The Let's Play Archive

Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight

by Ragnar Homsar, Dr. Fetus

Part 5: Yggdrasil Cuisine

Update 3: Yggdrasil Cuisine


Alright. New day, new parts of the Labyrinth to explore.
...Asriel, it's 7 in the morning...
Labyrinths wait for no one.
Exploring while tired seems like a bad idea.
Well, we're not getting any less tired standing around. Let's go.
...Wait, do we still have that whip the other Dark Hunter gave us?


Rrm.
We still have two Hedgehog needles, too.
No sense in hoarding. Let's go sell them.



Yeah, I forgot to sell the 2 Rat Needles that Cass didn't need. Whoops. Selling them unlocks:



Kalinga (+30 ATK) is unlocked by selling 1 Rat Needle. It's...well, it's an upgrade from what the shop had to start with. I wouldn't personally spend money on it.

Harpoon (+27 ATK) is unlocked by selling 2 Rat Needles. Again, it's an upgrade from what the shop starts with, but is it really worth the money?

Now that that's over with, into the Labyrinth.


Alright, we're entering unmapped territory. Let's be careful that we don't run into--


More deer. Of course there're more deer. Why wouldn't there be more deer?
These, um, don't seem that difficult to walk around though.

Just wait for the Ragelope trailing behind the first one to pass by you before you walk forward here.


Rrrm?
Hm? You hear something, Ursa?
Oh.


SYSTEM: Wondering what it could be, you look closer and discover it's one of the hedgehogs you see often here. The spines on its back seem to be caught in the roots, preventing it from escaping. Under most circumstances, it would be safest to leave it where it is. Even if you were to render aid, it would not feel indebted to you--it may even attack out of instinct.
Please, let's just leave it. It could be related to the hedgehogs that nearly killed Ursa and I...
Rr-rrm.
Ursa? What're you doing?!


SYSTEM: Ursa carefully tugs on the hedgehog to pull its spines from the tree's roots... Surprised by your actions, the hedgehog squirms even more frantically, scratching Ursa's face terribly!


RRRRRGH!
SYSTEM: But Ursa remains undeterred through it all and successfully frees the hedgehog from the tree. The hedgehog immediately retreats to a safe distance and bristles threateningly. You hardly wish to fight, since you just saved the creature. You keep your weapons sheathed and stare at the hedgehog. When it realizes that you intend it no harm, the hedgehog scrambles away. Satisfied with your success, you return to the task at hand.


You stupid bear, what did you do that for? That thing could come back and try to kill us later!
Rrr.
I don't know what that means!



Another shortcut we can't use yet.


Uuuuggh. I know how these deer move now, but looking at them still stresses me out. Can I put down "emotional distress" as a surcharge?
We've gotten around them fine so far, Realga...I'm sure we'll be fine.
Big caterpillar approaching, everyone.
Wha?




Crawler
HP: 200, STR: 12, TEC: 5, VIT: 8, AGI: 6, LUC: 9
Skills:
Drops:
Damage resistances:
100% 100% 100% 150% 100% 100%
Ailment and bind resistances:
100% 150% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100%
100% 100% 100%
100% 100% 100%

A caterpillar of unusual size that relies on its spinnerets to ensare adventurers.

Crawlers are massive pains in the ass, especially if you run into one while you're doing the first mission. Remember how the Hedgehog and Mole had HP in the upper double digits and still took over a turn each to take down? Yeah, say hi to 200 HP. Running isn't even a very reliable option, because Ensaring Web can bind your party's legs, which disables Escape. On its own, one Crawler isn't that bad, but you can run into 3 of them at once. Your best option at that point is to just use a big all-target Force Break, because that's a fight you are unlikely to get out of unscathed.


P-please don't spit web at us. That's my job...
Spitting web is your job?
N-no, tying things--you know what I mean.


Rrrf!

Crawlers hit HARD. Bear in mind that's after the Hit-Taker damage reduction. A Crawler's basic attack would kill Asriel and probably Freyja if Ursa wasn't tanking.


Caterpillars are as flammable as spiders. Good to know.



Another level up.



Not a lot to comment on. I'm building towards Flame Grater on Asriel so he can contribute some multi-target damage (which our party is sorely lacking at the moment). I also took one point in Salve on Realga, and that's all I'll invest in it for now. Stardust's also building towards Compression.


SYSTEM: Perhaps some sort of key is necessary to gain entry...
RrrrRRRRRRGGGGHHH!
Don't think it's gonna open. I've seen these things in Tharsis before.


So how do we go through here without the deer catching us?
Let the group on the right go up the middle. Then we run.


I think the group on the left are catching up to us! Oh gods oh gods--
Calm down, Realga. They move as fast as we do. We're fine.


Rrr.
Think she wants us to go up here.



Wholly unnecessary for us. I guess if you didn't take Abigail's advice to buy one back in town this'd be nice.


Alright, we should be safe. Go!


I...hah...hate...these stupid deer...
Why are you terrified of them? They aren't aggressive towards us.
We spent an entire month at school talking about the dangers of FOEs as a frontline medic. Lots of illustrations of explorers and their medics gored by deer.
...How does that help you heal us at all? Why would they teach you this?



Got into a random encounter shortly after that. It's completely unremarkable, so let's use it to demonstrate Horse Slash.


Hyah!


The stairs must be over there.
Rrr, rr!
Ursa wants us to go the other way, I think...


'Nother materials point. Let's grab what we can and mark it down for the Byeahs.
...What ARE those...things, I guess, anyway?
Marion said they're some primitive type of automaton. Hence why they repeat "byeah" incessantly.
Mm. Heard some stories that there's an underwater city in the ocean to the south with a bunch of intelligent robots. Maybe they're related.
Um, are you sure you should take that story at face value?



The other ingredient you can find from 1st Stratum Take points.



Ignore the fact that I marked the stairs with a door; I fix it soon enough.


Rr!
Ursa...? Hey-hey-hey, wait!


Ursa? Realga?
We're fine! We're in the room where we got the token before.
Mark this on the map. Could be useful.



When you've drawn what the game considers a sufficiently complete map and reach the stairs, Floor Jump for that floor and that particular stairs becomes enabled. Essentially, Floor Jump lets you freely travel between floors you've completely visited. See this GIF:




Alright, new floor, new monsters...
I say we go back to town first. I'm tired after running from the deer...


Rrrrghh...rrf.
No luck?
Nrr.



And this is why Ariadne Threads are less useful than they used to be. If you're on a Floor Jump-enabled floor, you can just jump to the 1F down stairs and be back in Lagaard.

When we return to Lagaard:


Yes. What is it?
I am a member of the ducal guards. I have a message from the Minister to relay to you. There is something that the Minister would like you to do. If you could, please come to the Duke's Palace immediately. I haven't been told the details, but it seemed as thought he Minister was very troubled about something. He would appreciate it even if you come merely to hear him out...or so I'm told. I will be taking my leave now.
Is it another mission? We could use more funds.


Doubt it, but we don't have much choice.


I've been hearing a great many rumors about your guild. Now, I would ask your assistance on a specific matter. And that would be...to help run the Lagaard Cafe! Now, I'm not asking you to throw aside your weaponry and equipment in favor of the humble skillet, of course... What I would like you to do is colelct ingredients for certain recipes. These recipes were created long ago by a man named Apicius. He was a gourmet that revolutionized the culinary arts. High Lagaard's harsh climate is hardly suitable for agriculture, so Apicius had to turn to the Labyrinth for his ingredients. His cooking had a curious effect on his diners, energizing them and sparking unprecedented progress in High Lagaard. ...Unfortunately, everything was lost upon his sudden passing. He was a secretive man, and he ensured that all his recipes were hidden... Until recently, it was believed his recipes were lost to the ages. But only the other day, we stumbled upon a portion of his recipes by a happy coincidence! We wish to use these recipes to encourage the growth of Lagaard and the happiness of its people. But we require your help. I have already arranged for a cook... Ahem. Please enter.


Eep.
Regina, what are you looking so cross for? Come now, introduce yourself.
...I am Regina Dubois. I have been given the chance to run my own cafe.


U-um, did we do something to ups--
Shush.


It's nice to meet you.
The pleasure's mine. I've heard about you. You sound like trustworthy explorers. ...I still have some preparations left for the cafe. You should come by the place once you're ready. I'll explain the rest there.
Now, Regina, don't be so rude to the explorers! ...I must apologize for my granddaughter's behavior. What can she be so cross about? She's usually not like this, I assure you. Allow me to give you directions to the cafe. I'll be entrusting the cafe and my granddaughter in your care, then.



The Renovating Shop's opened up now. And no, it won't be called that for long.


Impressive.
This...actually looks really nice to eat in.
...But first things first. I may be the granddaughter of the nation's Minister, but I'm a chef before any of that. There's no need for you to put on airs or act respectful for my sake. Just make use of me however you see fit.
Sure, Regina.
Thanks. Let's get down to business, then. First off, let me give you this.


What I just gave you...yes, those are the deciphered recipes that Apicius left behind. Coffee beans don't really work in High Lagaard's climate, so Apicius created this recipe so people could recreate the taste. I need two ingredients--Rye and Sugar Beet. I'd like you to find some for me from the Labyrinth. According to the recipe, blending these two ingredients together creates a drink that's identical to coffee in taste and scent... ...Of course, I plan to do my best in order to reproduce Apicius's recipes. Don't forget, Rye and Sugar Beet. I'm counting on you to get them. There's also one more thing that I should probably explain to you... From now on, I'll take responsibility for storing any ingredients you find in the Labyrinth, within the Ingredient Storage. Don't worry about it too much. Just stop by after you've gotten some ingredients.
Well, we got some Rye, but I think Sugar Beets are on the second floor.

Oh, I almost forgot. I need you guys to think of a name for this place. I want something good. Memorable. It's going to be the first thing people see when they come to the cafe. You got it?
Hm. I read this story about a human who fell down a hole and befriended some talking skeletons once...why not use that?
...Huh?



NYEH HEH HEH!!! SANS!!! I'M FINALLY POPULAR ENOUGH TO HAVE A RESTAURANT NAMED AFTER ME!!!

In all seriousness, though, this is yet another time to vote on something! In this case, the name of the Ducal Restaurant. Post your ideas and votes in the thread and I'll decide on a name sometime before or when the next update is ready.



Since we can't really do much at Papyrus until we can get some Sugar Beets, we might as well take the one quest that opened up from getting to 2F.

Oh, that one. That request comes straight from the Palace, so listen close. Yeh see, to decorate the roads near the Duchy, we use this pretty little ore called Amazonite. But those roads got damaged a while back. Needs repairin', but of course we don't have any Amazonite just layin' around... The Duchy's guards usually mine the stuff, but they're all tied up right now. So that's where yeh come in. Now, accordin' to the guards, yeh can mine Amazonite from the 2nd Floor of the forest. Yeh just need 1 Amazonite. Just pick it up, an' bring it back. Easy. Besides, yer Lagaardian citizens now, too! Jus' think of it as community service. G'luck!
But none of us know even the first thing about mining.
Again, we'll let the Byeahs take care of it.

And onto Sitoth Trading, where Abigail starts talking to us once we enter:


We're actually selling a new product today at this store! The product is called...um...the Blast Grenade! That was it! Um, it's used for... Just a moment please, it should be somewhere on this note that my dad wrote... Oh, here it is! Let me read it to you. Some of the monsters you'll encounter take a moment to prepare themselves before unleashing a powerful attack. If you throw this Blast Grenade while they're preparing, the blast will shock them out of their focus and leave them open! ...I'm not sure I completely get it, but...did it make sense to you?
I think so.
Wow, you explorers are so amazing! Oh, right! Here's some samples, so you can try them out first!


Dad told me to just give them to you, so don't worry about a thing. And besides, Dad says sometimes you've got to spend money to make money. I don't really get what that means, but knowing my dad, I bet it's a phrase that'll make everyone happy! Oh, um, sorry for talking so long. That's all I had to tell you. Please, take your time and look around!



I pawn off all the crap we got while finishing up 1F, which results in the following stuff being unlocked:



Remember that The item trade I was to unlock the Targe, which means the quest is done! Abigail will let us know when we leave the store.

Wakizashi (+36 ATK) is unlocked by selling 5 Carapace Pieces.

Mole Claw (+29 ATK) is unlocked by selling 3 Mole Claws. Unless you're using an offensive Beast, upgrading claws, unless they have extra effects, is generally not worth it.

Hide Gage (+4 DEF) is unlocked by selling 1 Soft Fur. Literally just 1 more DEF than the Thick Gages the store had at the start. I'll pass.

Targe (+7 DEF) is unlocked by selling 3 Carapace Pieces and 2 Small Nails.

Leg Guard (Immunity to leg binds) is unlocked by selling 1 Small Nail./i]


I buy a Wakizashi for Asriel due to how much of a boost it gives his ATK, and nothing else. Ursa has not used Attack once since the game started, so I'm not buying her a Mole Claw. Leg Guards are also a) unnecessary at this point, and b) very expensive at 1000en.


Oh yeah, remember the Binding Whip we got from the Dark Hunter at the bar? Remember how it's completely worthless? Abigail will gladly take it off our hands for a small amount of en. A change introduced in EOU and carried over to EO2U is the ability to sell unique weapons back to the store, which also puts the weapon in the shop's stock for a very low amount of en.

And like I said, when we leave the store:


I'll put it on the show floor today, so please have a look. It's my father's masterpiece! Oh, yes! I left the reward with Cass, so you can collect it at the Stickleback Bar. If I need anything else, I'll leave a request for you all on the notice board!


Hey there! Great work! Sorry to give yeh all the runaround. I've heard the whole story!



Shields can, by default, be equipped by Landsknechts, Protectors, and Sovereigns. We don't have any of those in the party at the moment, so it's useless at the moment.

While we're on the topic of quests, let's go take care of that Rock Water quest.


SYSTEM: It seems that water from some natural source has found an outlet, creating a small stream. After draining your flask, you fill it with the water flowing from the spring.


Aaaaand bottled.
SYSTEM: You have completed the quest! When you have the time, you should visit the bar to report your progress.


Well, well, look who's back. And yeh've got the Rock Water. It doesn't look like much, but I s'pose eve this is a blessing from the Labyrinth. We're a small town here, and I s'pect we'd lay over and die if it weren't for Yggdrasil. Another job well done, all of yeh. Here's the reward.



Analysis Scopes are consumables that adds the target to the Monstrous Codex, without you having to actually beat them. It's not that useful. Yeah, you can look at a monster's Info before you beat them, but there's very few instances where that's useful, especially given it requires using someone's turn.

Now that we've opened Papyrus, everyone in town has one-time Talk dialogue in response to it. Here's Cass's:

Yeh lot hear the news!? Sounds like they're openin' a state-operated shop, and it's a cafe to boot! The hell's the matter with 'em...? I know this place is a bar, but we make a lot of our cash from the food we serve at lunch. ...Hey, yeh lot. What say yeh go do some investigatin' fer me? Yeh don't want the old Stickleback to shut down... Yeh'll help, right? What!? The minister asked yeh to help at the cafe? Oh, c'mon! Who's more important to yeh, the Grand Duchy or old Cass!? ...Okay, yeah, the Grand Duchy. Dumb question. Dammit...! Guess I better start addin' some more dishes to the menu!

And here's Cass's normal 2F dialogue:

How're yeh? Seems yeh made it to the 2nd floor! I guess yeh're better than I thought... But yeh know, kids... I've seen plenty of explorers, and yeh lot still have a long ways to go. Well, let me tell yeh one piece of good advice to become a strong explorer. Don't die. ...And that's it. Pretty wise words, don't yeh think? Haw haw haw!

And since we reached 2F, the list of bar patrons has been updated! Let's talk to the new ones.

Adventurers in matching gear:

Hey, c'mon! You drinkin'!? Have a drink. We jus' got back from being burned to a crisp!
...Y'know? Okay, list'n up. There's that thing. *hic* Sunflower thing! Right? Y'see, that thing, is...friggin'...dumb. We thought "Oh, it's takin' a stance or something," but then it started to spew burnin' flames! We got *hic* roasted! A plant. Breathin' fire. 's ridiculous! Right?
Well, we eventually managed t'cut it down with swords, but seriously...it was rough.
...Duly noted.

We'll see Sunflowers once we go further into 2F.

Weary protector:

Gh...uuurrgh... W... Wa...ter...
Rrer.
Huh...w-w-water!? I-It's water!!! Yes! ...Thank you. You got me back on my feet... I'm Tramonte, a protector. I'm looking for rare things in the forest. For example, this thing. A Perfect Thorn! It drops if you defeat a Sunflower with an attack that's not physical, but... ...It's tough for me, of course, since I'm a protector. But I tried my hardest, because it's gonna make someone happy! Heh heh... Hope Lilly likes this.

Statuesque man:

I work, and work, and work...but I keep getting fired... ...Was it really that bad a mistake? It was just one wrong calculation... Bah, I'll think about it later. I need to find some food...right, then, I'll go defeat some Venomflies. ...Hmm? Why, you ask? It sounds unlikely, but Venomflies are actually edible. Although it doesn't look the prettiest. The Forest is a scary place, but even if I have no money, I can at least eat. It's not really that bad a place...

Venomflies are also a 2F enemy.

Girl in a white sundress:

Did you hear the rumor that the Duchy is financing a new restaurant? I...I'm really looking forward to it! ...After all, the restaurants in the area now are just bars and pubs for adventurers, so they're not the best for family dining... I hope that it's a place where everyone can sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal... Please, Grand Duchy, make it happen!

Over at the Explorers Guild, here's Marion's cafe dialogue:

Ah, I've heard the news. You're assisting with...a government-funded cafe, is it? The Minister's put a lot of trust in you. I know your exploration of the Labyrinth is difficult, but do the best you can. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you're always welcome to stop by. I don't mind taking a tea break now and then.

Her normal 2F dialogue:

Hm? Ah, you're the ones that established a new guild the other day. How's your exploration of the Labyrinth going? Hm, so you've made it to the 2nd floor. I'm pleased to hear that your exploration is proceeding well. Many explorers underestimate the Labyrinth and slink out of High Lagaard in shame. Then, too, many explorers vanish into the Labyrinth, never to return. Under no circumstances forget the ease with which the Labyrinth can claim your life. Well, that's all I have to say for now. Try to avoid any unnecessary risks.

Since I forgot to talk to Dubois before leaving the Grand Duchy earlier, here's his cafe dialogue:

Regina can be rather shy, but at heart, she is a very caring girl. I will be counting on your support, Guild Lumen.
Um, are you sure that "shy" is the right word?

Dubois's normal 2F dialogue:

Hm, explorers. Can I help you in some way? Ah, so you have reached the next floor. That is good news indeed. It looks as though you have proven yourselves to be capable explorers of the Labyrinth. Perhaps I may yet see the floating castle in my lifetime, eh? I am expecting great things from you.

Abigail's cafe dialogue:

Did you hear they're making a new cafe!? I heard they're planning on reviving a certain kind of cooking from a long time ago... Forest cuisine, or something? I really wish I could go... Their food must be so good...!

Her normal dialogue:

Oh, hello, everyone! It's great to see you all again... Hee hee, thanks for stopping by! Is your equipment still okay? If anything needs repair or gets dull, just tell me. I'll ask my dad to take a look at it! Um... My dad always says, "Adventurers' lives rest on their equipment!" Have you heard that before? We work hard to make things that everyone can rely on!

And to close out the update, Hanna's cafe dialogue:

Hey, did you hear? The Grand Duchy is apparently starting up a new store! Huh? You already knew? Well, that's disappointing. I thought I was going to be the first one to tell you! Now, it's just gossip, but I heard they're going to serve strange and delicious food there. If I wasn't busy running this in, I'd take Quona and go have a look myself! Bahaha!

And her normal 2F dialogue:

Look at you, you're all filthy! You've been out in the Labyrinth again, haven't you? Tch, you kids! Oh, stop being so lazy! Go back to your rooms to get changed and wash up for your dinner. And why don't you try touring the city instead of rushing to the Labyrinth next time? It might be a nice change of pace!

And a reminder that the name of the Ducal Restaurant is up for voting. Just post the name you want in the thread and I'll tally them up sometime before the next update.