Ok, so I know I am way behind everyone, but oh well.
Stratum 2 randomness and Floor 11
[spoiler]Well, I beat Hellion. Since my team all hit level 30 after that battle, I retired them for the extra stats. That Hellion fight was hellish! It took me a few tries so I could keep everyone alive for the experience. Onyx's Climax was godly. One of the fights, she was the last one standing with 11hp, then she threw Climax and whoosh! Full heal and several levels. It pained me to turn off the game because I didn't want everyone to be so far behind. Anywhoo, was finally able to take him down and level everyone. I think they were all level 29 when he was beaten.
After retiring and losing 15 levels, I went back and did some quests. I finally figured out how to open the 3-day 4th floor and the map 7th & 8th floor quests! To unlock the 3-day 4th floor quest, you have to level a protector for the Duke. I did that, and voila! 3-day quest opened, which was good. I gained 4 levels on that quest. Then the map 7th & 8th floor quest opened. That was good because that was basically done! I had mapped both floors, so all I had to do was speak to Dubois, then go down the stairs to both the 7th & 8th floors. Once I set foot on each floor, the message popped up saying they were complete! Easy!
I also finished up the Cozier Inn, the Specimen collection, and the quest where I had to get the mint leaves and beast hides. That specimen quest was rough! I had to do that once twice because damn Devere died! The second time, I went back with two ward chimes and a pair of guard soles.
I have cure2 & salve 2 for my medic. Damn, but does that whip through TP. In order to hit the third stratum, I had to kill Hellion again. Game over. Next time, only Tesla was dead
, so now she's way behind everyone else. She's level 23, while everyone else is either level 25 or just about level 25. I saved because that is a tough fight. Oh well. I can always solo her if I really want to get those levels. I hit the 3rd Stratum, and it is lovely.
Reminds me of the 3rd Stratum of EO. The only quests I have before the 3rd Stratum are "Many happy returns" and "The beautiful Queen." I might do the "Many happy returns" quest before hitting the 3rd Stratum for real (I just peaked and didn't save; I like savoring this game).[/spoiler]