Walkthrough the Fire & Flames, with Breath of Fire II (Retranslation)!

[Fionordequester]

Well, at least we can say goodbye to Simafort, right guys?



Part 12: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—No Way Out! (Kuwadora)

PLOT POINTS (Gone forever, if done before recruiting Beretta.  She upgrades her wares for every 8 you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Seso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora/Quadra

KUWADORA/QUADRA AI (Weak to Ice; Cannot score critical hits; Always has 65535 Vigor when attacking):

Phase 1: Attack (62.5%), Attack All (12.5%), Wheee/Haaaa! [x3 DMG] (25%)
Phase 2-3: Attack (25%), Attack All (37.5%), Wheee/Haaaa! [x3 DMG] (37.5%)

If Quadra is in phase 1 and reaches 50% HP or less (850 HP), but more than 25% HP (412 HP), he will immediately end the turn and move to phase 2.
If Quadra is in phase 1 or 2 and reaches 25% HP or less (412 HP), he will immediately end the turn and move to phase 3.

Due to a bug, the intended phase 3 AI is never reached, and he uses his phase 2 AI instead.  His intended AI in phase 3 is: 

Wheee/Haaaa! (37.5%)
Death (25%)
Attack All (12.5%)
Zombie Breath (12.5%)
Curse (12.5%)

QUADRA'S BUGS, AS EXPLAINED BY NITRODON (more technical):

The current phase is stored at $1460.  0 default, 6 at 25%-50%, and 128 under 25%.  That's supposed to feed into this section of code, which should decide which action list to choose based on the current phase:

C2/66C3: A2 1A 00     LDX #$001A
C2/66C6: AD 60 14     LDA $1460
C2/66C9: F0 04        BEQ $66CF
C2/66CB: E8           INX
C2/66CC: 10 01        BPL $66CF
C2/66CE: E8           INX

This sets the Z flag if $1460 is zero (i.e., in phase 1), and sets the N flag if $1460 is negative (i.e., in phase 3).  Then it skips both increment instructions if the Z flag is set.  Then (if in phase 2 or 3), it increments the value of X, then skips the following increment instruction if N is clear.

The programmer clearly thought this would work with the value of $1460, but incrementing the value of X will set the N flag if the new value of X is negative, and clear it otherwise, so the INX at 66CE is never run.

WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE:

C2/66C3: A2 1A 00     LDX #$001A
C2/66C6: AD 60 14     LDA $1460
C2/66C9: F0 04        BEQ $66CF
C2/66CB: E8           BPL $66CE
C2/66CC: 10 01        INX
C2/66CE: E8           INX

THE ROUTE:

Fort Nageur:
BUY: Up to x9 Vitamins, x9 Wisdom Seeds, & x19 Smoke Bombs
Rest up
Swap Rand & Ryu

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Quadra (1650 HP): Defensive
Turn 1: Rand uses Wisdom Seed on Ryu, Sten Simoons, Lin attacks, Ryu uses Ice Whelp
Turn 2: Rand Defends, Sten & Lin gets their total damage up to 114 (but not too far over), Ryu uses Ice Whelp
Turn 3: Rand pre-emptively heals Ryu, Sten & Lin do what’s needed, Ryu uses Wisdom Seed on himself
Turn 4: Finish off Quadra
---------------------------------------------------------

Snag Solblade
Make a Ryu/Tapeta/Rand/Lin party
Snag Patty, Royal Crown, Breath Armor, & Iron Shield
Equip Solblade & weak armor to Ryu, and weak armor to Lin
Head near Capitan with Tapeta (enter forest from both sides to clear step counter).  Roll back to Newhaven from there (using Sten when needed).

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Grand larceny becomes kidnapping.



Incorrect control code used.



Proper pronouns don't change based on who's in the lead.



Awkward phrasing.

[Fionordequester]

Now then, time for more Party Chat! Note that Bosch says what he says regardless of if you remembered Patty or not.

PARTY CHAT (Simafort's done! The early-game is almost over!):

Bosch: So, now that you've found that bat-winged lady thief, we can get my name cleared, right? ...You...you didn't forget now, did you? Heh heh... I mean, you wouldn't forget your friend like this, right? Right?

Rand: Worms? Flies? Cockroaches? Bleah! What kind of warped people are these? If someone tried to feed me that crap, I'd call it torture, not a banquet!

Lin: Not a word outta you, Ryu! I'm gonna throw up if I catch a whiff of roach on your breath...*hoolp*

Nina (in the lobby): I've never been a picky eater, but I think I'll give anything calling itself 'gourmet' a pass from now on. I still feel slightly ill...

Nina (in her room): This strange, wonderful world of ours is full of different people with different tastes... I like to think I'm fairly open-minded, but to tell you the truth, the thought of eating cockroaches makes me want to puke!

Sten: What I don't understand is why anyone would want to pretend to be the prince of such a castle. The food is terrible, the women are all warts and no charm whatsoever... I really can't say I see the attraction.

Tapeta: By pretending to be my illustrious self, the foul imposter invited his own peril... For by being me, he opened himself up to the wrath of Fort Nageur's own enfant terrible, my dear sister Petape!

[Fionordequester]

UPDATE FROM NITRODON:
The music glitch is exclusive to the Retranslation!  

Official Version of the Scene

So what happened is this:

It appears to be caused by something the retranslation changed in the handling of byte 0x10 in text.  All it does in vanilla is store the value 0E to 1C80... In the retranslation, it means "move current text position to this column", but for some reason, it also tells the game to load the current room's music...

I talked to Ryusui about this on Twitter, and he says he was the one that put that in there, to make the Yes/No prompts look cleaner.  He didn't know about the music cutting out though, so he may look into it sometime.

[Fionordequester]

Sorry for the wait!  Here's the newest episode!



Part 13: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—The World is Trembling (Trout)

PLOT POINTS (Gone forever, if done before recruiting Beretta.  She upgrades her wares for every 8 you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Sesso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora.
8. Finding out about the Gate incident at the Rangers' Guild.

ENCOUNTER RATE IN TROUT'S MANSION:
1/16 per step

FOOTMAN/GUARD AI (37.5% to Counter-attack)
63/64 Attack
1/64 Defend

TROUT AI (Steals money equal to the damage it does; Attacks cannot be countered when stealing; Attacks twice if you have no money):
Attack (75%)
Def.Up/Protect (25%)

THE ROUTE:

Newhaven:
Turn Patty over to Trout
—CHANGE PARTY: Ryu/Bosch/Tapeta/Lin
Have Bosch talk to Kilgore
Auto the Guard battles
Swap Ryu to the front in Scatter, when you have to heal
---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Trout (550 HP): Scatter
Whelp, then Auto
---------------------------------------------------------
—BUY: Bamboo Rod
Deposit all your money!
Deathwarp by killing Tapeta & Bosch first
—1st Turn: Bosch & Ryu attack Bosch, Tapeta & Lin attack Tapeta
—2nd Turn: Ryu attacks Lin, Lin attacks Ryu
—3rd Turn: The two hit themselves

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Very liberal use of the word "kill", as well as the mention of demons... On the SNES.



English and Japanese terms carelessly mashed together. "Kujira Manju" (くじらまんじゅう) are "whale buns", a type of Japanese delicacy. Of course, the translators changed "buns" to "cakes"... So this is like calling something "whale cake cakes", or "whale bun buns".



More ellipses than your typical fanfiction.





The dialogue does its absolute best to ruin a good scene.

[Fionordequester]

Here's more Party Chat! Note that I was wrong about what I said, this episode; Katt tells you there was a grassman in the carnival, so the game DOES tell you where to get one. Just... sort of has you hunt for it a bit :shrug: .

PARTY CHAT (Patty gets delivered!):

Bosch: I can't wait to be free and clear again... I've been in hiding so long, I hope I haven't gotten rusty!

PARTY CHAT (Search for the Grassman!):

Bosch: Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I'm in over my head here... They said this world needs heroes, but I don't think I can play that part...

Rand: This is some seriously nasty crap we've gotten ourselves wrapped up in... Damn... We should've gotten out when we had the chance...

Lin (in the lobby): Hey, I saw a Grassman once! They were showing him off at the circus!

Lin (in her room): So the chief at the Guild called you a hero? That's awesome! Can I call you a hero, too?

Nina: It is said that the Elder Tree is a Grassman who has attained incredible age and wisdom. All Grassmen are supposed to become elder trees through the passing of years...

Sten: Back when I was performing acts of prestidigitation for adoring audiences, a circus troupe invited me to join them... Of course, when I learned that Melodia was on their itinerary, I declined.

Tapeta (in the lobby): I know of a great forest south of my castle called the Sea of Green... I wonder if the trees there have perished as well?

Tapeta (in his room): [Same as last time]

[Fionordequester]

The search for the grassman begins! See a whale cause an earthquake!



Part 14: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—A Whale La-La-La... (Munmar)

THUMBNAIL ART BY: 「せいはち」 (The uncropped version is in his art gallery!)
せいはち's ART GALLERY: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/3498832
Special thanks for giving me permission to use it!
[Pixiv is basically the Japanese version of Deviant Art]

PLOT POINTS (Gone forever, if done before recruiting Beretta. She upgrades her wares for every 8 you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Sesso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora.
8. Finding out about the Gate incident at the Rangers' Guild.
9. Defeating Munmar.

ENEMY AI:
H.Crabs/Scissor Hermits:
65/128 defend
Otherwise, 33/256 Freeze/Iceblast, 223/256 attack
[This translates to about a 6.5% chance of Iceblast]

J.Fish/Sea Jellies:
Run away with probability 3/8 (turn 1-4) or 100% (turn 5-7)
Otherwise, 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack

[The probability of running away is intended to be 1/16 (turn 1), 1/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 3/8 (turn 4+). But, the turn number was capped in the wrong direction before looking this value up. They're also intended to have a 65/256 chance of casting Cure 1 on turns where they're not running or defending. However, the upper byte of the Y register is cleared before this probability and spell can be read, so the probability is read as zero.]

Cuttlecbs/Hermit Squids:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, cast Def-Up/Protect with probability 100% (turn 1), 5/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 0 (turn 4+)
[If you get the initiative, the first enemy action occurs on turn 2. If the intended target of Protect is dead, the squids will instead attack a random party member.]

Fastmen/Hustlers (50% crit rate; Lacks the AP to cast anything but Lightning):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, 33/256 to cast a spell, 223/256 attack

Spell list: Fireblast, Bolt X/Valhalla, Blizzard, S.Boom/Lightning

G.Shaker/Earth Shaker:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, cast 8.0/Quake with probability 17/256 (if over 50% HP), 33/256 (if over 25% and at most 50%), 65/256 (if over 12.5% and at most 25%), or 129/256 (if 12.5% HP or under)
Otherwise attack
[These always come alone. Quake will not OHKO anyone, and you'll kill it with Auto before a 2nd comes]

V.Heads/Shotgun Heads:
If any monster is under 75% HP, Cure 2 on whichever monster is missing the most HP. If tied, choose the last monster slot. Attack, if no AP.
Otherwise, 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack

MUNMAR AI:
Turn 4n+1: Horror (puts everyone to sleep)
All other turns: attack

THE ROUTE:

Campfire:
—CHANGE PARTY: Ryu/Sten/Nina/Tapeta

Overworld:
Hop to Whale Cape (pop into beach to reset encounters)
—x2 H.Crabs/Scissor Hermits: You outspeed, so use Whelp + Bomb/Simoon + Thunder/Jolt, so you don't face more than one Iceblast.

Whale Cape:
—CHANGE PARTY: Ryu/Rand/Lin/Sten (Scatter)
Equip the following:

--------------------------------
Ryu: Solblade, Iron Shield, Iron Armor, Circlet
Rand: Iron Knuckle, Escutcheon, Tanned Armor, Bronze Helm
Lin: Copper Baton, Buckler, Iron Plate, Glass Helm
Sten: Silver Knife, Iron Band, Breath Armor, Bronze Helm
--------------------------------

Whale Tunnel:
Auto everything, except for...

--------------------------------
Scissor Hermit & x2 Hermit Squids: Jolt + Simoon the Scissor Hermit while whacking the squids

X3 Land Lizards: Defensive Formation. Ryu Whelps one, Lin hits another, Sten Simoons the last one, and Rand Jolts.

X2 Shotgun Heads: Hit one once, so both Rejuvinate that one on the next round. Attack the OTHER one in 2nd round, so they Rejuvinate him in the 3rd round. Then, for that 3rd Round, use Jolt + Ryu & Lin attack while Sten either heals or Defends. The two Shotgun Heads will run out of AP, and one will be injured by Ryu & Rand. 4th Round, finish off the injured one with Lin & Flare. That will leave just one more!

X2 Shotgun Heads & Scissor Hermit: Jolt + Ryu & Lin melee on the Hermit. Then, do regular strat.

X2 Shotgun Heads & Land Lizard: Defensive Formation. Melee on Land Lizard while Rand Jolts. Then, do regular strat.
--------------------------------

1st Room: Use Smoke Bomb
3rd Room: Use Smoke Bomb
5th Room: Go left into, then out of, bottom room to reset encounters, Use Smoke Bomb, go into the left room, and snag Gold Armor (Ryu)
6th Room: Use Smoke Bomb while equipping Gold Armor when your lead character is perpendicular with the top of the lowest pillar
7th Room: Give Lin Clothing, if she’s LVL 15.

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Munmar (800 HP): Normal
Turn 1: Ryu attacks, while everyone else targets Ryu (Lin hits Munmar, if she outspeeds)
Turns 2-4: Ryu & Sten go to work, while Lin heals
Turn 5: Same as Turn 1
---------------------------------------------------------

Death warp
Re-adjust equipment
Smack the uvula!

Whale Beach:
Get Whale Bell from the old man in the beach cave.

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Someone didn't study anatomy xD !

[Fionordequester]

See the series' best legacy character!  See more tenants!  See me break the game even harder than I did last bonus episode!



Bonus #3: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—How to Break the Game, Part 2 (Bleu & Stat Boosters)

"PLOT POINTS" THUS FAR (Beretta upgrades her wares for every 8 plot points you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Seso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora.
8. Finding out about the Gate incident at the Rangers' Guild.
9. Defeating Munmar.

HOW TO RECRUIT DEIS:
1) Go into her home (marked by a circle) on a desert in the lower-right part of the world
2) Talk to one of the two ghosts at the entrance
3) Talk to the woman upstairs at Newhaven's Magic School

TENANTS RECRUITE
1) McClaen (Whale Beach)
2) McCotti (Colossea Bar, Bathroom)
3) Wastrel (Colossea Bar, 2nd Floor)
4) Hans (Leftmost house in HomeTown/Nehaven, *after* expansion)
5) Daiye (Wyndia Inn, 2nd Floor)

THE PLAN:
Get Ryu to 100 Vigor with Dinkers/Fast Foods, then buy a ton of Wisdom Seeds and x2 Speed Shoes for him (Speed Shoes will be covered in Part 16).

HOW TO EXPAND TOWNSHIP:
1) Fill up all three houses of the first houses
2) Ask the carpenter to expand your town for 1000z
3) Enter, exit, and re-enter Township 8 times.

HOW TO COOK GOLD BRICKS:
1) Three stat-boosters (Guts Pills & Cond.Ups/Turbocharges count)
2) One of the following: Wisdom Seed, LifePL/Ammonia, Extract/Restorative, and any fish (except for Unagi/Garfish & Bait/Crappie).

HOW TO COOK DINKERS/FAST FOODS:
x4 CureAls/Panaceas

CHANCE OF GETTING CHARCOAL INSTEAD (applies to all recipes):
(Ryu LVL / 6) /64

CHANCE TO GET DOUBLE ITEMS:
(floor(total size / result size) * (16 if result size = 1, 8 if 2, 4 if 4 or 8, 2 if 16 or 32)) / 64
[Gold Bricks have a value of "1", which is why they're guaranteed doubles with the above recipe)

RECIPE COMPENDIUM (contains the "size" and "type" of all items, as well):
http://pkhack.fobby.net/misc/txt/bof2_cooking.txt

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Subject mistake... I hope  .

[Fionordequester]

Welcome to the Salad Toss show! The carnival of carnage! Can we rescue the grassman from becoming green grue? Or will M.C. Tusk slap you? Find out, today!



Part 15: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—Hide-and-Seek (Uparupa & M.C. Tusk)

THUMBNAIL ART BY: Merinid-DE
MERINID-DE's ART GALLERY: https://www.deviantart.com/merinid-de
Special thanks for giving me permission to use it!

"PLOT POINTS" THUS FAR (Beretta upgrades her wares for every 8 plot points you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nympho's curse
2. Recruiting Seso.
3. Acquire the 2nd Tier dragons
4. Recruit 3 tenants and expanding Township.
5. Defeat Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeat Kuwadora.
8. Ranger's Guild cutscene
9. Defeat Munmar.
10. Defeat M.C.Tusk.

WARNING:
The Algerfruit from the merchant is the only one he has. Lose it, and you have to fight arguably the hardest boss in the entire game, before then going through the cave again. Resetting will definitely save you time.

UPARUPA ODDITY:
There are two holes that will allow you to get an extra item when you draw an Uparupa out of it. See the two red Xs' on this map:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/snes/56353...a-cave-map

ENEMY AI:
C.Sludges/Goo Champions:
Run away with probability 3/8 (turn 1-4) or 100% (turn 5-7)
Otherwise, 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack

[The probability of running away is intended to be 1/16 (turn 1), 1/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 3/8 (turn 4+). However, the turn number was capped in the wrong direction before looking this value up.

Additionally, Goo Champions are intended to have a 129/256 chance of casting Fire Breath on turns where it doesn’t run away or defend. However, the upper byte of the Y register is cleared before this probability and spell list can be read]

Ganets/Ganymedes:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, 129/256 cast spell, 127/256 attack
Spell list: Cure 2, Atk-Up, Def-Up, Hush

Beetles/Goldlice:
If used BuildUp last turn, attack
Otherwise, 3/4 BuildUp
Otherwise 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack

Dynafangs:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or cast Jolt (75%)
[Like many spellcaster enemies, DinaFung is intended to just attack when its AP is 12.5% or lower. However, this check is bugged, so this will never happen.]

Pimas/Ugly Ducklings:
50% to run, if any monster has escaped or died
Otherwise, 1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack or cast Speed

Stone Golems:
50% to defend
Otherwise, Heal or Attack

Cockatrices (37.5% Counter-attacks):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or cast Hush/Silence (75%)

Arubans/Fallen Elves:
75% to Attack Twice
Otherwise, 1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack once or cast Hush/Silence

Sirens:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or cast spell (75%)
Spell list: Dream Breath (25%), Cycone (75%)

Stinger (37.5% Counter-attacks):
1/64 defend, 63/64 Cure 1
Stinger has a 3/8 chance to counter the Attack command.

UPARUPA AI (100% Counter-attacks):
Do Nothing

M.C. TUSK/RINGMASTER AI:
Phase 1 (381+ HP): Attack (75%), Raaaaaage (25%, Deals 48 non-elemental Damage to All)
Phase 2 (380 HP or lower): Attack (50%), Raaaaaage (25%, Deals 48 non-elemental Damage to All), Rejuvinate (25%)

THE ROUTE:

Overworld:
Sail down-right to Melodia!

Melodia (Defensive Formation):
—Run from Golems. Use Auto on single enemies, and Jolt + Flameblast on multiple enemies
Talk to Ringmaster
—TRADE: Speed Suit (Sten)
Save
Sail to Guntz in the lower-right

Guntz:
—SELL: Herbs, Antidotes, Panaceas, Guts Belt, Longsword, Silk Glove, Iron Plates, Headbands, Royal Crown, & Gold Armor
—BUY: Fire Spices till x4 slots left, then buy x4 Thunder Rods
Deposit all but 600z
Sail right to Township

Township:
Go inside base for restoration, then save
—COOK: x3 Stat Boosters + Conch = x2 Gold Bricks; x4 Thunder Rods = x1 Hardtack
Visit the 2nd room in the well

Uparupa Cave:
—Sirens: Scatter; Ryu chooses one while the others choose another
—X1 Stinger: Scatter; Ryu & Rand strike before Lin finishes
—X2-3 Stingers: Fire Spice/Fireblast with melees.
1st Room: Use a Smoke Bomb, go left to get a Quarterstaff for Lin, use a Smoke Bomb when all are out of the water, get a Coin.
2nd Room: Dip into lower passage for Ocean Robe
3rd Room: Use a Smoke Bomb, then buy Alger Fruit!
Go to the Uparupa hole that’s just next to the leftmost one!

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Uparupa (520 HP): Scatter
Turn 1: Auto Battle so it hurts everyone (death warp)
Turn 2: Electric Whelp while everyone attacks
---------------------------------------------------------

Snag the Buster Sword & Iron Shield!
—EQUIP: Buster Sword then get everyone’s Defense to 69
Having low Defense is actually *helpful* if the difference is 99-137!
Death Warp

Melodia:
Re-equip everyone
Retrieve Zenny from the bank
—ORDER: Rand/Sten/Lin/Ryu

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Ringmaster (1520 HP): Defensive
Turn 1: Rand (W. Seed → Ryu), Sten (Fireblast), Lin (Fire Spice), Ryu (Fire Whelp)
Turn 2: Rand (Fire Spice), Ryu (Fire Whelp)
Lin & Sten: One uses Wisdom Seed on Ryu, the other uses a Vitamin
Turn 3: Sten (Fireblast)
---------------------------------------------------------

—CHANGE PARTY: Ryu/Rand/Sten/Aspara

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Wrong title.



Actually a pretty good line... But it's incredible that "blood" made it in there.



The old translation is always getting "Alger" and "Owl" mixed up.



Amazing. Amazing prose, all-around. Also, that 2nd textbox is from the demos. Those were cut from the Retranslation, though Ryusui still translated the lines.

[Fionordequester]

PARTY CHAT (Aspara is recruited!):

Bosch: I never know who I'm gonna run into traveling with you...that's the fun of it! Take that Aspara character for example. Sometimes I can't tell if it's a he or a she!

I think the proper pronoun in that case is "they/their"... right? As in, "I can't tell if they're a he or a she"?

Rand: Aspara the Grassman... A real wild card, that one. He's got the perfect poker face...no telling what's going on in that head of his. Now, I don't think he's plotting against us or anything...but damn, does he ever laugh or cry or get pissed off or anything?

The game usually calls him "he", but it's not a for-sure thing. Even Ryusui doesn't know for sure. He just knows there's a perverted old man later on that gets confused as to his gender :mmmhmm: !

Lin: Those bastards at the Battle Show were gonna use me the same way. It pisses me off just thinking about it! I could never just sit there and wait for someone to set me free like Aspara... I'd be kicking and screaming to the end!

Nina (in the lobby): Talking to trees is a handy trick... Let's bring Aspara along and see what he can dig up!

This is a hint. The Elder Tree we're trying to find is NOT the only one around... There's several of them! Unfortunately, most of them aren't very helpful, so I don't usually visit them in the main walkthrough.

Nina (in her room): Aspara's been asking us how we all got together for the first time... Come to think of it, I don't have a clue how or why it happened, but I'm happy it did!

Breath of Fire II in a nutshell.

Sten: Ah, Melodia...the things I could tell you about that place! It is...it's so...er...um...there.

I think this is a joke on his character demo. He tried to do his "magic monkey thing", and absolutely no one gave a darn. That probably stung, even if there was a language barrier.

Tapeta (in the lobby): Our leafy friend Aspara...his talents are quite invaluable, but it pains me to see a face that does not wear a smile... I know! I shall bring my razor-sharp wit and cunning wordplay to bear! Even the most determined frown cannot resist!

Aspara (in the lobby): To gather in the same place allows us to communicate with minimal expenditure of resources. It is quite efficient.

Aspara (in her room): I've never had a room of my own before...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARTY CHAT (Deis is recruited!):

Bosch: The legendary sorceress, Deis... I always thought somebody like that would be all fire and brimstone... She's always so sweet on Ryu, it's almost disturbing...

Rand: So, the legends of Deis's magical prowess being matched only by her beauty are founded in fact after all... Of course, the legends also say she's over 10,000 years old...

I think the correct possessive case for names ending in "s" is...

s'

...not...

s's

"Deis' staff", not "Deis's staff"... Or are both technically correct?

Lin: Men sure seem to love people with bounce to 'em like Deis does! You too, Ryu?

The text you see in the patch itself is "Most men would walk barefoot over hot coals and broken glass for a chest like mine. What about you, Ryu?"... But, that was a translation error. Ryusui didn't have context for a lot of Township party chat, so he thought Deis was speaking here.

Nina (in the lobby): Deis said I was just a 'sprout' compared to her... I know I can never be as powerful as a legend like her... But she doesn't have to be so brutally honest...

Nina (in her room): I'll continue to refine and improve my skills. Matching Deis spell-for-spell may be an impossible dream, but I'll still try! Even if she is the stronger magician, please be sure to bring me along from time to time!

Dang, even the game admits that Deis is basically Nina, but better. "Spells" are the least of Nina's problems, when you consider Deis' bulk, her speed, and her regeneration...

Sten: The legendary serpent-lady Deis has a crush on you, Master?...That's it. I officially resign my position as this team's resident expert on the fairer sex!

Tapeta: Oh, tres bien, tres bien! Never before have I seen such a heart-stopping example of womankind! Ooh! I feel my legs turning to pate every time I look at her!

Yep, he's~ got a type, alright. Nothing but "hot witches" for him!

Aspara: So, the legendary sorceress Deis has allied herself with us... If memory serves, her longevity is matched only by the Elder Tree Gandharve...

Deis (in the lobby): Boy, you sure know how to pick a flophouse! There's barely enough room for me and my radiant majesty! But hey, if it's your flophouse, I guess I can't complain, right? Ahahahahahahaha!

...Is she saying she's fat?

Deis (in her room): [She's talking in her sleep. She seems to be quite enjoying herself.] Hee hee...oh, Ryu, you naughty boy...Zzz...zzz...

[Fionordequester]

Alright guys! Ready to tackle the game's 2nd hardest boss! Algernon!!



Bonus #4: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—Algernon (Owl Fruit)

THUMBNAIL ART BY: 「せいはち」(The uncropped version is in his art gallery!)
せいはち's ART GALLERY: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/3498832
Special thanks for giving me permission to use it!
[Pixiv is basically the Japanese version of Deviant Art]

NOTE:
If you saved before Uparupa Cave, it's far better that you just reset and try catching it again, rather than getting Alger Fruit from this fight. You have to go back through ANYWAY, and you lose more money on the Fire Spices you expend than you win from Algernon. That, and the fight itself is pretty long and dangerous.

ALGERNON AI:

Algernon:
1/64 defend
50%+ HP : Attack (93.5%), Cold Breath (6.5%; 24-39 non-elemental damage)
25%-50% HP: Attack (87%), Cold Breath (13%; 24-39 non-elemental damage)
12.5%-25% HP: Attack (75%), Cold Breath (25%; 24-39 non-elemental damage)
Less than 12.5% HP: Attack (50%), Cold Breath (50%; 24-39 non-elemental damage)

Danielle/Lienda:
Always cast Cure 2/Rejuvinate

Suiky/Eskey:
Always cast Thunder/Jolt

After each action, if Algernon is alive, there is a 50% chance of reviving Danielle on odd-numbered turns, or Suiky on even-numbered turns. If this happens, the preceding action cannot be countered.

FIRE BREATH/COLD BREATH DAMAGE:
Smallest multiple of 16 strictly greater than caster's luck, plus (-8...7).
[Algernon has 32 Luck]

THE STRAT:
Lin & Sten attack & heal as necessary (they outspeed Algernon, but not Lienda & Eskey), while Ryu & Rand spam Fire Spices. That will hopefully keep Lienda & Eskey locked down.

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Remember what I said about their struggle with "Owl" vs "Alger" ?

[SmithyGCN]

Owl Jornan sounds like Owl Jordan or Al Jolson to me for some reason.







Suddenly, I remember the cartoon with the singing owl.... "I love to singa"

[Fionordequester]

Owl Jornan sounds like Owl Jordan or Al Jolson to me for some reason.

Suddenly, I remember the cartoon with the singing owl.... "I love to singa"

Lol!  Sorry for the late reply!  I don't typically get other posts here, but I'll try to be on the lookout from now on.  I'll also check that out, as it looks like that's a Tex Avery animation.

Anyways... Ready to learn how to take on some of the game's best writing, coupled with some of its most frustrating gameplay!  Ready to hear a new way of mixing me & Skaizo's voice?  Then come!  Welcome to Highfort!

NOTE: Tell me if the game's audio is loud enough compared to us!



Part 16: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—Wanderer (Highfort 1/2; Trubo)

THUMBNAIL ART BY: 「せいはち」(The uncropped version is in his art gallery!)
せいはち's ART GALLERY: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/3498832
Special thanks for giving me permission to use it!
[Pixiv is basically the Japanese version of Deviant Art]

PLOT POINTS (Gone forever, if done before recruiting Beretta.  She upgrades her wares for every 8 you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Seso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora.
8. Finding out about the Gate incident at the Rangers' Guild.
9. Defeating Munmar.
10. Defeat M.C.Tusk.

ENEMY AI:
Basilisks:
75% chance to Attack twice
Otherwise, 1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack Once (75%) or cast Def.Down/Weaken (25%)

Goo Champions (Weak to fire):
Run away with probability 3/8 (turn 1-4) or 100% (turn 5-7)
Otherwise, 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack
[The probability of running away is intended to be 1/16 (turn 1), 1/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 3/8 (turn 4+).  However, the turn number was capped in the wrong direction before looking this value up.  Additionally, Goo Champions were intended to have a 50% chance of casting FireBreath... However, the upper byte of the Y register is cleared before this probability and spell list can be read.]

Dynafangs:
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or Jolt (75%)
[Like many spellcaster enemies, DinaFung is intended to just attack when its AP is 12.5% or lower.  However, this check is bugged, so this will never happen.]

Pollens/Bomb Seeds (Weak to ice):
If used BuildUp last turn, attack
Otherwise, 3/4 BuildUp (doubles the damage of the next Attack)
Otherwise, 1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (87%) or cast a spell (13%)
Spell list: Spark/Flare (75%) or Flameblast (25%)

Death Bringers (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (93%) or cast Death (7%)

Pharaoh Mages (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, with probability 100% (turn 1), 5/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 0 (turn 4+), cast spell
Otherwise Attack
Spell list: Frost (50%), Zombie Breath (25%), Iceblast (25%)
[Note that in a lead-off attack, the first enemy action occurs on turn 2]

Raloobas/Larvae Crawlers (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Poison Breath with probability 17/256 (if over 50% HP), 33/256 (if over 25% and at most 50%), 65/256 (if over 12.5% and at most 25%), or 129/256 (if 12.5% HP or under)
Otherwise attack

Soulflickers (Weak to holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or cast a spell (75%)
Spell list: Steal HP (Sap/Drain) or steal AP (Drain/Leech Power)

TURVOE AI (50% critical hits):
Always attacks twice
[Round 1 ends when Sten dies, or when Sten takes 4 actions]
[Round 2 will cause a game-over, if Sten can't beat Turvoe in 5 actions]

THE ROUTE:

Overworld:
Sail to Whale Cape
Use a Smoke Bomb and walk lower-left into big tree to talk to Gandharve
—X2 Striker Bears: Whelp one, while Aspara Blunts the other (always works)
Use a Smoke Bomb after stepping left of upper-left patch of dirt
—EQUIP: Coin + Bamboo Rod to Ryu, Bare Knuckle to Rand, Bowie Knife to Sten, & Clothing to Aspara
Spawn some fish near the leftmost house, then fish out a Manillo
—SELL: Gold Bricks, Ocean Robe, Iron Knuckle, Copper Baton, Iron Bands, Headbands, & Escutcheons
—BUY: x1 Speed Shoes, x1 Holy Scarf, & x5 Courage Belts
—EQUIP: x1 Courage Belt to Ryu, x2 Courage Belts to Rand, Speed Shoes + Holy Scarf to Sten
Go counter-clockwise around the continent back to Melodia

Melodia:
Talk to exposition bot
—CHANGE PARTY: Ryu/Rand/Sten/Lin
Roll on over to Highland (far right continent, below Township)
—X2 Basilisk: Fireblast + Jolt; Ryu Whelps one, Lin attacks the other

Highland:
—EQUIP: Bandana & Wristband to Ryu, and Defender + Circlet to Sten
Snag Speed Suit & Papillon in the basement
Snag Restorative before walking out
—SELL: Speed Suit & Papillon
—BUY: Up to x18 Herbs, x18 Vitamins, & x3 Ammonias
—STORE: All your Zenny

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Turvoe (110 HP):
Pretend in Round 1 and die
X2 Fireblasts in Round 2
---------------------------------------------------------

Heal Sten via healing fountain
—Pharaoh Mummies: Fire Blast + Melee
—Deathbringers: x2 Fire Blasts
—Goo Champion: Flare
—Bomb Seeds: Melee
1st Many Door Room: Get Dream Jewel from upper-right room
Treasure passageways: Get Assassin Dagger & Hawk Knife from the first left and right passages, take the center path, then go to the right to find the gang!

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Don't worry, Ryu.  There's plenty of fish in the sea.



L & R mix-ups, always a classic.



How do you "reduce casting"?



Ah, you spelled "treasure" incorrectly.



Amazing how literally every single textbox of this mini-game has problems :lol: !



Hey, that's my favorite band!

[Fionordequester]

Sten & Trubo launch their counter-offensive, and uncover Spuke's diabolical plan! Can they her?! Find out, today!



Part 17: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—Pincer Attack! (Highfort 2/2; Shupkay)

STEN & KANJI ART BY: 「せいはち」(The unaltered version is in his art gallery!)
せいはち's ART GALLERY: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/3498832
Special thanks for giving me permission to use it!
[Pixiv is basically the Japanese version of Deviant Art]

BACKGROUND & OFFICIAL ART SPLICING BY: Fionordequester

PLOT POINTS (Gone forever, if done before recruiting Beretta. She upgrades her wares for every 8 you get, up to a max of 24):
1. Breaking Nimufu's curse on Jean.
2. Recruiting Seso.
3. Acquire the dragon powers from the old man behind the waterfall.
4. Recruiting three residents and expanding Township.
5. Defeating Jailer.
6. Finishing the cooking contest in SimaFort.
7. Defeating Kuwadora.
8. Finding out about the Gate incident at the Rangers' Guild.
9. Defeating Munmar.
10. Defeat M.C.Tusk.
11. Acquiring the Famous Flute.

ENEMY AI:
Basilisks:
75% chance to Attack twice
Otherwise, 1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack Once (75%) or cast Def.Down/Weaken (25%)

Goo Champions (Weak to fire):
Run away with probability 3/8 (turn 1-4) or 100% (turn 5-7)
Otherwise, 1/64 defend, 63/64 attack

Death Bringers (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (93%) or cast Death (7%)

Pharaoh Mages (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, with probability 100% (turn 1), 5/8 (turn 2), 1/4 (turn 3), or 0 (turn 4+), cast spell
Otherwise Attack
Spell list: Frost (50%), Zombie Breath (25%), Iceblast (25%)

Raloobas/Larvae Crawlers (Weak to fire & holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Poison Breath with probability 17/256 (if over 50% HP), 33/256 (if over 25% and at most 50%), 65/256 (if over 12.5% and at most 25%), or 129/256 (if 12.5% HP or under)
Otherwise attack

Soulflickers (Weak to holy):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (25%) or cast a spell (75%)
Spell list: Steal HP (Sap/Drain) or steal AP (Drain/Leech Power)

MAGIC GATE AI (Absorbs elemental Damage... Except from dragon spells):
1/64 defend
Otherwise, Attack (75%) or cast a spell (25%)
Spell list: Cyclone (50%), Fire Breath (25%), or Typhoon (25%)

SPUKE AI (50% Counter-Attacks... But only if Katt or Rand Attacks. Weak to Holy, Resists All Else):

Phase 1 (Over 50% HP):
Turns 4n+1: Attack if Silenced, otherwise Silence the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)
Turns 4n+2: Attack if Silenced, otherwise Silence the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)
Turns 4n+3: Jolt (50%), Death (25%), Lightning (12.5%), or Curse (12.5%)
Turns 4n+4: Cure all ailments, if applicable. Otherwise, Silence the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)

Phase 2 (50% HP or less):
Turns 4n+1: Attack if Silenced, otherwise Leech Power from the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)
Turns 4n+2: Jolt (50%), Death (25%), Lightning (12.5%), or Curse (12.5%)
Turns 4n+3: Attack if Silenced, otherwise Leech Power from the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)
Turns 4n+4: Cure all ailments, if applicable. Otherwise, Leech Power from the character with the highest current AP (can be affected by Dare)

WHY DOES SPUKE ONLY COUNTER KATT & RAND?:
The game designers probably wanted her to gain a 50% Counter-Attack rate, once she dropped to half HP or lower. But, the programmer accidentally typed $001F, instead of $0F1F—so instead, she checks the Animation Data of whoever attacks her.

THE ROUTE:
Highland:
Bridge Room: Re-equip the party and use Auto
—Goo Champion: Jolt
—Pharaoh Mages: x1 Fire Spice + Melee
—x2 Deathbringers or Larva Crawlers: x2 Fireblasts while Ryu & Rand Defend
—Cockatrices: x2 Fireblasts + Ryu & Rand melee
—CHANGE FORMATION: Ryu/Lin/Rand/Sten
Equip your party like so before Magic Gate:

--------------------------------
Ryu: Buster Sword, Buckler, Clothing, Bandana, x2 Courage Belts
Lin: Copper Baton, Wristband, Breath Armor, Bandana, x2 Courage Belts
Rand: Hack Claw, Iron Shield, Tanned Armor, Bronze Helm, x1 Courage Belt
Sten: Assassin, Iron Shield, Speed Suit, Bronze Helm, Speed Shoes + Holy Scarf
--------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Magic Gate (1530 HP): Normal
Smack it upside the head while keeping everyone at full HP (Sten acts as healer). Use a Vitalizer or Hardtack if Typhoon is used
---------------------------------------------------------

Equip Solblade & Silver Knife right before...

---------------------------------------------------------
VS. Spuke (980 HP): Normal, 50% Counter-Attack rate on Rand & Lin
Turns 1-2: Ryu & Sten attack (Shupukay accidentally looks at the wrong byte)
Turn 3 (over 50% HP): Defend, then watch and see if Shupukay kills anyone with
Death. Rand revives them before finishing the fight, if so
Turn 3 (50% or under): Finish her; You just leapfrogged her only chance to attack!
---------------------------------------------------------

TRANSLATION MISHAPS:



Sten is completely unimpressed by the "drop you into a giant pit" trick.



She's "Shupkay" in the text boxes, but "Shupukay" in the actual fight.



The dashes are supposed to signify her elongating a word, but I don't think the English language uses them that way? Ryusui changed it to "Reeeeeeefresh" or something like that, in any case.

TRANSLATION BRILLIANCE:



Ok, THAT'S actually pretty funny! I actually prefer that to Ryusui's rendition, tbh :mmmhmm: .



Alright, so it's not exactly the same between the Official & Retranslation... But the imagery is there.

[Fionordequester]

Deis doesn't start having unique dialogue till around Farm Town, I believe, so she'll be missing for a bit.

PARTY CHAT (Sten—Wounded Warrior...):

Aspara: Castles like the one in Highland were common in ancient times, advanced weapons of war.  They were called Flying Fortresses.

Aha!  So it WAS an intentional reference!

Bosch (in the lobby): Highland's ruler is a real 'warrior princess'...brave and beautiful, with a mind sharp as a razor blade!

Bosch (in his room): Who would've guessed that a goofball like Sten could ever have lived through hell like that?...

Rand (in the lobby): Highland is a military state.  Every man and woman of age is enlisted in the army.

Rand (in his room): Sten's such a big phony...though you can't hate him for it.

Lin (in the lobby): So a flying castle was Highland's secret weapon...who would've thought?

Lin (in her room): Sten's always putting the moves on Nina and me, but he doesn't say a thing about how he feels to the girl he really loves... I just don't get him.

Nina (in the lobby): A machine that converts human emotion into energy...hmm.  Sounds familiar...

Nina (in her room): Ryu...if you found yourself falling in love with someone outside your class, like Sten has...what would you do?  I have a feeling Sten would find his love returned if he were ever to confess it to the princess...

Hint, hint, Ryu.

Tapeta (in the lobby): The castle, it is smashed all to pieces!  It will be tres difficult to repair it...

Tapeta (in his room): Ah, I can imagine the most romantic scene between Sten and the princess!  "Je t'aime, madame... I want you to marry me!", he says.  "Yes, I will marry you!" she says, and they all live happily ever after!  Of course, knowing Sten, such a grand finale would remain merely the work of my imagination...

And now... The big one.

Sten (in the lobby): Would you like to hear the story of why I never went back to Highland?  Well, here it goes.  Once upon a time, there was a man who hated his life as a soldier.  He went AWOL one day and never looked back... And that's all there is to it!  Ohohohoho!

Sten (in his room): ...I suppose you'd like me to tell you about Gufheim, wouldn't you?  It's really not worth talking about... But I suppose I owe you the story.  The whole sordid affair was started by a bunch of self-obsessed upstarts who decided to go to war against each other.  In the name of their glory and honor, we were thrown into a slaughterhouse.  Our casualties were staggering.  There were no winners in Gufheim...only survivors, and even they were few and far between.  And all those people died just to satisfy the egoes of the wealthy and privileged... Those who think of war as just a game.  I've seen the true, ugly face of war...and I never want to find myself staring at it again.

[Fionordequester]

Alright guys! Ready for a special guest? Ready to grind Sten? READY TO RELIVE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE ?!?



Bonus #5: Breath of Fire II Walkthrough—Sten Grind at Highfort

SPECIAL GUEST: Word on the Wind
She can be found on Hardcore Gaming 101's Top 47K Games of All Time podcast at http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/category/podcast

NOTE:
She brought up a good point. Rather than having to feed Sten EXP throughout the game, or needing to slowly grind him here, you could probably OHKO Turvoe with a Shaved Ice from Guntz, and some good luck. I don't know how MUCH good luck we're talking about there, but it's definitely possible.

ABOUT THE SKULL BRACE:
The target's wisdom gives Death the base hit rate:
Target is enemy: 48/64, 46/64, 44/64, 40/64, 32/64, 24/64, 16/64, 0
Target is player: 40/64, 38/64, 36/64, 32/64, 24/64, 16/64, 8/64, 0

The caster's wisdom gives a modifier:
+0, +10%, +20%, +30%, +35%, +40%, +45%, [+50% or bypasses player Resistance entirely]
[The last one depends on if you're a PC or an Enemy. PCs get the 50%, Enemies get it guaranteed, in the 205-255 Wisdom range]

The SkullBR and DmndBR multiply the caster wisdomm modifier by 1.5x and 0.5x respectively, but do nothing to the base hit rate of Death. So, if Katt had 46 Wisdom, her base chance of getting hit by Death is 36/64. The final boss has the 2nd highest Wisdom modifier you can have (45%), so that becomes 52/64. Hence, the DmndBR reduces that to... 44/64. SkullBR would make it guaranteed to land.

TL;DR, DmndBR is almost worthless, and the SkullBR is actively detrimental.

LEVEL TO HIT, IF NOT GRINDING OR POKING ADDRESSES:
LVL 19—Sten outspeeds Trubo at this level, so he can defeat him with two Fireblasts.

HOW TO ALTER CHARACTER STATS ON EMULATOR:
Tools → RAM Watch → Watches → New Watch → Put in relevant Address (change "size", if you're putting numbers higher than 255) → "Poke" said Addresses
[This is assuming Bizhawk. Terminology may differ across emulators]

RELEVANT ADDRESS TO POKE, IF STUCK:
7E520E: Slot 1's EXP (change "size" to "4 Bytes")
[Slot 1's other stats, like Attack, Defense, Condition, and etc., come shortly before this one, if you want to play around with those]