Part 6: The First Orb!

(Gyavan) distances!

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Mechanics sidebar: Evidently, the squad name does have an effect - the Long Haul squad eats through rations much more slowly that the Magic Squad. I'll be checking into this more as I go.
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(Kiefer) Well, now that we have the new party together, let's go and get that pepper!
(Kachua) Let me try something...

That's nearly 4 times our usual income on this battle.
HOLY CRAP! I want to keep you around forever!
(Ann) The Mommonja is a cute monkey. They can do a little dance, try to slow you, or shoot out an adorable little bolt of cold.

(Slalon) Hey! I can actually cast something now.

We have the pepper, now we just need the water and the meat.

Ewwww, squishy! I'll make a note of these at the end of the adventure report as well. Wish we could do something with them... that reminds me! We should show that guy in the port the machine while it's still covered in blood and giblets!

Unhappy Sailor: It'll take a long time to repair it.
Fat Merchant: What? You want to buy something?
DO YOU HAVE DELICIOUS FOOD?
Fat Merchant: Huh? Delicious food? Sure, wait a second. Hrmm. Only one piece of Bull Bird Meat made it through. But for that reason, I can't sell it at the usual price. Instead of money, show me something I've never seen before. Oh, you have that strange machine with you! Show it to me.
BEHOLD! The Heart Gettter!
Fat Merchant: Oh, this is what that old man made? Hmm... What an original design! That can extract a monster's heart? Wow, that's pretty interesting! Thanks for showing it to me. I'll give you what I promised.
(Nana) I'm training to be a Fisher. My name is Nana. I'm on a journey now, but if it's okay with you, can I join you?
Sure! That'll give us something to offset all of these apples!
Oh, is that alright? Then I'll join your other allies!
Weather-worn Sailor: We met with disaster! We were hit by a storm out of Lupghana. We lost a lot of our cargo, but came through with our lives. We crossed the ocean where the legendary Alefgard was said to exist...
I have the feeling we should check back in Lofa!

money.
We can always use more money!
If money's a problem for you, I can solve it. Will you take me with you on your journey?
Of course!
(Raider) Are you sure? Thank you. I owe you big time! I'm Raider. If you've got money problems, let me ride with you. Well, nice to meet you. I'll head to the wagon.
One last thing to get!

This looks like a place to get some quality water! Let's explore this dangerous volcanic cave!

Spookies are also kinda cute, and they learn a lot of support spells, too.

(Deckson) The Demighoul can also use icebolts and buff their defense with upper. They're quite obnoxious! Dradons are the littlest dragon, and can cast Blaze, among other common things.

These maps are certainly handy! Good work, you two!
Thank you!

Pleased Woman: It even tastes pure. It's great for cooking!
Resident Priest: Oh, are you Warriors!? This holy spring will purify your body! But that's not why you came, is it?
We need a bottle to make a tasty steak!
Resident Priest: Is that so? You should take some back with you...
I rather think we will!

Let's get this back to Lastan, shall we?

(Lastan) Hmm... Wait just a moment. Oh, this is the Crimson Cactus. It makes a good broth in the Pure Water. But first I'll need to remove the thorns! Ouch... Next, I must prepare the meat by sprikling it with pepper... It must be soft and tender! Take this!! Ahh, there we go. I believe this should make it tender... Now, I'll lightly roast it to taste... This Illusion... How do they want it? Rare? Well done?
(Luin) Huh? I have no idea.
Well, they wanted an uncommon food, so make it rare, I suppose.
(Lastan) I'll make it rare, so they can taste the blood.
That smells really good...
(Lastan) Here! It's done! This is perfect! This is my ultimate dish, the Last Steak. Bring it back before it cools down!
Quick! Back to the illusion!

(Kakalon) Did you find something delicious?
Behold! The tastiest food in existance! The Last Steak!
There... there are no more steaks?
No, it has nothing to do with that.
I wonder if it tastes as good as it smells?
It's for you!
Hmmm... Really? Then I will partake of it. Munchmunchmunch...gulp. Oh... DELICIOUS!! The meat is succulent, spiced with Black Pepper! Such a juicy cut of meat! It practically melted in my mouth! The texture was perfect! And the red cactus was more than just a feast for the eyes... Even after I ate it, the flavor remains with me! This is what I would call... Magnificent! Thank you. You made me very happy.
We're glad that you're so pleased with it, right Kiefer?
I will keep my promise. Here is the Orb of Loto.

Wait a minute... Shields aren't orbs!
So you don't want it?
I never said that!
Loto's shield no longer exists, but its power sleep within this. (The shield turns into a blue orb.) I will give you the Orb of Defense. Take it.
We did it, Kiefer! We got an Orb of Loto! With this, I can wish for my dad's illness to be cured!
Yeah, sure, your dad.
Not exactly. That is only one of the Orbs of Loto.
Huh? We need to find the others too?
Well, yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Didn't you pay any attention?
Yes. I am not the only Illusion. There are others that have Orbs too.
Then let's go get them!
You might be able to do it, if you stay focused. Don't forget this. Only fight if it's to protect something. Simply fighting for the sake of fighting will offer you no protection. I will use my power to activate a shrine in the northwest. From there, you can continue to the next land. Go on, to the continent of Loto!
I'm glad you got the Orb of Loto! I should consult with the great Kakalon about a reward!
Peace out, everybody. To the northwest shrine!

And apparently it's okay if I go with Kiefer on his journey!
Well, we don't really have any room, and hell if we replace Slalon with you.
Yeah! Screw you!
She even sent another wagon to you! That's what makes Kakalon so great!
Slalon! You're still lead monster...
Whew!
For now!
Now I can see how delicious that steak must have been. Will you take me with you as a Guard Monster?
Of course!
Okay, let's work together. I'll do my best.



MORE VOTING!
Slalon weighs 1, and he's required at this time.
Venasu weighs 2, and he's necessary as well.
Personnel are:

Alex: Hits things with an axe. Weight 4.
Randol: In combat, improves Speed. Out of combat, he allows us to look at the world map. Fairly useful. Weight 1.
Deckson: Heals Slalon. Weight 3.
Ripple: She dances! It's quite pretty. It can distract enemy monsters for a round. Weight 1.
Alissa: She's a mage, so she can set things on fire. Weight 2.
Vandal: Randol's brother. Does the same things as Randol, but if they're put together, they're much more powerful. Weight 1.
Kachua: Travelling merchant. In battle, merchants get money from somewhere, vastly increasing our income. In dungeons, she will also show chests on the map (if we have a map). Weight 2.
Ann: Fighter. Strikes like a warrior, but isn't quite as damaging. On the other hand, sometimes *instantly kills* her target. Weight 3.
New Members:
Nana: Nana the Fisher can fish out of battle, giving us food if we're near a body of water, and uses bait to distract monsters for a turn when fighting. Weight 2.
Raider: Merchant, like Kachua. Heavier, but same effect. Weight 3.


Reminder: If two members of the same class are on the same wagon, they act only once, but at a much greater power. As an example, Penny Pinch gives about 10 gold, but when two merchants act in concert, it becomes Raise Allowance, which gives about 25.


New Hearts: Mad Gopher, Dradon, Flower Beat x 2, Minon.
Tinymedal count: 09



Next time. on Let's Play Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Hearts: The Second Orb!