
Gabe: I can't reach mine, either. Plus, I wasn't carrying any when I showed you the laptop.
Axel: Why can't I summon more?!
Gabe: Calm down, bro.
Ere: Is Axel losing it?
Report: I'm scared now. Hold me.
Ere: No.
Woman: ...Anyway...Here at the Firm, the customer is God. We spare no expense for those who line our coffers. Though that is conditional on you participating in a transaction. No window-shoppers, please.
This shrewd, petite woman is the owner of the shop. She is your main source of both income and equipments. However...
Woman: Oh, before I forget, please sign this.
Report: What is it?
Woman: It's your guild business waiver.
Report: What's it for?
Woman: See that stuff on the top shelf? That's not for you. You've gotta earn it, and this helps me keep track of your...progress.
I will explain what I mean by this later. For now, let's buy some gear.
Equipment comes in three categories: Weapons, Armor, and Accessories. Weapons and Armor are further broken down into specific subcategories. They are:
Weapons:
- Swords
- Rapiers
- Katana
- Knives
- Clubs
- Crossbows
- Spears
- Guns
- Books
Armor:
- Heavy Armor
- Medium Armor
- Clothing/Light Armor
- Headgear
- Shields
- Arm Gear
- Footwear
These are what my current party can equip, by member:
- Report: Swords, Rapiers, Heavy Armor, Medium Armor, Shields
- Ere: Crossbows, Medium Armor, Light Armor
- Gabe: Rapiers, Guns, Medium Armor, Light Armor
- Axel: Swords, Clubs, Medium Armor, Light Armor, Shields
- Ranko: Clubs, Medium Armor, Light Armor
Every class can equip knives, books, headgear, arm gear, and footwear.
Weapons and body armor are the most important equipments a character has. Weapons not only determine damage dealt, but also what skills can be used. Body armor generally provides the most of a character's defense stat, which determines damage received.
Report and Ranko are fine as far as weapons go (for now), but Ere, Gabe, and Axel need some new ones. Also, I buy everyone Bark Gloves and Shuro's Sandals.
My Shopping List:
- Shortsword (ATK+21, for Axel) - 70 en
- Fleuret (ATK+17, for Gabe) - 50 en
- Crossbow (ATK+23, for Ere) - 90 en
- Bark Gloves x5 (DEF+4, for everyone) - 200 en total
- Shuro's Sandals x5 (DEF+2, STR+1, for everyone) - 100 en total
Total spent: 510 en
Ental is the unit of currency in Etrian Odyssey (shortened to en). I started out with 500 en, but I sold my leftover Daggers for 10 en apiece to buy the sandals for Report.
Checkin' in with the cast:
Shopkeep (that's her name now): Pleasure doing business with you.
Axel: It'll do...for now.
Gabe: Why do I have to use a rapier? You know I'm a gunfighter!
Honestly, guns suck at the beginning, so a rapier buccaneer is the way to go.
Ere: Gabe, you...
Ranko: I got this. See, Gabe, that rapier, and rapiers all over the world, laugh at your pitiful thrusting experience.
There is innuendo potential in that sentence. I will find it.
Gabe: As if. I-
Ranko: Maybe you were the best back where you came from, but here thrusting is taken to a whole new level.
Gabe: I'm being emasculated...by fencing swords?
Ranko: That's right. However, you have great potential. [with rising intensity] Starting with that sword, you will thrust your way to the top, and become the world's greatest master of thrusting!
Gabe: You're right! I am going to become a great thruster! I'll become the greatest thruster this world's ever known, and I'll thrust the entire planet if I have to!
Gabe is awesome to write.
Gabe: [yelling] There's a new thruster in the world, and his name is Gabriel Eht-Eca!
Ere: What have you done.
Ranko: It worked, didn't it?
Report: Okay, okay, we have our stuff, now let's get moving. I wanna go rub that guard's stinking nose in it.
Okay, so the party's all geared-up (for the most part), so they're ready to take on the Labyrinth.
Next time: Feet-first into battle!
