Part 2: Final Exam

Part 2: Final Exam


: Here are the results of your exam. Study them and use the information to improve your performance in the future.



(Time to go over the stats screen, top to bottom. There's the character's name and their title or class. The condition sections get icons in them if you have a status effect like poison. Next Exp is the experience to the next level, Wealth is how much cash you have.
Resistance: The icons correspond to fire, wind, holy, water, thunder, darkness, earth, physical, and mental. Values range from 0 (bad) to 6 (good), with an added absorption value.
MHP: Max hit points
MMP: Max magical points
STR: The physical power behind a character's attack. It affects HP, the ATK and DEF stats, and also what armor you can wear. If you put on armor and don't meet its minimum STR requirement, you won't be able to move or evade as well.
INT: Affects the power of magic attacks and your MP.
DEX: The dexterity or quickness of a character in performing actions. This affects MOV, HIT, evasion, and Aria chant time.
ATK: Character's attack strength, affected by STR and Level.
DEF: Defense ability, affected by STR and armor.
MOV: Point-to-point movement speed, affected by DEX.
HIT: How well a character will smack the enemy, affected by DEX.
ATW: Affects the delay between physical attacks. A lower number means less delay. This can be lowered by equipment.
Below that is Wein's equipment box, showing what armor and ring he is currently wearing. The three spaces under the ring name are the gem slots. Slots can have a power level from 0 to 9. Gems also have power levels from 1 to 9. For a gem to work in a ring, it must be in a slot that has a power level greater than or equal to the gem's power level.)


(Trivia: The "K" stands for "Kenshin". His Japanese name is Oscar, but Working Designs changed the first name to Kenshin in honor of one of their long-time fans that died of cancer during localization.)
: Imperial Knight Reaves, it is such an honor to have you evaluate my test results!
: Huh...don't strain yourself on such formality or you shall have no strength left for the battlefield!
: Erm...uh, sorry...Lord Reaves? It's just that it's been a dream of mine to be an Imperial Knight like you for so lo...
: Nothing more needs to be said. I understand what you are trying to say, and I am honored. If you continue your dedication to excellence, perhaps you shall be a role model for others one day.
: Thank you, sir!
Narrator: And thus began life in the Officers' Academy for Wein Cruz...


Narrator: The war began as a small skirmish during the coronation of King Richard of Burnstein, and escalated into a bloody, full-scale war that involved the surrounding kingdoms as well. Pressed into service under the most trying circumstances possible, many cadets in the Officers' Academy lost their young lives in this trial by fire...


Narrator: In the course of this conflict, the focus changed suddenly when a third foe, more deadly than all the kingdoms combined, reared its fearsome head in the fray and threatened to wipe out humanity itself...The war had taken its toll on every kingdom, without exception. In Burnstein Kingdom, nearly all the Officers' Academy cadets that enrolled with Wein were slain in the course of the conflict. As for Wein and Maximillian, the day finally came for their final exam, assignment to the forefront of the battle for humanity's survival.
(The man in the screenshot is Venzern, the aforementioned "third foe". He's a bit complicated, but basically was one of the major bad guys in Growlanser I. This war that's going on is the war that the plot of GL1 is based around.)


(Well, you can't be a hero without some instrument...)
: That was pleasant. You didn't have to stop playing on my account. I never tire of listening to your ocarina.
: Thanks Max. By the way, how'd you know I was here?
: Even without the music to follow, I knew I'd find you here. Remember, I know you! You come here more than any other place in the kingdom.
: This outlook inspires me to reach my goal...to be a better knight. From this vantage point, I can see all that I love...all I must protect in this kingdom.


(The choice here really doesn't matter, so the first one is fine.)
: ...I can't fault you for that. If you're going to dream, dream big.
: Enough about me...what about your dream, Max?
: What? Me? I... ...I think that is a discussion better left for another time and place.


(...Oh my.)
: Say, why were you looking for me today?
: Oh, yes! I nearly forgot. We are to receive the details about our final examination today. They just announced it.
: Well, what are we doing talking here?! Let's go find out what it is!
: Hey! Wein...wait!


: But, I...I...


: Excuse me. Wein Cruz, reporting!
: Maximillian Schneider, reporting!
Burnstein Commander: Well...the duty post for the next party has been decided. We have assigned you to protect the citizens of Starkberg from the enemy's threat. Logan is the superior officer at Starkberg. Report to him at once.
: Yes, sir!
: Understood, sir!
Burnstein Commander: The fact that we must integrate your final examinations into actual combat situations is unfortunate, but there is no choice. The large number of Officer Candidates who enrolled in this Academy with you has been reduced to a mere handful. I pray that you fare better than those that have come before you.


: I am well aware that these are difficult times...However, I look upon this as a challenge. It is times such as these that test the true ability of a warrior.
Burnstein Commander: That is an admirable attitude.
(And that is why we chose that answer. Showing off to the commander is always good.)
Burnstein Commander: You leave at once. Good luck to the both of you!


(This is the world map. It's a point-to-point system instead of a more standard overworld. The dots tell you where places are, and you can get to them if they're connected by a yellow line.)


(Here are Max's stats. He's got one extra thing on his stat screen, and that's the relationship meter to the left of his resistance chart. The higher this bar, the more the person likes you. It's not a 100% accurate representation of how they feel, but having it maxed out pretty much guarantees the option of getting that character's ending.)


(And we got to see his stats by hitting Square for the menu, then picking Status. Equip lets you equip armor and gems to you characters. Items lets you look at what items you have. The game doesn't have any useable items like potions and such, but HP is recovered after every battle and inns are cheap enough for recovering MP. Save, Load, and Options are standard game menu items.)


(Our progress so far, for those interested. The ? boxes on the right would show us what endings we've gotten...if we had any flagged on this file.)


(Pressing X on a point gives us this menu. Gather Information lets you speak to some of the NPCs hanging around in the area. Every town has an inn and shops, too. The Kingdom Archives here in Burnstein are unique to this city; they give information on the world and people living in it, perfect mini-update material)


(Going to Gather Information brings up a menu of people to talk to. Most people are standard NPCs, though later some give little sidequests or items. The most interesting person to talk to here is the Frightened Soldier)
Frightened Soldier: Hey...uh, have you seen His Majesty Eliotte?
: His Majesty?
Frightened Soldier: Yes...he sneaked out of the castle AGAIN! I am in so much trouble…where on earth has he gone?!
(That's it for this town, so we head west to Burnstein W Capital.)


: Wein!
: Yes, Max?
: You were saying that the next step for you after becoming a knight is to become an Imperial Knight, correct?
: Yes...
: Then I shall yield to your judgment in battle from here forward.
: What? Why?
: An Imperial Knight must have the ability to direct subordinates effectively. I am volunteering as a test subordinate so you can practice.
: What about you then? If you are to be an officer, you must have the very same skill!
: No, I won't.


: Are you serious? What do you plan to do, then?
: My goal remains the same...to learn the mechanics of war so that I can prevent it from breaking out in the first place.


(Pretty strong words there, and he's got a good point.)
: That seems reasonable enough, but...
: So, once I have completed my training here, I shall move into the world of politics and diplomacy to make my mark on this world. It is there that I feel I can work for the greatest good.
: I admire your resolve. I just think that, despite what you've explained, it seems strange that you would begin that course as part of the military machine.
: I promised my father long ago that I would become a knight. Once I have fulfilled that oath, I shall pursue the course I know is my destiny. It seems contradictory, but it becomes ever more clear to me that in life, few things are of worth exist without contradiction.
: Well I wish you the best, then. You certainly have my support!
: And you have mine as well, Wein. So then, shall we proceed to our final exam at Starkberg?
We should, but let's take a detour first.


: All right, I shall accompany you.


: This might be the last time we gaze upon the kingdom capital together.
: Wein...
: Max, about what you said...
: I'm sorry about that...I honestly felt I should tell you much earlier, but...
: You don't need to explain. I know that you were just concerned about how I'd take it.
: ...
(Taking this conversation out of context is a bad, bad idea.)


: We're both trying to better this world, and if only one of us succeeds, we have served this land and people well.
: You're right, of course.
: Enough sentimental talk, I guess. We should return to the task at hand.


(Responding positively to Max at the scene at Burnstein W Capital shot his relationship meter to...well, max. We can see Starkberg to the west, but there's no way to get there right now. Maybe the local NPCs know something.)


Young Soldier: Starkberg? Why it's over there...just to the west!
(Yes, I can see that, but I can't get over there. Useless NPC...)

Officer: Halt! Those that do not have special permission cannot pass this point
: We are on business for the king to protect Starkberg. I am Wein Cruz, and this is my associate Maximillian Schneider.
Officer: Ah! Of course. We have already received orders to let you pass. You are free to go.
: Thank you.
Officer: Take care! These are dangerous times for us all.


(That's better. But first, it's time for the first NPC Mini Sidequest. Let's talk to the Peddler)
Peddler: I had planned on starting a business here, but I fled the monsters in Clain Village so abruptly, I dropped my bag of merchandise. I...I'm so sorry. I wish I could be of more assistance, but with what's happened, I can't. If you want to get your ring appropriately equipped, all I can suggest is that you return to the kingdom capital.

(Let's go find this poor guy's stuff. It's just a lot of back and forth movement and talking to people between North Clain Village and Burnstein W Capital. The Female Cadet at North Clain mentions she found a bag of supplies, so we tell the Peddler, who rushes down there to pick it up. Our reward is 30 Elm. This is a bit annoying because every time you go to North Clain, you get yelled at by an officer. Now we can finally head to Starkberg...)


Burnstein Soldier: Look out! They're attacking from behind!
Burnstein Soldier 3: If they're attacking here, Starkberg must be overrun! We can't expect reinforcements!
Girl: Starkberg? Oh no! Father...


Burnstein Soldier 2: Yungs!
Burnstein Soldier 4: Ha! Ha! Eat steel, you disgusting freak of nature!



(Y'know, when I first played this game, I thought it was the coolest thing ever that the text boxes followed the people.)


: Wein Cruz reporting for duty as well, sir.
: Glad to have you both here. Let me explain how our forces are organized to protect the city before I send you out. We have 200 soldiers here, including a small party from the 17th Squadron as well as representatives from the 18th Squadron. We also have two mercenaries working with us. Defending Starkberg with a force of only 200 is a daunting task, but we have no choice. If we fail, tens of thousands will perish.
(tl;dr: We need a miracle.)
: All available soldiers have been divided into smaller parties and deployed around the city. I will keep you here with me to defend the West Gate.
: I'm ready, sir!
: Before we move, let me introduce you to the head of the mercenary group that is cooperating with us in this endeavor. Wolfgang!


: I am Maximillian Schneider, a cadet in the Officers' Academy.
: Good to meet you.
: And, I'm Wein Cruz...a fellow cadet.
: ...
: ? Uh...is...is something wrong?
: Nah. I'm just sizing you up. When you're a mercenary, you need to know exactly what kind of people you're dealing with. You're good at what you do, but are unskilled Ring Master who have difficulties enduring long battles.
: You discerned that just by our appearance?


: Reading your allies and enemies is a skill you've gotta learn fast as mercenary, or you're dead meat. Judging someone becomes second nature the more you do it. Just look at the wear on the armor or where an opponent's muscles are built up...


Mercenary: They're coming!
: Hrmph. Guess that means it's party time...Time to go!
Mercenary: Right!


: What's a child doing out in that field alone?!
: This is not good...Wein, Maximillian...rescue that child!
: At once, sir!


(Might as well be badass while doing this. )
: As you know, this assignment is the makeshift final exam for the Officers' Academy. All knights are sworn to protect the subjects of the kingdom. Therefore, you are not allowed any casualties in this encounter. Fight well!


Dailymotion | Viddler
(Mission Complete condition: All enemies killed, no civilian casualties. One of the few times the condition listed in game matches what it actually is.)
(This mission can either be really easy, or really hard. It depends on how quickly the first set of enemies is killed. It is very easy to get everyone you're trying to protect trapped at the door of the house, leading to the Demi Yung slaughtering them. You have to use the MOV function to get out of their way before cleaning up the enemies.)



(Most importantly in this mission, we get our first level ups! At each level you get some Master Points to put towards skills. For now, you get 2 per level, but this number increases at higher levels. Max gets System Shock, a powerful physical tech that helps a lot in this battle, and the Critical Hit skill, which raises the chance to critically hit an enemy. Wein gets two levels up in this battle, and all 4 of his Master Points are put to the speed-increasing Dash skill, something absolutely required on him for later missions.)


: This is only the most recent in a series of Yung attacks from the west. It's quite disturbing. I would like you to take charge of the investigation as to why they are attacking.
: As you wish, sir.


: I think that's the coolest thing I've ever seen!
(...Go away.)
: We're just happy your survived uninjured.
: Yeah, yeah, yeah, enough talking about me...I heard what that knight said...you're going to fight more monsters! Can I come?
: That is out of the question. It's far too dangerous.
: No, no, nooooo! C'mon, take me with you....please?
: Like Max said, it's just too dangerous.


(As annoying as you are, I don't think it'd be a good thing if you ended up dead.)


Mercenary: Uh...but...
: Just do it!
Mercenary: Uh...sure thing, boss.


(That really doesn't sound like a good thing.)


: We should get started then.
: Before we go, we should buy whatever equipment we can afford. We don't want to make this our last encounter by poor planning.
: Agreed. We should also rest at an Inn to recharge any MP we may have used.
(Fourth wall breaking at its finest!)

Next update: We explore the mysterious ruins to the west...