Questions before I begin

[ueI]

I've decided to finally start Etrian Odyssey IV, but I have a couple of questions first. I know that NPCs can join your party at certain points, but how many exactly are there? Is it 1 for each of the 3 unlockable classes? I'd also like to see pictures of these NPCs. I need this information to plan ahead.

[Wolkenritter]

You should already know, there's a thread on it.

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=1734

... You even posted in that thread... ._.

[ueI]

I'm so dumb. I didn't look at the pictures at the time and forgot you even posted any as a result. Sorry.

I'm going to ask weapon questions now, as I don't think there's a topic on that. How do weapons affect speed in EOIV? And do slash/bash/pierce/whatever work the same way as in previous games?

[BlueMortimer]

[Snowdome]

[ueI]

Thank you. I'd still like someone to tell me about the specifics of weapon speed. It might influence what weapon my landsknecht uses. I can't use previous games as a precedent because I heard the system is inconsistent throughout the series. e.g. weapons multiply speed in II and add to speed in III.

[Wolkenritter]

[ueI]

It really doesn't sound like a big deal, but I have to choose weapons somehow. These responses have been enough for me; anything further will only contribute to the general knowledge of the forum.

Upon further thought, I'll probably give my landsknecht both a sword and rapier.

[PLA]

^ As far as I know, nothing is slower than -3.