Liked this FAQ? Click to recommend it to other GameFAQs users.

--------------------------------------------------
Tales of Symphonia Strategy Guide by Alasdair Lo
System: Nintendo Gamecube
E-mail: kylohk@netvigator.com
Date: 3 May, 2005
Version 3.5
--------------------------------------------------
Contents: [Search Key]
1. Introduction [TOS1]

2. Updates [TOS2]

3. Getting Started [TOS3]
---a. Story [TOS3A]
---b. Characters [TOS3B]
---c. Basics [TOS3C]
---d. Status Ailments [TOS3D]
---e. EX Skills [TOS3E]
---f. Battle Strategies [TOS3F]

4. Strategy Guide Part 1: A Slow Start [TOS4]
---a. Awoken by the Professor [TOS4A]
---b. Into the Iselia Human Ranch [TOS4B]
---c. Banished from the Village [TOS4C]

5. Strategy Guide Part 2: Crashing into the Party [TOS5]
---a. Crossing the Sea [TOS5A]
---b. Exploring the New Continent [TOS5B]
---c. On the Other Side of the Peak [TOS5C]
---d. 8 Important Tasks [TOS5D]

6. Strategy Guide Part 3: Lloyd in Alternateland [TOS6]
---a. A Crash Landing [TOS6A]
---b. Crossing the Sea ECily [TOS6B]
---c. Can anyone save Presea [TOS6C]
---d. Forming Pacts [TOS6D]

7. Strategy Guide Part 4: Free Travelling Between Two Worlds [TOS7]
---a. Safe Arrival Outside Palmacosta [TOS7A]
---b. Back to Forming Pacts [TOS7B]
---c. Switching to Disc 2 [TOS7C]
---d. Up to Heaven and Down Again [TOS7D]
---e. Over 10 Diversions [TOS7E] (Optional)

8. Strategy Guide Part 5: The Final Crackdown [TOS8]
---a. Reentering the Tower of Salvation [TOS8A]
---b. The Union of the Two Swords [TOS8B]

9. Interesting Stuff [TOS9]
---a. After Beating the Game [TOS9A]
---b. Minigames and Diversions [TOS9B]
---c. Recipes [TOS9C]
---d. Techniques at a Glance [TOS9D]
---e. Submitter's Tips [TOS9E]
---f. How to Socialize and Make Friends [TOS9F]

10. Conclusion [TOS10]

Appendix I. Feedback Information [A1]
Appendix II. Game Synopsis [A2]
Appendix III. Monster List [A3]

-----------------------
1. Introduction [TOS1]
-----------------------
For some strange reason, the Nintendo Gamecube is supported more by 
Japanese developers than American developers, and good exclusives are 
given out from time to time. Tales of Symphonia is one of the exclusives. 
This game is made by Namco, and will be exclusive to all areas except Japan.

When it first came out, I hesitated to buy this game, in spite of it selling 
considerably well everywhere. Maybe it is because it is an RPG, and I really 
stereotype all RPGs to be boring, slow and turn-based games, without much 
realistic battle mechanics. (Adding an Active Time system won't make it 
much better, as you will still have plenty of time to make your move.) 
I also hesitated because of its high price tag. The game costs HK$450 
(HK$7.8 = US$1) in Hong Kong. That's daylight robbery, so I did not buy 
it on sight. But in the summer, I went to Singapore, and happened to come 
upon this game again, and it sold for only S$86.90. Having multiplied the 
price by 4.6, which was the exchange rate of the Singapore Dollar, I found 
that it was cheaper, so I bought it with some of my holiday money.

I must say that I did not regret my purchase. For one thing, Tales of 
Symphonia, like Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Final Fantasy: Crystal 
Chronicles is an Action RPG. Note the word Action. This means that you 
can have Full Control over your characters in battle and just about 
everywhere. SSBM fans should not find this game difficult, and you will 
see why when you play the game. The game really is long, there are 2 discs, 
and it took me about 53 hours of playing to beat it the first time, and 
certain optional tasks were missed. 

This game really has impressed me, as it is just so fun. I am not surprised 
that it sold well in the areas that it has been released, and I think that 
with another nice RPG for the Gamecube, it would not be very fair to say, 
"Nintendo Gamecube sucks in the Role Playing Department!" As it is an 
exclusive, people interested in this game might be buying a Gamecube for 
it. Now, let's stop chatting and begin the guide already. Note that this 
guide also acts as a GAME SCRIPT. Most of the dialogues of the scenes with 
voice acting will be included. They are marked by *****IMPORTANT SCENE***** 
and if you don't want to have the game spoiled as you read it, keep scrolling 
until you see *****END OF SCENE*****.

ALASDAIR LO'S HEALTH WARNING:
Medium to High Spoiler Content
This guide does not take more than 1.4 MB for nothing. As the events I 
witness throughout the game are typed in so much detail, a very large 
proportion of the content can spoil this game for you! So, if you do not 
want the events to be spoiled, I suggest you stop reader after Chapter 
3, then stop and skip to Chapter 9. Remember, the search keys are there 
to help you to jump. Ctrl + F is your friend!

------------------
2. Updates [TOS2]
------------------
Version 3.5:
Continued through the replay. Inserted information on Unison Attacks and 
all as I go.

Version 3.4:
I decided to go through the game another time. I decided to change the 
strategy at the beginning so as to avoid overlevelling Lloyd, to maintain 
a team balance. It worked fine, really. (I never get bored with this game. 
I also won't buy any more video games, regardless of platform until the 
Xbox 360 comes out. Here's hoping that a single company can dominate the 
industry, because having 3 console makers competing to be the best is NOT 
good. Instead, video games should compete with other forms of entertainment 
like movies.)

Version 3.3:
Completed chapter 9f.

Version 3.2:
Started a new section called "How to Socialize and Make Friends".

Version 3.1:
Fixed some spelling errors and formatting problems.

Version 3.0:
Completed the entire Monster List.

Version 2.9:
Added enemies in the Monster List up to enemy 240.

Version 2.8:
Added enemies 201-220 to the Monster List.

Version 2.7:
Added enemies 181-200 to the Monster List.

Version 2.6:
Added enemies 161-180 to the Monster List.

Version 2.5:
Added enemies 141-160 to the Monster List.

Version 2.4:
Added enemies 121-140 to the Monster List.

Version 2.3:
Added enemies 101-120 to the Monster List.

Version 2.2:
Added enemies 88-100 to the Monster List.

Version 2.1:
Added enemies 81-87 and 236 (Zelos Wilder) into the Monster List. The reason 
for this short update is due to the need for me to verify some data of 
some monsters with Raine. Also added Submitter's Tips in Chapter 9.

Version 2.0:
Added enemies 61-80 to the Monster List.

Version 1.9:
Added enemies 41-60 to the Monster List.

Version 1.8:
Added enemies 21-40 to the Monster List.

Version 1.7:
Started adding a Monster List as an Appendix.

Version 1.6:
Added the Locations of most of the monsters in the Monster Strategies 
Section.

Version 1.5:
Started tracking the levels of the whole group during the entire game.

Version 1.4:
Completed the Synopsis, fixed some minor errors.

Version 1.3:
Added the techniques lists of Presea and Regal. Added my preferences in 
the battle strategies section.

Version 1.2a:
Added the technique lists of Sheena and Zelos.

Version 1.2:
Added the technique lists of Genis and Raine.

Version 1.1:
Add Chapter 7d, Techniques at a Glance. Started to spell check the guide.

--------------------------
3. Getting Started [TOS3]
--------------------------
This is basically the basics section of the guide. If you want some general 
tips in playing this game, you can read it here.

-----------------
a. Story [TOS3A]
-----------------
In the world of Tales of Symphonia, mana is the source of all life. In 
the past, there used to exist a tree that was the source of all mana in 
that world. However, the tree was destroyed in a great war, and a hero 
was sacrificed to take its place.

A certain goddess was really sorry that the sacrifice must be made, and 
disappeared into the sky. She told the angels that she must be awaken 
because if she sleeps, the whole world will be destroyed. So, the Chosen 
One was born, and he/she has to head to the tower of Salvation to awaken 
this particular Goddess, and this marked the beginning of the regeneration 
of the world. At least this is what the instruction manual has to say.

But hey! Don't be so rest assured that the story line would be that simple 
in structure. During the course of the game, many unpredictable events 
will happen. People will betray you, people will first become enemies with 
you and then befriend you, betraying you again and then befriending you 
again! Some people will be captured and then be rescued in the most amazing 
ways, and you will discover that the whole world is not what you think 
it is. Therefore, please have a mental preparation for many turning points 
in the game. This is to all those people who have a "take it for granted" 
attitude while playing the game, cause I was shocked by all the sudden 
events the first time I have beaten the game! I will not spoil the plot 
in this section, but if you don't want the plot to be spoiled, please do 
not read the Strategy Guide part of the guide! You are now warned!

----------------------
b. Characters [TOS3B]
----------------------
Tales of Symphonia is a rather balanced game when it comes to sex ratios. 
Out of the 9 playable characters in the game, 5 are male, and 4 are female.

Lloyd Irving:
Lloyd Irving is the main character of Tales of Symphonia. His mother has 
died and he lives with his father outside Iselia, beyond a forest. Lloyd's 
father is a dwarf craftsman, and always reminds him of the Dwarven Vows, 
which are the principles of life. He is a good fighter, with brawn but 
no brains, and he often does not understand complicated words like 
"Gravity". Not a very smart student, I must say.

Colette Brunel:
Colette Brunel is the newest Chosen in Tales of Symphonia. She is to set 
out to regenerate the world. She is one of Lloyd Irving's friends, and 
the two are in the same class together. I must admit, for a Chosen one, 
Colette is a bit clumsy of a girl, and she topples backward for no reason 
at all. But this clumsiness can sometimes save her life! Colette is also 
an apologist. She likes to apologize for things that are not even her fault. 
She tries to act like Jesus, but does a very poor job of it, this is why 
I dislike this female character the most.

Genis Sage:
Genis is quite a shorty in this game. He is Lloyd's best friend. He is 
much smarter when compared with Lloyd, and such contrasting intelligence 
would mean a lot of entertainment for the gamer as he/she watches them 
interact with each other. As he is so smart, Genis is an excellent magician, 
and a wonderful cook. He lives in Iselia as well. Genis looks like a human, 
but is Genis' Genus really of the Homo Sapiens (Human)?

Kratos Aurion:
Not long after the beginning of the game, this purple suited mercenary 
swordsman will come over to join the party. You will also find that he 
is the person who tells the story at the beginning. He offers to protect 
the Chosen one for a price, and the group humbly accepts. Kratos is a skilled 
swordsman, and he really has a shady character. He tries to help Lloyd 
as much as he could at times. But you will find that he is not what you 
think he will be later in the game. I wonder who he really is... Be prepared!

Raine Sage:
Raine is Lloyd's teacher, and she is also the elder sister of Genis. She 
is much taller when compared to Genis. Raine is a friendly teacher, but 
she still believes in corporal punishment, and will give misbehaving 
students a spanking. Raine is also a big fan of ancient monuments, whenever 
there is something interesting to study, she will fall on it with all the 
enthusiasm she has in her heart that everyone else is sick of it. However, 
for a woman, she is just a rotten cook! Oh, the irony of it all...

Sheena Fujibayashi:
With such a surname, we would be sure that she would obviously be a Japanese 
woman in this world. At first, Sheena will ambush the group and will attempt 
to kill the Chosen One, but later, she will decide to befriend the group 
and fight with them. I wonder where she comes from, and why would she want 
to assassinate Colette in the first place. Oh, she does not like over 
aggressive men, and they are men who behaves like Zelos. Sheena really 
has a hot temper and can crack up with the slightest provocation, that 
is, when Zelos starts talking smart. This is why I like this female 
character the most.

Zelos Wilder:
Zelos is the Chosen One of the alternate world that Sheena comes from. 
Now this proves that not just women can be sent out to regenerate the world. 
Zelos' surname is just a bit too suited to his personality. He is so wild 
with women, and he seems to love EVERY single woman he comes across. He 
does have a lot of sense of humor, and he does not take his job as the 
Chosen with any seriousness at all! I am just so sorry for all the female 
characters in this group. Luckily, a certain assertive woman with the name 
Shenna is there to hold him at bay and rein him in. Zelos doesn't take 
things seriously and likes to forget about the miserable things in the 
past and move on. This is why he is my favorite male character.

Presea Combatir:
Presea Combatir is the fourth and final female character of Tales of 
Symphonia. Unlike most girls, Persea is not an emotional person. In fact, 
she does not have any emotions at all! All she has is this blank expression, 
and she does not even have intonation when she speaks. Presea's the number 
one sad girl in the game. I think she needs a good tickle. Why is she like 
this? Is she unhappy with something in life? Oh, by the way, Presea's 
ambition is to become a lumberjack, that's why she always wields an ax. 

Regal Bryant:
Hmm... This name reminds me of Royal Terrabaum, a certain character in a 
movie with the same name. But anyway, Regal Bryant has been court-martialed 
and sentenced to death for killing 23 people. Wait a sec, that's the crime 
of Billy Coen of Resident Evil 0. But anyway, Regal has killed a certain 
person, and that makes him so guilty that upon release from his sentence, 
he decides to wear handcuffs as a sign of punishment. As much as a criminal 
he looks, he is more important than you think he is.

------------------
c. Basics [TOS3C]
------------------
The Main Menu:
While you are walking around the field, pressing the Y button will put 
up the Main Menu. These are its controls.

Control Stick/Control Pad: Move Cursor
A Button: Confirm Selection
B Button: Cancel, Return to previous menu
C Stick: Scroll Page
L Button: Change to previous character
R Button: Change to next character
Start/Pause Button: Toggle Item Screen and Main Menu

Field Map:
Control Stick: Move Player Controlled Character
Control Pad: Open World Map
A Button: Enter Towns, Levels and other areas
B Button: Get on EC/Get off EC, take of in Rheaird/land Rheaird
C Button: Rotate Camera
X Button: Mount/Dismount Noishe (Long Range Mode)
Y Button: Open Main Menu
Z Button: Start Skit
L Button/R Button: Rotate Camera
Start/Pause Button: Toggle miniature version of World Map

Whenever your character is not inside a town or level, you will be in the 
field map. Your character will appear much larger than compared to the 
trees, and will appear almost as tall as certain hills. The enemies on 
the field map are denoted by moving black shadows of bipedal creatures 
and slugs. To fight them, walk into them, or just let them touch you.

To enter towns and areas, walk over to it and press A. In the Field Map, 
there are certain hidden posts around that can be used to activate Long 
Range Mode. Once it is activated, you can press the X-Button to get on 
your dog Noishe, and then ride on him. You can see further than when you 
are traveling on foot. On the Field Map, there are some places with light 
gleaming. If you walk into them, you can trigger certain scenes.

Throughout the game, your party will be able to access certain vehicles. 
This includes the EC, which is a boat. You can travel on the waters of 
the world map. To embark, you must be near a pier. The same goes if you 
want to disembark. Then, you can be able to get the Rheairds, which are 
some special flying machines. They are very fast, and with these, there 
is basically no area of the field map that you cannot access. However, 
the land you want to land on MUST be flat enough, to avoid a plane crash 
perhaps. To take off or land, press B. You can land directly on areas too.

Moving around in Towns and Levels
Control Stick: Move player-controlled character
Control Pad: Rotate player-controlled character for 45 degrees
A Button: The Action Button
X Button: Use the Sorcerer's Ring
Y Button: Open Main Menu
Z Button: Start Skit

To move around in towns and levels, just use the control stick. You can 
talk to other people and open treasure chests by pressing the A button. 
Suspicious things can also be examined by pressing the A button. Press 
X to use the Sorcerer's Ring. The Sorcerer's Ring does different things 
depending on the level. When the Sorceror's Ring is having its default 
function, you can always use it to shoot at enemies, and then they will 
turn blue, and will be unable to fight for a while. So, it is also a good 
self defense item when navigating levels. To fight, just walk into enemies.

Saving:
Tales of Symphonia is a rather long game, and therefore I suggest you save 
often. You will never know when a big boss battle is coming up, and so 
on. To save, run onto a save circle and press A. Then the save menu will 
appear and you can save. You can also save by going to the system option 
in the main menu, but you must be in the field map. In levels, certain 
save circles are not activated yet. So, you must find a Memory Gem from 
an enemy to activate the circle. Then you can save as you like.

Status Screen:
On the Status Screen, you can see a picture of your current character, 
his/her name, the title and his/her statistics. A character's title is 
important as it may affect how he/she levels up in the game. There are 
many ways to gain titles. But I must say that I do not care less about 
this feature. The statistics of each character are as follows:

Lv: This is your character's current level, you level up by gaining enough 
Experience Points, or simply known as EXP.

HP: This is the number of hit points the current has, over the total number 
of hit points. If you lose all of your HP, you are knocked out.

TP: This shows the number of technical points your character has, over 
the total number of technical points. TP is needed to use magic and/or 
techniques. You won't be KO'ed if you run out, don't worry.

EXP: This shows your character's Experience Points. Experience Points can 
be gained by defeating enemies, and if you have enough EXP, then you can 
gain a level, and all stats will increase.

Next: This shows the number of EXP required to reach the next level.

Str: This variable determines your basic attack strength. The more you 
have, the more powerful the physical blows you can strike on the enemy.

Sla: This variable determines Lloyd's attack strength for slashing attacks. 
Maybe it is because Lloyd uses Twin Blades.

Thr: This variable is also available to Lloyd only. It determines his attack 
strength for his Thrust attacks. Again, it must be for his Twin Blades.

Atk: This determines your character's attack power. It is dependent of 
the weapon your character is equipped with. The stronger the weapon, the 
higher the value, and the more damage will be dealt to the enemy.

Int: This determines the character's intelligence. The higher the value, 
the better he/she is at using magic, and at defending him/her against the 
magic.

Def: This variable determines your character's defensive strength, like 
how much he/she can take damage. It is dependent on your character's armor.

Acc: This is just your character's accuracy. No need for any expanations.

Eva: This is your character's evasion. It determines how well your 
character can avoid getting hit in battle.

Lck: This is your character's luck. It changes each time you stay at an 
inn, and affects many game features, including battle.

If you press C down at this point, you will get more information about 
the status of your attack, defense and other special status. 

If an elemental icon appears next to "Attack", it means that any basic 
attacks your character uses will bear that element.

As for "Defense", any element shown indicates which of those you are 
resistant to. If Reduce appear next to an icon, your damage to that element 
is reduced. If "Invalid" appears, then congratulations, you are immune 
to that element. If "Absorb" appears, then any damage taken of that element 
can be absorbed and heal you.

To induce resistance have special armor or accessories equipped. You need 
3 resisting equipment to have the "Absorb" status appear. 2 are needed 
for "Invalid" status.

For example, if Gold Armor and Golden Helm (Resistant to fire) were equipped 
on Zelos, any Fire damage will be invalided. If he equips an extra Garnet, 
then he will obtain the "Absorb" status for Fire.

Relationships:
In this game, there are many events, in which you get to choose how to 
reply to your character. You may lower or increase your character's 
affection to you, and it will affect many events in the game, and even 
the ending. This guide assumes you will choose the ones that will increase 
your friends' affections.

---------------------------
d. Status Ailments [TOS3D]
---------------------------
Tales of Symphonia is a Role Playing Game, and what could Role Playing 
Games be without Status Ailments to hinder your character? However, note 
that not all ailments are bad for your character. The Ailments are divided 
into two types: Physical Aliments and Magical Ailments. All Physical 
Ailments but KO can be healed by the Panacea Bottle. All Magic Ailments 
are to be cured after battle or with the aid of an Anti-Magic Bottle.

------------------
Physical Ailments
------------------
Poison: Your character will gradually lose HP as the battle goes on. His/her 
character icon will appear green in colour, and the HP will drop. To prevent 
poisoning, equip your character with a Poison Charm.

Deadly Poison: Your character will lose HP even faster than Poison. Again, 
you can protect yourself by equipping a Poison Charm.

Paralysis: Your character is paralyzed, and won't be able to attack as 
easily as before. Two yellow thunderbolts will appear above the affected 
character's head, when that happens. I think you will need a Paralysis 
Charm for protection here.

Petrify: Oh dear, your character is turned into stone! He/she cannot move 
and cannot do anything. So heal him/her quick! Stone Charm offers 
protection though.

Curse: If you are cursed, then you cannot use any of your special techniques. 
You will find an icon with a crossed out sword by your character's image. 
It's not that bad really, unless you happen to be of someone that is 
proficient in magic. Use a Drain Charm to protect yourself.

KO: When you lose all HP, you will be knocked out, so use a Life Bottle 
to revive your fallen character.

-----------------
Magical Ailments
-----------------
Attack Change: Your attack power will increase or decrease. This is denoted 
by the symbol of a fist with an arrow pointing up or down.

Defense Change: Your attack power will increase or decrease. This is 
denoted by the symbol of a shield with an arrow pointing up or down.

Accuracy Change: Your accuracy will increase or decrease. This is denoted 
by the symbol of a lens with an arrow pointing up or down.

Magic Attack Change: Your magic attack will increase or decrease. This 
is denoted by the symbol of a purple jewel with an arrow pointing up or 
down.

Holy Song Effect: Your attack power and defense strength are increased. 
This is denoted by a flower with 4 pink petals.

Physical Ailment Immunity: Your character cannot be affected by any 
physical ailments. This is denoted by a heart between 2 brackets.

Magical Ailment Immunity: You cannot be affected by any magical ailments. 
This is denoted by a man between 2 brackets.

Weak: Your character cannot regain HP more than half of his/her total. 
This is denoted by the character's icon turning red. Use an Anti-Magic 
Bottle quick!

---------------------
e. EX Skills [TOS3E]
---------------------
Throughout the game, you can find EX Gems. They give your character 
different abilities in the game. EX Gems are to be set in your character's 
4 slots, and cannot be removed once equipped, but they can be overwritten 
by the use of a new EX Gem. EX Gems can be of T-Type or S-Type, and they 
will affect what type your character will have. Each character has his 
own set of EX Gems. 2 or 3 EX Skills can be combined to form a Compound 
EX Skill that is even more powerful than a single EX Skill.

EX Gems are to be picked up from treasure chests, from enemies, or they 
can be purchased from Katz using your Grade. Note that not all compound 
EX Skills have been listed.

---------------
Lloyd
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Lloyd's Strength will be increased, so will his physical 
attacks.

Tough (Strike): Lloyd's Defense will increase, so he can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Sharp-eyed (Technical): This increases Lloyd's accuracy and physical 
attack damage on enemies with low evasion.

Level 2:
Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Lloyd's evasion. He can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Dash (Technical): Lloyd will move faster in battle.

Vitality (Strike): Lloyd's maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. This 
skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill called 
Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): This allows Lloyd to move faster in cities and levels.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Spirit (Technical): This increases Lloyd's maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Lloyd's maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great!

Add Combo (Technical): This allows Lloyd to hit the enemies one more time 
before stopping in a combo. So, he can hit the enemies 4 times in a row.

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Lloyd can take less damage which 
he is guarding against enemy attacks.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Lloyd will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Sky Combo (Technical): Lloyd can now hit things from the air with one more 
hit. Not really worth it, this one.

Ability Plus (Strike): Lloyd can perform 2 special attacks in a row without 
stopping! This is just great, I tell you! A certain must have.

Follow-up (Technical): The enemy will stagger for a longer time when hit, 
this is useful as it can prevent the enemy from fighting back while you 
bash him continuously with your sword.

Compound Skills:
Sharp-eyed + Dash = B. Guard: When Lloyd is backstepping, he may sometimes 
not stagger if hit.

Taunt + Dash = Run Away!: Now, Lloyd can escape from battle faster.

Taunt + Dodge = T. Cancel: Lloyd can cancel his taunt by guarding.

Strong + Tough = EX Attack: Lloyd will deal more damage against enemies 
that are guarding. Now you can have brute force!

Dodge + Vitality = EX Defend: This time, Lloyd can avoid staggering when 
hit by enemies, but not always. Good for people who like brute force.

Dodge + Spirit = Relax: Lloyd will recover TP during battle if no action 
is taken for a while.

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Lloyd's HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Lloyd's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Vitality + Guard Plus = Healing: This compound skill will allow Lloyd to 
heal himself slowly and steadily while she is standing still in battle.

Eternal + Immunity = Physical Status: Now Lloyd can sometimes avoid 
suffering from status ailments.

Guard Plus + Follow Up = Counter: If you press A as soon as Lloyd blocks 
an attack, he can now retaliate instantly!

Sky Combo + Ability Plus = Sky Attack: Lloyd can now perform certain special 
attacks in the air!

Spirit + Add Combo + Follow-up = Technical: Lloyd will now consume 10% 
less TP when using his techniques. Things really are getting quite 
Technical here now!

Guard Plus + Immunity + Sky Combo = Aerial Guard: Lloyd can now guard in 
mid air!

---------------
Colette
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Colette's Strength will be increased, so will her physical 
attacks.

Tough (Strike): Colette's Defense will increase, so she can take less 
damage from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Sharp-eyed (Technical): This increases Colette's accuracy and physical 
attack damage on enemies with low evasion.

Level 2:
Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Colette's evasion. She can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Magical (Technical): Colette will become more intelligent, and can deal 
more damage with her magical attacks.

Vitality (Strike): Colette's maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. 
This skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill 
called Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): This prolongs the effect of the Holy Bottle on Colette.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Spirit (Technical): This increases Colette's maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Colette's maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great!

Lucky (Technical): Colette becomes luckier.

Resurrection (Strike): With this skill in place. Colette may sometimes 
automatically resurrect and continue to fight when she is knocked out.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Colette will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Stat Boost (Technical): Now, whenever there are any spells that boost 
Colette's abilities, she will be affected more.

Angel Song (Strike): Colette's Angel attacks will take a shorter time to 
charge. So, this is another must have for Colette, as she is angelic.

Sky Combo (Technical): Colette can now hit things from the air with one 
more hit. Not really worth it, this one.

Compound Skills:
Strong + Tough = Critical Up: Colette will have a higher chance of getting 
critical hits on her enemies.

Dodge + Vitality = EX Defend: This time, Colette can avoid staggering when 
hit by enemies, but not always. Good for people who like brute force.

Taunt + Personal = L. Unison: Sometimes, the Unison Attack Gauge will stay 
full after a Unison Attack.

Sharp-eyed + Lucky = Pow Hammer: Colette will occasionally counter with 
a Pow Hammer when attacked.

Personal + Eternal = Over Limit: Colette will be over limit for a longer 
period of time.

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Colette's HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Colette's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Vitality + Stat Boost = Life Thief: Colette can recover HP which is directly 
proportional to the number of hits she lands in a combo.

Taunt + Personal + Eternal = EXP Plus: Colette will gain 5% more Exp after 
a battle.

Sharp-eyed + Magical + Lucky + Stat Boost = Item Getter: Colette will now 
ALWAYS steal items using Item Thief or Item Rover!

Taunt + Personal + Eternal + Angel Song = EXP Plus A: Colette AND the entire 
group will gain even more Exp than when affected by EXP Plus!

---------------
Genis
---------------
Level 1:
Magical (Technical): Genis will become more intelligent, and can deal more 
damage with his magical attacks.

Tough (Strike): Genis' Defense will increase, so he can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Genis' evasion. He can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Level 2:
Spirit (Technical): This increases Genis' maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Genis' maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great! Good for magic users.

Dash (Technical): Genis will move faster in battle.

Personal (Strike): This allows Genis' cooking to have a better effect on 
the party.

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Genis can take less damage which 
he is guarding against enemy attacks.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Add Combo (Technical): This allows Genis to hit the enemies one more time 
before stopping in a combo. So, he can hit the enemies 3 times in a row. 
This is not very useful, as Genis himself is not a good melee fighter.

Rhythm (Technical): This skill is useful only if you play as Genis. When 
casting spells, tap A rapidly to cast spells faster

E. Guard (Strike): Genis will be more immune to elemental attacks with 
this skill in place.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Genis will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Spell Cast (Technical): Genis will cast spells faster with this skill, 
and hence he can easily line up combos with melee characters.

Spell Save (Strike): If Genis is hit by an enemy while is preparing a spell, 
he does not need to start from square one when he has to charge again. 
This is because he will charge faster when he restarts the charging to 
make up for the lost time.

Spell Charge (Technical): This is only useful if you are playing as Genis. 
While delaying a spell, tap the A Button, then as soon as the last attack 
on the targeted enemy is executed, the spell will be cast. Again, good 
for lining up a long combo, so this is another must have for Genis players 
out there.

Compound Skills:
Taunt + Personal = L. Unison: There is a chance that the Unison Attack 
gauge stays full after an attack.

Magical + Spirit = Technical: Genis will consume less TP when using his 
magic tricks. Neat!

Dodge + Spirit = Relax: Genis will recover TP during battle if no action 
is taken for a while.

Personal + Eternal = Over Limit: The time Genis is in Over Limit Mode will 
increase.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Genis' TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Taunt + Personal + Eternal = EXP Plus: Genis will gain 5% more Exp than 
the other teammates.

Rhythm + Speed Cast = Reducer: This skill will reduce Genis' TP consumption 
if the same spell is used twice in a row.

Rhythm + Spell Cast + Spell Save + Spell Charge = Concentrate: Genis will 
never ever stagger while he is casting a spell! He is now unstoppable! 

---------------
Raine
---------------
Level 1:
Magical (Technical): Raine will become more intelligent, and can deal more 
damage with her magical attacks.

Tough (Strike): Raine's Defense will increase, so she can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Raine's evasion. She can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Level 2:
Spirit (Technical): This increases Raine's maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Raine's maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great! Good for magic users.

Neutralizer (Technical): This skill will help Raine take no damage from 
physical attacks, but only occasionally.

E. Guard (Strike): Raine will be more immune to elemental attacks with 
this skill in place.

Personal (Strike): When Raine stands on a Save Point, any techniques used 
outside of battle, like First Aid will take only 1 TP!

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Add Combo (Technical): This allows Raine to hit the enemies one more time 
before stopping in a combo. So, she can hit the enemies more times in a 
row. This is not very useful, as Raine herself is not a good melee fighter.

Spell Cast (Technical): Raine will cast spells faster with this skill, 
and hence she can easily line up combos with melee characters. This skill 
can be combined with the Add Combo skill for a compound EX skill called 
Hard Hit, which increases the enemies' staggering when hit.

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Raine can take less damage which 
she is guarding against enemy attacks.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Raine will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Item Pro (Technical): This skill allows Raine to use items faster, hence 
she can get back to the action sooner than before.

Spell Save (Strike): If Raines is hit by an enemy while she is preparing 
a spell, she does not need to start from square one when she has to charge 
again. This is because she will charge faster when she restarts the charging 
to make up for the lost time.

Happiness (Technical): With this skill, Raine will be so happy that she 
all occasionally receive more money and EXP after a battle.

Compound Skills:
Dodge + Spirit = Relax: Raine can recover TP when she relaxes. That is, 
when she does nothing for a while during battle.

Personal + Speed Cast = Nimble Mage: Raine can move IMMEDIATELY after she 
has finished casting a spell!

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Raine's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Neutralizer + Happiness = Lucky Magic: Raine can sometimes cast spells 
without consuming a single TP!

Add Combo + Spell Cast = Hard Hit: The enemy will stagger for a longer 
time when hit by a physical attack. This really helps preventing them from 
fighting back and causing trouble.

Neutralizer + Spell Save + Happiness = Quick Spell: Raine sometimes can 
ast spells WITHOUT any charging time! Ha ha! Instant damage!

---------------
Kratos/Zelos
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Zelos' Strength will be increased, so will his physical 
attacks.

Magical (Technical): Zelos will become more intelligent, and can deal more 
damage with his magical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Zelos' evasion. He can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Level 2:
Spirit (Technical): This increases Zelos' maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Zelos' maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great! Good for magic users.

Dash (Technical): Zelos will move faster in battle.

Vitality (Strike): Zelos' maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. This 
skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill called 
Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): Ohh, you are such a handsome man, Zelos. With this EX 
Skill in use, Zelos can become a real flirt, and talking to ladies as him 
may result in him receiving a free item!

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Slasher (Technical): This skill increases Zelos' basic attack combo by 
3! This means that Zelos can slash enemies 6 times in a row! However, please 
note that you cannot link your basic attack to a special attack after the 
3rd slash. So count your slashes, and be prepared.

Super Chain (Technical): This is another good skill for combo lovers. It 
allows Zelos to link level 1, 2 and 3 special attacks in any order!

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Zelos can take less damage which 
he is guarding against enemy attacks. Wait, there's more, when you combine 
this EX skill with the Vitality, skill, Zelos can learn a compound skill 
called Healing! This heals Zelos gradually as he stands still in battle.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Zelos will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Spell Cast (Technical): Zelos will cast spells faster with this skill, 
and hence he can easily line up combos with melee characters.

Sky Combo (Technical): Zelos can now hit things from the air with one more 
hit. Not really worth it, this one.

Spell Charge (Technical): This is only useful if you are playing as Zelos. 
(You are controlling him manually, that is) While delaying a spell, tap 
the A Button, then as soon as the last attack on the targeted enemy is 
executed, the spell will be cast. Again, good for lining up a long combo, 
so this is another must have for Genis players out there.

Compound Skills:
Strong + Peronal = Critical Up: Zelos will have a higher chance of getting 
critical hits on his enemies.

Magical + Spirit = Skill Boost: Zelos will consume TP much more efficiently 
when using his special techniques.

Magical + Personal = Reprise: Now, if Zelos casts the same spell twice 
in a row, the casting time of the second spell will be shorter.

Dash + Personal = EX Attack: Zelos will deal more damage against enemies 
that are guarding. Now you can have brute force!

Dodge + Vitality = EX Defend: This time, Zelos can avoid staggering when 
hit by enemies, but not always. Good for people who like brute force.

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Zelos' HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Zelos' TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Eternal + Immunity = Phys. Status: This completely prevents Zelos from 
suffering from any Physical Ailments. Again, not a bad choice.

Vitality + Guard Plus = Healing: This compound skill will allow Zelos to 
heal himself slowly and steadily while he is standing still in battle.

Super Chain + Sky Combo = Landing: Now, Zelos can move faster after ladning 
from an air attack or jump.

Eternal + Slasher + Super Chain = Super Blast: Zelos can link his sixth 
hit of Slasher with any special attack!

---------------
Sheena
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Sheena's Strength will be increased, so will her physical 
attacks.

Tough (Strike): Sheena's Defense will increase, so she can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Sharp-eyed (Technical): This increases Sheena's accuracy and physical 
attack damage on enemies with low evasion.

Level 2:
Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Sheena's evasion. She can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Dash (Technical): Sheena will move faster in battle.

Vitality (Strike): Sheena's maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. This 
skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill called 
Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): This slows down the reaction time of enemies in levels.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Spirit (Technical): This increases Sheena's maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Sheena's maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great! Good for magic users.

E. Guard (Strike): Sheena will be more immune to elemental attacks with 
this skill in place.

Prolong (Strike): Sheena's card type spells, for example, he tempest seals 
will have a longer effect in battle.

Level 4:
Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Sheena can take less damage which 
she is guarding against enemy attacks. Wait, there's more, when you combine 
this EX skill with the Vitality, skill, Sheena can learn a compound skill 
called Healing! This heals Sheena gradually as she stands still in battle.

Add Combo (Technical): This allows Sheena to hit the enemies one more time 
before stopping in a combo. So, she can hit the enemies more times in a 
row. This IS quite useful, as Sheena herself is quite a good melee fighter, 
although not as good as Zelos.

Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Sheena will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Spell Cast (Technical): Sheena will cast spells faster with this skill, 
and hence he can easily line up combos with melee characters.

Compound Skills:
Strong + Tough = EX Attack: Shenna will deal more damage against enemies 
that are guarding. Now you can have brute force!

Dodge + Vitality = EX Defend: This time, Sheena can avoid staggering when 
hit by enemies, but not always. Good for people who like brute force.

Dash + Prolong = Hard Hit: The enemy will stagger for a bit longer when 
hit with Sheena's basic attacks.

Dash + Add Combo = Combo Force: Sheena can deal more damage with her combo 
hits! So, go and hit them hard!

Dash + Speed Cast = Quick Turn: Now, Sheena can become more versatile, 
as she can now turn around while dashing!

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Sheena's HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Sheena's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Eternal + Immunity = Phys. Status: This completely prevents Shenna from 
suffering from any Physical Ailments. Again, not a bad choice.

Vitality + Guard Plus = Healing: This compound skill will allow Sheena 
to heal herself slowly and steadily while she is standing still in battle.

Spirit + Guard Plus = Spirit Healer: Sheena will gain more TP after a battle.

E. Guard + Guard Plus = M. Guardian: Sheena will take less damage when 
using the Guardian Seal move.

Eternal + E. Guard + Speed Cast = E. Plus: Sheena will deal more damage 
with her elemental attacks. This applies to Demon Seal and all the Summon  
Spirit moves with elements!

Prolong + Guard Plus + Speed Cast = Blood Spirit: Now, you can actually 
recover something from taking damage! It's TP!

---------------
Presea
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Presea's Strength will be increased, so will her physical 
attacks.

Tough (Strike): Presea's Defense will increase, so she can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Sharp-eyed (Technical): This increases Presea's accuracy and physical 
attack damage on enemies with low evasion.

Level 2:
Rear Guard (Technical): You guessed it. Now, when Presea guards, she can 
prevent even rear attacks cannot hurt her too badly with this skill in 
place. Good if you tend to be surrounded.

Dash (Technical): Presea will move faster in battle.

Vitality (Strike): Presea's maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. This 
skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill called 
Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): Presea, will have a chance of finding food items in 
levels. God knows what that means.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Endure (Technical): Now, Presea will become a little more pain resistant 
with this EX Skill in place. She will stagger less when hit by the enemy.

P. Charge (Technical): This skill requires manual control, and hence it 
is only useful if you are playing as Presea. If you hold A, you can increase 
your attack power in battle.

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Presea can take less damage which 
she is guarding against enemy attacks. Wait, there's more, when you combine 
this EX skill with the Vitality, skill, Presea can learn a compound skill 
called Healing! This heals Persea gradually as she stands still in battle.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Presea will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Heavy Hit (Technical): This move increases Presea's chance of stunning 
enemies when she hits them.

Savior (Strike): If Presea happens to be alone in the fighting 4, then 
her stats will increase. But still, it is not much of a help. After all, 
who would allow their fighting party members remain knocked out!?

Revive (Technical): This is quite a lifesaver. If Presea is almost knocked 
out, then she will recover a small amount of HP.

Compound Skills:
Strong + Tough = EX Attack: Presea will deal more damage against enemies 
that are guarding. Now you can have brute force!

Strong + Heavy Hit = Variable: The attack of Presea can be increased, and 
the amount increased is directly proportional to her current HP.

Sharp Eyed + Rear Guard = Aerial Guard: Presea can now guard in midair.

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Presea's HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Presea's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Eternal + Immunity = Phys. Status: This completely prevents Presea from 
suffering from any Physical Ailments. Again, not a bad choice.

Vitality + Guard Plus = Healing: This compound skill will allow Presea 
to heal herself slowly and steadily while she is standing still in battle.

Vitality + Guard Plus + Heavy Hit = Suppress: Presea's damage taken will 
be nullified, and the amount is proportional to her current HP, but I have 
no idea whether they mean direct or inverse proportion.

---------------
Regal
---------------
Level 1:
Strong (Strike): Regal's Strength will be increased, so will his physical 
attacks.

Tough (Strike): Regal's Defense will increase, so he can take less damage 
from the enemies' physical attacks.

Taunt (Technical): You can now taunt opponents by pressing Z, and this 
increases the Unison Attack gauge faster.

Sharp-eyed (Technical): This increases Regal's accuracy and physical 
attack damage on enemies with low evasion.

Level 2:
Dodge (Technical): This gem increases Regal's evasion. He can take less 
damage from inaccurate enemies.

Dash (Technical): Regal will move faster in battle.

Vitality (Strike): Regal's maximum HP will be increased by about 5%. This 
skill can be combined with the Eternal Skill for a compound skill called 
Life Up, which increases the maximum HP from time to time.

Personal (Strike): This is just a matter of business sense. Regal will 
get a 10% off buying things in shops, and will get 10% more when selling 
items. What a good business acumen.

Level 3:
Eternal (Strike): This skill is to be combined with other EX Skills for 
different compound EX Skills.

Spirit (Technical): This increases Regal's maximum TP. It can be combined 
with Eternal for Spirit Up, which increases Regal's maximum TP from time 
to time. So, it's great! Good for people who use skills.

Add Combo (Technical): This allows Regal to hit the enemies one more time 
before stopping in a combo. So, he can hit the enemies more times in a 
row. You should consider trying this, as Regal is a melee fighter.

Guard Plus (Strike): With this EX Skill, Regal can take less damage which 
he is guarding against enemy attacks.

Level 4:
Immunity (Strike): There is a chance that Regal will be protected against 
status ailments with this skill in force.

Sky Combo (Technical): Regal can now hit things from the air with one more 
hit. Not really worth it, this one. What do you expect from a person who 
kicks his enemies!

Guilt (Strike): Regal seems to feel guilty about Persea, so when Persea 
is in the battlefield, Regal will try to make up for his wrongdoing by 
fighting harder. Hence his stats will increase.

Flash (Technical): When Regal is in the middle of a combo, he cannot be 
staggered. It's always good to preserver.

Compound Skills:
Taunt + Personal = L. Unison: There is a chance that the Unison Attack 
gauge stays full after an attack.

Strong + Tough = EX Attack: Regal will deal more damage against enemies 
that are guarding. Now you can have brute force!

Dodge + Vitality = EX Defend: This time, Regal can avoid staggering when 
hit by enemies, but not always. Good for people who like brute force.

Vitality + Flash = Counter: If you press A right after blocking an attack 
from an enemy, you can immediately fight back! 

Eternal + Vitality = Life Up: Regal's HP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those HP fiends out there.

Eternal + Spirit = Spirit Up: Regal's TP will sometimes increase without 
having to level up! Nice one, for those TP fiends out there.

Eternal + Immunity = Phys. Status: This completely prevents Regal from 
suffering from any Physical Ailments. Again, not a bad choice.

Add Combo + Flash = Aerial Jump: Regal can become more Bruce Lee like by 
jumping in midair!

Sky Combo + Flash = Combo Force: Regal's combo hits will deal more damage.

Vitality + Guard Plus = Healing: This compound skill will allow Regal to 
heal herself slowly and steadily while he is standing still in battle.

Vitality + Guilt + Flash = C. Combo: Now, right in the middle of a combo, 
you can guard, attack and continue with your combo!

Vitality + Guard Plus + Guilt + Flash = Glory: Regal is completely 
unstoppable while he is being on a combo!

--------------------------------
Preferred EX Skill Combinations
--------------------------------
These are the combinations of EX Skills that I prefer using. Of course, 
these are MY preferences, but I think you can try considering them 
yourselves. Of course, the resultant type will also be known, and this 
pretty much determines what type that character should be.

Lloyd Irving:
Lv 3T	Spirit
Lv 3S	Guard Plus
Lv 3T	Add Combo
Lv 4T	Follow-up
Compound Skills: Counter, Technical
Resultant Type: Technical

The reason why I prefer this combination is that I like Lloyd to be able 
to hit the enemies more times and more frequently. Therefore, I would lower 
the TP consumption of Lloyd and increase the number of hits he can make 
at once. The counter allows Lloyd to attack right after a block, making 
him a more realistic melee combatant.

Colette Brunel:
Lv 1T	Taunt
Lv 2S	Personal
Lv 3S	Eternal
Lv 4S	Angel Song
Compound Skills: L. Unison, Over Limit, EXP Plus, EXP Plus A
Resultant Type: Strike

Although I don't like to play as Colette that much, I would like her to 
cast her angel spells faster. That is why Angel Song is chosen. Colette 
tends to be a generous Exp donor as far as her EX Skills are concerned. 
After all, she CAN help the entire group to speed up their Exp gains wth 
the EXP Plus A skill. (I know that there is another Compound EX Skill called 
Item Getter, but I don't really need to steal that many things from enemies 
Also, I prefer Para Ball.)

Genis Sage:
Lv 3T	Rhythm
Lv 4T	Speed Cast
Lv 4S	Spell Save
Lv 4T	Spell Charge
Compound Skills: Reducer, Concentrate
Resultant Type: Technical

Since Genis is a spell casting character, his EX Skills should help him 
in this aspect. Rhythm and Speed Cast can both help to decrease Genis' 
casting time. As for the compound skill Reducer, it helps to decrease Genis' 
TP consumption if he uses the same spell repeatedly. As for the Concentrate 
skill, it makes Genis unstoppable when he casts spells, this makes him 
more suited to the tasks at hand.

Raine Sage:
Lv 2T	Neutralizer
Lv 2S	Personal
Lv 4S	Spell Save
Lv 4T	Happiness
Compound Skills: Lucky Magic, Quick Spell
Resultant Type: None

Raine's optimal combination really relies on her luck. The Lucky Magic 
allows Raine to cast spells occasionally without consuming TP, and the 
Quick Spell skill allows Raine to sometimes cast spells without having 
to charge! The Personal EX Skill is there so that Raine can be an effective 
out of battle healer, able to consume only 1 TP while standing on a memory 
circle. Since Type-equillibrium has been reached, you should make use of 
a Technical Ring or Strike Ring to lean Raine towards the direction you 
desire her to be.

Sheena Fujibayashi:
Lv 2T	Dash
Lv 3S	Prolong
Lv 4S	Guard Plus
Lv 4T	Speed Cast
Compound Skills: Hard Hit, Quick Turn, Blood Spirit
Resultant Type: As you wish
Sheena's cards often do not stun the enemy enough and they often can hit 
back at her a lot. To prevent her from becoming a pain magnet, I decided 
to combine Dash with Prolong for the Hard Hit Compound EX Skill. The 
combination of Dash and Speed Cast makes Sheena more versatile as she can 
turn around while she is running! As for Blood Spirit, it allows Sheena 
to regain TP while taking damage, so she can recover TP faster just by 
jumping into the fray!

Presea Combatir:
Lv 1S	Strong
Lv 2S	Vitality
Lv 3S	Guard Plus
Lv 4T	Heavy Hit
Compound Skills: Variable, Suppress
Resultant Type: Strike

Presea's combat abilities are really of the brute force type. Therefore, 
it is only natural that she has EX Skills that help her in this respect, 
and Strong and Heavy Hit are the 2 that suit her, and can be combined to 
form the Variable Skill. This increases Presea's attacks, in an extent 
directly proportional to her current HP, so keep Presea's HP high. As for 
the Suppress, it is to help Presea suppress damage, and the amount 
suppressed is dependent on her current HP, so keep her HP up, again!

Zelos Wilder:
Lv 2S	Personal
Lv 3S	Eternal
Lv 3T	Slasher
Lv 3T	Super Chain
Compound Skill: Super Blast
Resultant Type: As you wish

When it comes to Zelos, you will have to consider 2 cases. One is when 
you have just begun to train him, and when you are considering using him 
on an all out offensive. To tell you the truth, you should always have 
Eternal, Slasher and Super Chain occupy the first 3 slots. This is because 
the resultant Compound EX Skill, Super Blast, makes combos for Zelos way 
easier, as he can slash the enemy 6 times AND deliver a skill combo.

Oh, since Zelos is an aggressive flirt, I'd suggest you use the Personal 
Skill. Whenever you are in a town, switch it to his Personal Skill, then 
you can talk to all the ladies you find, and receive items from them! This 
can be done on the same woman more than once! Even girls are picked on! 
If you managed to talk to every single female person you find, you get 
the Gigolo title!

Regal Bryant:
Lv 2S	Vitality
Lv 3S	Guard Plus
Lv 4S	Guilt
Lv 4T	Flash
Compound Skills: Counter, C. Combo, Glory
Resultant Type: Strike

This set of EX Skills greatly favors Regal's ability to fight with combos. 
After all, he can continue with his combo after a counter, as well as cannot 
be stopped while he is in the middle of a combo! There is a catch to this 
though. Since there is a Level 2 slot being used, always switch to Personal 
when you want to buy stuff. Then you can enjoy a 10% discount when buying 
goods.

-----------------------------
f. Battle Strategies [TOS3F]
-----------------------------
So, when you touch an enemy indicator, you will begin a battle. You will 
fight against a group of enemies, and here are the controls:

Control Stick: Move Left and Right, Jump
Control Pad: Issue Orders
A Button: Basic Attack
B Button: Special Attacks, Delay Spells charging
C Stick: Shortcut to Special Attacks
X Button: Guarding Stance
Y Button: Battle Menu
L Button: Delay Spells set by player
R Button: Change Target

So, the controls are basically like those of Super Smash Bros. Melee. 4 
Special Attacks can be assigned to different combinations of the B Button. 
They include neutral B, Up B, Down B and Horizontal B, just like in Super 
Smash Bros. Melee. The Shortcuts are assigned to C-Up, and C-Down, and 
you can make yourself or other characters perform their move at your command. 
If you have someone charging a spell, hold L for him/her to delay it so 
that you can align it with another move for a combo.

Delaying Spells:
On the other hand, if you are the magic user, holding B while you are 
charging will delay the spell, allowing your spell to be aligned with your 
melee fighters' moves for a long combo.

Importance of Combos:
What's so good about Combos? Well, for one thing, certain strong enemies 
will attack you brutally, dealing a heavy amount of damage. However, if 
you hit the enemy repeatedly, there is always the chance that he/she will 
stagger and flinch as you hit them hard. Therefore, they cannot retaliate. 
Therefore, don't even let them have the chance to fight! A carefully 
executed combo can end up with 50 consecutive hits or more, and the enemy 
would have taken massive damage before he/she can move again. Note that 
you will have to watch out for the Over Limit mode once they have taken 
too much damage.

Over Limit:
When a character has taken sufficient damage, he/she will enter Over Limit 
Mode. In this mode, the character will take less damage than before, and 
he/she may not flinch when hit. Besides, Shenna has an advantage in Over 
Limit Mode. Only in Over Limit Mode can Shenna summon spirits to help her 
in battle. However, if it's the enemy that is in Over Limit Mode, you MUST 
use extra caution as they will take less damage then.

Battle Menu:
Pressing Y will open the Battle Menu. You can get to assign techniques 
to your characters, assign unison attack parameters, use items, change 
equipment, set strategies and you can also attempt to escape.

Technique Menu:
Here, you can reassign different combinations to your moves, and you can 
also set which moves will not be used by the characters in auto mode using 
the Auto On/Off feature. Oh, you really want to play as a character, set 
him/her to manual mode. If a character is not played as, set it to Auto 
Mode and let the computer control him/her. You can also command your 
characters to use a particular technique against a particular enemy.

Item Menu:
You can use items to help your characters. For instance, if a character 
is badly wounded, you can have another character use a healing item on 
him/her. However, the user of the item cannot move for a little more than 
a second after the item is used, so make sure the character using the item 
is far away from the action to avoid any vulnerability which may arise.

Using the Magic Lens:
Magic Lenses are a very effective tool in Tales of Symphonia. Always have 
Magic Lenses in your inventory. This is because they can scan the enemy 
for its weak spots and its total HP and TP. If you use Raine to scan an 
enemy, you can even find its location. This is there to fill up your Monster 
List. There are 251 enemies to be scanned. Can you scan them all? Besides, 
the Magic Lens is a very useful tool to track the enemies' HP. Once an 
enemy has been scanned, you can go to the item screen, select a lens, and 
move the cursor over the scanned enemy for his current HP!

Unison Attack:
When the Unison Attack Gauge is full, you can use a Unison Attack by pressing 
the Z Button. At that instant, press the A, B, X, Y buttons as well as 
its control stick combination to initiate the attacks of each of the 4 
fighting characters at once. (One button per character) By combining 
different attacks, different unison attacks can be made.

After the Battle:
After you have won the battle, you will enter the victory screen, where 
the character who delivered the last blow will give a comment. You will 
be shown the number of EXP your party gets including its bonus. The bonus 
is dependent on the technical smashes you have made, like beating the enemy 
with no damage, beating them with an aerial attack, beating the last enemy 
with a long combo and so on. You will also be rewarded Gald, which is the 
money of the game. The Grade you receive may be positive or negative in 
value, depending on how well your strategies are.

Learning Moves:
As your character levels up, he will learn newer and more powerful moves. 
To be able to learn a move, the character must reach the appropriate level, 
use all the inferior versions of the new move for over 50 times. He also 
will have to be of the appropriate combat type. (Technical or Strike) There 
are just some moves that are learned mutually exclusive from each other. 
Stalagmite and Grave are examples. If Genis has already learned Stalagmite, 
and wants to learn Grave, he must forget Stalagmite and change his type 
to Strike. Only then he can acquire Grave.

----------------------------
Different Types of Fighters
----------------------------
The 9 characters in the game have their own fighting styles. So, pick the 
one you would want to play as according to your style in playing this game. 
A character can have 2 different Combat Types. He can have the Technical 
Type and the Strike Type. Your character's type is denoted by a gauge with 
an arrow pointing to either T or S. The 2 types determine what type of 
moves your character can learn as he/she levels up.

Technical type moves often revolve around dealing insanely long combos, 
but deals less damage. As for Strike Type moves, they all involve performing 
a couple of hits on the enemy, but will deal a greater amount of damage 
on the enemies. The 2 types can be set depending on what type of EX Gems 
your character currently uses. Besides, equipping your character with a 
Strike Ring can also help make him of the Strike Type. The same principles 
go for the Technical Ring.

Basically, there are 3 types of fighters in their skills involved. There 
are the fighters who specialize in using weapons in close combat. They 
include Lloyd, Persea and Regal. There are also characters who specialize 
in using magic most of the time. They include Colette, Genis and Raine. 
Finally, there are those characters stuck in the middle, with both magic 
and good close combat skills. They include Kratos, Sheena and Zelos. They 
are most suitable for people who want the best of both worlds. I will now 
state the strategies for individual characters below. I will also 
distribute the use of the T-Type and S-Type so half of the characters will 
be of Technical Type while the rest are of Strike Type.

Lloyd Irving:
Lloyd is the main character of the game, and he uses a pair of twin blades 
in battle. Of course, he uses 2 swords. He is particularly agile and slashes 
enemies in a whiz with his sword. All of his skills are sword skills, and 
most of them are of the close combat type. As he can hit the enemies so 
quickly, I would suggest you allow him to be of the Technical Type, to 
take advantage of all the moves that can guarantee a high combo. A good 
combo will be Tiger Blade --> A Sword Rain move, or Tiger Blade --> A Tempest 
Move. It really depends on the size and speed of your target.

Colette Brunel:
Colette is the chosen one of Lloyd's World. She uses a chakram in combat, 
but does not make a good close combo making fighter. Her real decent moves 
are those which are taught to her by the angels. The other moves are often 
ballistic attacks or spinning attacks. You should consider keeping Colette 
a considerable distance from the enemies, while the others distract the 
enemies, you can cast your angelic powers on them. 

I would recommend the Strike Type for her. After all, the Para Balls are 
often faster than her Pow Hammers. If you must get close, consider pressing 
B while holding a horizontal direction on the control stick. Then, one 
chakram will be thrown, and the other will hit. Some of Colette's close 
combat moves are powerful, but they are spread out in an area, so the actual 
damage received by the enemy will be lowered. (For example, Stardust Cross)

The most reliable combo would be, Ray Thrust --> Para Ball --> Whirlwind 
Rush. (Torrential Para Ball sacrifices damage for twice the amount of 
hits.)

Genis Sage:
Genis is the number one magical user in the game. If you coordinate Lloyd's 
sword slashes with his spells accordingly, you can easily land a very long 
combo. You have two choices to make. Most of Genis' Technical Type moves 
can hit the enemy with a larger area and often can hit them more times 
than the Strike Magic. It will be of the highest priority to use these 
to keep strong enemies still while you pummel them. So, the verdict is 
obvious. You should allow Genis to be of the Technical Type.

Raine Sage:
Raine Sage is Genis' older sister. She also can use magic, and as before, 
is not a good close combat fighter. Raine can learn 2 Light Element moves, 
and the more powerful one is dependent on her combat type. At the same 
time, Raine is the best healer in the game, she also has skills which 
temporarily enhance other party members' abilities. Her Technical 
abilities work on multiple characters and sometimes has an area effect. 
However, her Strike abilities work only on one character at a time. However, 
her most powerful Light spell is only effective if you pick the Strike 
Type move. So, it's up to you to pick the one you like. I would prefer 
her multi target healing moves, so I will stick to Technical.

Sheena Fujibayashi:
Sheena fights with a pair of magical cards! As silly as it seems, it's 
true. Her cards have different elements, and can help her resist attacks 
of certain elements. I think MasterCard has found themselves a new 
saleslady! Shenna also has the ability to summon Summon Spirits to help 
her, but they are only available when she is in the Over Limit Mode. The 
rest of her techniques are close up combat types with the word "Seal" at 
the end. They are powerful, but are not good at causing combos, as her 
card has limited range. Since she only has 3 moves that are type dependent, 
it's up to you to choose which type Sheena will be. The Absolute series 
can guarantee a status down on the enemy, unfortunately, they deal half 
the damage of Pinion moves. 

I personally prefer Pinion moves, as they hit twice, instead of once. A 
stat down won't affect the enemy by a lot.

Kratos Aurion/Zelos Wilder:
Kratos Aurion and Zelos Wilder both have the same type of skills. You get 
to choose to play as one of them in the end, depending on how you respond 
in a certain important event. I myself prefer Zelos, he's better looking, 
and his sword swings are more comfortable than when compared to Kratos. 
Zelos' moves are not very type dependent. Only 3 are. He is a swordsman, 
and yet he has his good share of healing moves and magic skills. His magic 
skills often are in a mixed bag of Technical Spells and Strike Spells. 
They are learned unconditionally, so you get the best of both worlds. Like 
Sheena, Zelos only has 3 moves which are type dependent. Fierce Demon Fang 
may be more powerful than Double Demon Fang, but I found that if you begin 
with a normal Demon Fang, there will be a lag before the second move is 
used, so I prefer Double Demon Fang, and hence Technical.

Either way, Kratos or Zelos both have a variety of elemental sword attacks. 
You can link either Lightning Blade or Hurricane Thrust to Hell Pyre for 
a dual elemental attack. Make sure that you either have Zelos and Sheena 
be Technical or Strike, as this allows them to perform certain Unison 
Attacks.

Presea Combatir:
Presea always wanted to be a lumberjack, right? That is why she always 
gets to wield an axe. The axe deals great damage, but as Persea is just 
as short as Genis, she finds it hard to use it, and will swing the ax in 
a rather inaccurate fashion and much slower when compared to the other 
talented swordsmen in the game. Your best bet is to allow an upward diagonal 
chop to continue with a horizontal chop. Presea gets up a bit too slowly 
when knocked down. Her HP and TP is high. Talk about a suitable surname.It 
is better for Presea to use Strike moves because they cause a larger area 
effect, and can help overcome the shortcomings of Lloyd's combos. There 
is another catch with Presea. Since there is almost always a delay before 
the execution of the move, she is likely to be stopped by the enemy before 
the blow is struck. Therefore, I suggest you give her adequate cover.

Regal Bryant:
Regal feels so guilty about murdering someone related to Presea, that he 
decided to wear handcuffs around his arms for punishment. Never again will 
he use his arms in combat in order to atone for his crime. So, what does 
he fight with? His legs! His legs are equipped with special greaves that 
deal damage when he kicks his enemies. Can you expect a kicker to be agile? 
Yes. He in fact has a variety of techniques that can be linked to one another. 
He can link, for instance, Crescent Moon --> Eagle Fall --> Triple Kick --> 
Dragon Dance!

----------------------------------------------------
Team Management: Who will be sent out to the pitch?
----------------------------------------------------
When I play Tales of Symphonia, I like to use division of labour. Each 
of the charcters in my team have a different responsibility, and here is 
how I group the 4 characters. I use them in decreasing frequencies as below. 
I add a typical usage percentage of one of my games next to each character 
as well. As you can see, whenever you save, a percentage appears next to 
each character. This indicates the percentage of battles where they 
participated in. The higher the percentage, the more is the character used.

It seems that I can divide the 8 characters in the game (Kratos is excluded. 
Boycott Kratos! Anyway he's the shadow of Zelos, and the game sort of 
encourages you to stick with this second Chosen in a CERTAIN scene.) into 
3 differnet categories. Here are the assigned groups.

Group 1: The Front Line Fighters
Characters: Lloyd Irving, Presea Combatir, Regal Bryant
The 3 characters in this group are all armed with direct assault weapons, 
and are designed for close combat. Any techniques learnt by these people 
will be involving the direct use of their weapons. Lloyd's got several 
series of moves like Demon Fang, Sword Rain, Sonic Thrust, Tempest, Tiger 
Blade and Beast. Presea's got the Destruction, Devastation, Punishment 
and Infliction series, and Regals's got the different kicks. The 3 
characters' stats are inclined for this, so their HP, Strength and Defense 
tend to be the highest

The strength and defense of the 3 decreases in the order:
Presea > Lloyd > Regal

However, Presea is the least accurate of the 3, while Regal is the most 
accurate. Regal also has an EX Skill that enables him to have unstoppable 
combos, and he can also heal.

Group 2: Magic Casters
Characters: Genis Sage, Raine Sage
Genis and Raine are two siblings that can cast magic, due to their elven 
blood. Genis can cast spells of 6 to 7 different elements, depending on 
which type he chooses to be. Raine can cast strictly Light spells, however, 
she does have a set of healing, purifying and stat enhancing techniques. 
I know that any character in the game is entitled to his weapon, but the 
weapons of the Sages are really pathetic. Genis has the Kendama, which 
is a big joke since it works like a ping pong ball tied to its racket! 
The rods used by Raine aren't too bad either, but it's just too slow.

The 2 magic casters have many things in common. Firstly, their TP values 
are relatively high, so are their Intelligence. These are what makes magic 
casters who they are. The big problem is that they move VERY slowly and 
have poor HP and defense. So keep them at the back at all times!

It is tempting to include both casters in the top 4 because of their Unison 
Attacks. But I personally recommend doing that only for bosses. Prism Stars 
is a very tempting feature.

Group 3: Jack of all Trades
Characters: Colette Brunel, Sheena Fujibayashi, Zelos Wilder
The reason why I call them Jack of all Trades is that they tend to be 
intermediaries between the 2 groups of specialists I mentioned before. 
These 3 can use magic like techniques and do quite a good job at defending 
themselves at close quarters. There are quite a number of unique techniques 
used by the characters.

Colette has a set of Angel Techniques, some Thunder elemental direct attack. 
Sheena can summon, and has a whole lot of Seals she uses with her guardian 
cards. As for Zelos, he can use 3 different type of elemental sword combos, 
as well as his own healing move, which is considerably effective.

For the 3 characters, their attack damage tends to be inversely 
proportional to their speed. Colette's attacks deal more damage, but are 
much slower than Sheena's. Zelos' tend to the middle. So, Colette's attacks 
are much more stoppable than Sheena's.

In general, the direct offensive stats of the 3 characters are weaker than 
the group 1 characters, and the magic related stats are weaker than the 
group 2 characters. However, they do have the potential to top the others. 
For example, it's possible for Sheena to have the highest TP, while Zelos 
gets the strongest defense. So, the similarity of these 3 tends to be like 
this:

Group 1 - Zelos Wilder - Sheena Fujibayashi - Colette Brunel - Group 2

Zelos tends to be more front line than Colette.

-------------------
Who gets to fight?
-------------------
In most cases I believe that you only need 1 front line assault and 1 magic 
caster. The other will be Zelos and Sheena for their value added services. 
Since healing is never a priority, as I rarely get badly injured.

If you were to fight a boss, either use 2 group 1 or group 2 characters, 
depending on the enemies' weaknesses and whether you need to use any Unison 
Attacks.

---------------------------------------------
4. Strategy Guide Part 1: A Slow Start [TOS4]
---------------------------------------------
Now, it is time for the meat of the guide. I will now write the entire 
strategy guide for Tales of Symphonia, from beginning to end. I will use 
a very detailed approach in all the scenes. In fact, it is my style to 
reveal almost every single important dialogue in the game. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This guide assumes that you will be treating Zelos particularly well, 
Colette will not be so well treated and that all the characters will be 
raised according to my recommended combat types. Genis will be the soul 
mate in the game. However, recently, I have found a way to make Zelos the 
soul mate as well, and the deciding factor is just ONE scene in the game! 
You will know later as you read through this game.

It seems that the affection system is more complicated than I expected. 
It is known that the game measures affection in terms of some arbitary 
unit. The effects of each affection affecting scene, noted by "Time to 
Socialize!" will show the changes to each characters' love for Lloyd as 
he makes the decision. The person who benefits mostly from each choice 
where there are multiple people affected is denoted by an asterisk (*).

Now, let's begin, and select "New Game". You will be offered to change 
the game settings. Select yes to change the settings, and no to let them 
be. You will first be told the story. Then, the screen will be dark, until 
some female voice wakes your character up!

-----------------------------------
a. Awoken by the Professor [TOS4A]
-----------------------------------
---------------
Iselia
---------------
*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
"Lloyd Irving! Wake up!", says the female voice. "Lloyd!" You will find 
our hero of the game, Lloyd Irving asleep, and the professor, fed up, throws 
a chalk duster at him to wake him up! "Gahh!" cries Lloyd. The Professor 
walks over, annoyed, and asked him, "...how do you manage to sleep standing?" 
Lloyd is now fully awake, and it seems he is sleeping with 2 bucketfuls 
of water in his hands! "Oh, Professor Raine, Eh...is lass over?" Professor 
Raine Sage walks away, she sighs. "Never mind. Let's have someone else 
answer the question. Genis, how about you?" Genis Sage, who is the younger 
brother of Raine answers, "Yes, Raine," he says. "Mithos the hero, brought 
about the end of the Ancient War in the holy ground of Kharlan." Raine 
says, "Correct. Afterwards, Mithos the hero, formed a pact with the Goddess 
Martel to seal away the Desians who caused the war." So, it's a History 
Lesson! "But the Desians came back and are now causing everyone to suffer!" 
Lloyd talks back. Raine "We covered that in class last time, don't you 
remember?" Oh, what a forgetful student is Lloyd, "I...I knew that, I...I just 
forgot..." 

Raine continues with the lesson. "Today is the Day of Prophecy. It is a 
very important day, which the Chosen of Mana will receive an oracle from 
the Goddess Martel." Now Chosen One...Colette." Colette Brunel, the Chosen 
One stands up. "Yes, ma'am." Raine now asks the question to Colette. "Tell 
us about the journey of world regeneration." "It is a journey to seal the 
Desians." Of course, being the Chosen, Colette is correct. "Correct. I 
suppose we should expect the Chosen herself to know the answer to that 
one." Mana depletion is the use of the current food shortages and droughts. 
It is said that this occurs because the Desians consume vast amounts of 
mana in their human ranches." Lloyd wakes up, and Colette looks back at 
him. Raine continues, "The Chosen's journey has two purposes-to revive 
mana as well as defeat the Desians. Now, for the next question--" Before 
Raine could continue, a beam of light shines in the class room. "What's 
that?" "That..." Raine calms Colette and Lloyd down, "Settle down. It would 
seem that the time for the oracle has come. I will go and check on the 
chapel. Everyone, stay here and study on your own. Understood? Colette 
cries, "Professor! I'll go with you!" "No, Colette. If it is the oracle, 
the priests will come here for you. Wait here with everyone else." "Yes, 
ma'am." You can now play as Lloyd. You are starting at Level 3. You will 
take 249 EXP to get to level 4.
*****END OF SCENE*****

Walk around and talk to everyone. Genis and Colette will not be mobilized 
yet, so to trigger the next scene. Attempt to walk out of the class room. 
Genis, Lloyd's best friend, will attempt to stop him. 

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
"Lloyd! Where are you going? Don't tell me you're sneaking out! Raine will 
get mad!" Lloyd replies, "I'm really curios to find out what really happens 
to Colette when she receives the oracle." They always talk about the Chosen 
of Regeneration and the Day of Prophecy, but no one tells us what really 
happens." "But my sister said to stay and study by ourselves."

Time to socialize 1!
a. "It's Research."	Pleases: Genis (+2)
b. "Okay, fine."	No effect

At this point, you can get to answer, "It's Research." Or, "Okay, fine." 
If you make the first choice, your relationship with Genis will increase. 
The good thing is, the other choice will not change increase your relation.

"Okay, fine. Sheesh..." "Honestly, Lloyd. It's not pretty when Raine gets 
mad." Lloyd is annoyed by this. "Man... I was really looking forward to seeing 
what happens with the oracle." A pastor enters. "Chosen One!" Colette sees 
him fall down. She cries, "Pastor?!" Lloyd asks, "Hey! Are you all right?!" 
The Pastor says, "The Desisans attacked the temple..." Genis says, "Wait, 
Iselia has a non-aggression treaty with the Desians. You mean that 
agreement where they don't attack the village as long as we leave the human 
ranch alone?" Colette agrees, "yes...Grandmother said it was to protect 
me...." 

The Pastor says, "I don't know why, but they have broken the treaty...." 
Chosen One... hurry... receive the oracle...." Colette promises, "I will." The 
last words of the priest were. "Please... be careful.... I regret that I was 
unable to...pro...tect...the...Cho..."

Colette cries, "Pastor, hang on!" Lloyd mutters, "It's no good. He's 
gone...." So, the pastor is dead. "No!" Colette decides to leave, "...I'm 
going." Genis says, "Colette, there are Desians outside!" "Yes...but I have 
to go. I am the Chosen. My job is to accept the oracle on the Day of Prophecy. 
Everyone, wait here, all right?" Genis asks, "Lloyd, are you going to let 
Colette go by herself?!" There is another split decision at this point.

Time to socialize 2!
a. "I'm going too."		Pleases: Colette (+2), Genis (+1)
b. "I'll wait for you."	Pleases: Raine (+1)	Displeases: Genis (-1)

You can choose to reply, "I'm going, too." Or "I'll wait for you." To improve 
your relation with Colette, offer to come as well. Colette asks, "Are you 
sure? It's dangerous." Lloyd replies with a Dwarven Vow. "Dwarven Vow #1: 
let's all work together for a peaceful world." Let's go." Genis replies, 
"Wait, I'm going, too. I'm worried about Raine." Colette is happy, "Thanks, 
both of you." Now, Colette and Genis will join your Party. Colette is at 
Level 1, and Genis at Level 2. You will be told how to activate skits.
*****END OF SCENE*****

Before going anywhere, walk over to that boarded up hole in the wall. The 
3 will examine it. "When did this hole get here? Lloyd asks. Genis replies, 
"Have you forgotten, Lloyd? This happened when Colette..." Colette goes 
nervous and confesses, "It was during last year's spring cleaning. I was 
mopping and then accidentally..." Lloyd remarks, "You're such a klutz, 
Colette." Ha ha! Now, Colette has earned the title of "Klutz!" With this 
title, Colette's HP, Strength and Accuracy will increase quicker.

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
Now, get out of the school. Colette looks around. "There's no one here." 
Genis comments, "They're scared and are hiding from the Desians!" A man 
named Frank calls to Colette. "Colette!"  So, Frank is Colette's father. 
"Father!" Genis cries, "Frank!" Frank! Is it true that the Desians 
attacked?!" Franks says, "Yes, it's true. Thankfully, no one was hurt. 
They passed through the village and headed for the temple. Father, where 
is Grandmother?" "Phaidra is in the temple preparing for the ritual," Frank 
says. Lloyd asks, "Phaidra's in the temple? But that's where the Desians..." 
"The priests are there with her. There's no need to worry." Now, Colette..."  
"I know. I promise to fulfill my duty as the Chosen." "Good luck, Colette." 
Lloyd, Genis. You two should go on home." Lloyd says, "I'm worried about 
letting Colette go by herself. I'll go with her to the temple." Genis wants 
to come. "Me, too." Frank thanks them, "But...all right. Thank you." I'll 
wait at the house. Come back immediately if anything happens." Now, you 
can finally get to play.
*****END OF SCENE*****

The first skit will soon be available. It is called "It'll be fine..." In  
this skit, Genis is worried that Raine will get mad at them for ditching 
class. Save at the Memory Circle. Then explore the Village of Oracles: 
Iselia before heading out the exit to the northwest of the save point.

It's time to move in an anti-clockwise manner. You will pass by a locked 
house, and then you will come to Genis' house. A scene will be triggered 
as you approach the house.

Genis asks, "Lloyd, do you need something from my house?" Lloyd will reply, 
"Ah, no, not really." "We're supposed to go to the temple! Come on!" In 
case you've forgotten, you get to the temple by going out the north exit. 
From there, it's straight up the path."

Enter his house, and you can examine his bookcase for another scene.

Lloyd, the no-brainer exclaims, "Man, these books look really tough. Does 
the Professor read stuff like this?" Genis simply responds, "These are 
mine, Lloyd." Now, Lloyd is impressed! "They're all Raine's old books, 
but they're so interesting, I had to read all of them." Now, Lloyd is even 
more frustrated! Hee hee. This reminds me of how my classmates think of 
me in school, when I read some material that is out of syllabus!

Now, ignore the looked chest of drawers, and get out. To the south is the 
village gate. Don't go out there yet. There is a potion shop called Halo 
to the right. It sells some basic supplies for your team.

*****HALO*****
Apple Gel (Cost: 100 Gald     Item Type: Tool)
This is one first basic healing item of the game. It must be apple flavored 
jelly! This restores 30% of your character's total HP.

Orange Gel (Cost: 200 Gald     Item Type: Tool)
This is the TP restoring item of the game. It should taste quite nice, 
due to the orange in it, and can restore 30% of your character's TP.

Life Bottle (Cost: 300 Gald     Item Type: Tool)
This potion can revive a knocked out character and restore a little amount 
of HP to help him or her.

Magic Lens (Cost: 10 Gald     Item Type: Tool)
This is one of the most important tools of the game. Make sure you have 
plenty of them in hand, so you can scan all the enemies you find.

Wooden Blade (Cost: 700 Gald     Item Type: Weapon)
This is Lloyd's first weapon.

Chakram (Cost: 200 Gald     Item Type: Weapon)
This is Colette's first weapon.

Nova (Cost: 600 Gald     Item Type: Weapon)
This is Genis' first weapon. It means "no go" in Spanish!

Soft Leather (Cost: 480 Gald    Item Type: Body Armor)
This is Colette's first suit of armor.

Boots (Cost: 100 Gald)
These boots are not useful to anyone in particular.

These ingredients are available:
Chicken (120), Lettuce (80), Tomato (60), Bread (70), Egg (50).

I suggest you purchase 20 Magic Lenses before leaving. Then go to the right 
and continue your anti-clockwise path. There should be a well decorated 
house here. It's Colette's house. You can always stop by and talk to Frank 
for him to heal you. This is important as you will have to level up your 
characters for a while after they leave Iselia. Now, get out, and you can 
get back to the save circle and then go out to the field.

But as you are about to leave, a monster blocks the exit. Lloyd cries, 
"Whoa, it's a monster!" Genis was surprised about this breach, "I thought 
the northern region where the temple is located was a sanctuary! Why are 
there..." Colette responds knowingly, "It must be part of the trial. Martel's 
trial involves battling monsters." Lloyd is now in a hurry, "We don't have 
time to talk. Let's get this thing!" Genis cries, "Roger!" Now, let's fight!

Event Battle! ???
HP: 800     TP: 0        Atk: 130
Exp: 8      Gald: 12     Def: 0
Location: Near Iselia
AA: Darkness     Weak Against: Fire, Light     Strong Against: Darkness
Attack:
Double Punch
Item Dropped: Apple Gel, Black Quartz

You are up against some zombie like creature. It really is not a hard battle. 
A quick scan of the monster reveals that he has 800 HP, and he is weak 
against Fire and Light, but strong against Darkness. Genis knows only one 
spell at the present moment, and it's Fire Ball, so he can easily exploit 
is weakness. If you are playing as Lloyd, distract this monster with your 
sword swipe and combine it with magic. Then, the battle should be over 
in a flash, and each character will have 8 EXP and 12 Gald. What a good 
start! Nah, not really that good.

Lloyd remarks, "That was easy!" Colette acknowledges Lloyd, "Lloyd, you're 
amazing!" "Ah, well...I owe it to this thing, though." Genis agrees, "Ah, 
that's right, the Exsphere." "Yeah, it's designed for combat and brings 
out my maximum strength. Without this thing, I'd be nothing...." "But you're 
still strong, Lloyd!", says his admirer. "Yeah, at least his sword skills 
are good." "What do you mean, "at least"?!" At this point, another monster 
appears. "There's another one! Let's go!, you two!"  Colette cries, "Wait, 
Lloyd! The Professor said magic is more effective than physical attacks 
against non-physical and spiritual monsters." Lloyd, the underachiever 
asks, "Really?" Genis cries, "Yes!"  Okay, them. I'll leave the Ghost to 
Genis." I'll go for the Zombie!" "Okay! Here we go!"

Event Battle! Ghost and Zombie
HP: 320     TP: 0        Atk: 128
Exp: 10     Gald: 9     Def: 1
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Light
Strong Against: Physical Attacks
Attacks: 
Hammer Swing, Hammer Boomerang Throw
Items Dropped: Apple Gel, Panacea Bottle

You are up against a Ghost and Zombie this time. Close examination of the 
Ghost reveals that it is weak against Light attacks, and strong against 
physical attacks, so do not attack by swinging your twin blades at the 
Ghost. The Ghost himself will attack by swinging his hammer, or he will 
just throw it out and let it come back to him, much like a boomerang. In 
this battle, I suggest you should let Lloyd take care of the Zombie while 
the other 2 fight the Ghost. This is another easy battle. If you are hurt, 
ask Frank to heal you. You will be awarded 17 EXP for this fight.

Lloyd comments, "It's important to choose the target wisely when there's 
a lot of monsters, or if we're up against a dangerous one." Colette adds, 
"It's especially important when saving an ally that's in trouble." Genis 
says, "We have to be careful." "Let's go to the temple!" Lloyd says. Have 
Frank heal your team and then get out to the field.

-----------------------------
From Iselia to Martel Temple
-----------------------------
All you have to do is to walk along the path to the Martel Temple. I 
previously suggested levelling up your characters to Level 5, but now, 
I have changed my mind. You can simply avoid all the enemies you find here, 
because this action can help avoid an imbalance in strength in your group 
some time later in the game.

-----------------
Enemy Strategies
-----------------
Wolf
HP: 410     TP: 0     Atk: 130
Exp: 8     Gald: 13     Def: 8
Location: Near Iselia
Attack: Lunging Bite 
Item Dropped: Beef Strips
Item to Steal: Beast Fang
So, I guess that the wildlife around these parts are giving your team 
problems. Wolves in Tales of Symphonia are all grey in colour, and they 
look just like what wolves should. They have only got one type of attack. 
That is the lunging bite. He will jump at you and attempt to land a bite. 
You can always avoid these attacks by jumping up or simply guarding, by 
pressing X. Wolves are no serious threat to your party, although they may 
cause problems in groups when your levels are low. Wolves sometimes drop 
Beef Strips when they are defeated.

Rabbit
HP: 380     TP: 38       Atk: 139
Exp: 6      Gald: 11     Def: 8
Location: Near Iselia
Attack: Jumping Kick
Items dropped: Carrot, Beast Hide
Oh, look at that cute little white wabbit! The Rabbits of Tales of Symphonia 
are quite annoying, although they are not as annoying as Bugs Bunny. Like 
the Wolf, they only have one attack, and that is the jumping kick. This 
deals moderate damage to Lloyd, and is capable of a 3 hit combo. Be ready 
to block at all costs, or you will find yourself vulnerable while you 
stagger. Let's eat the rabbit stew! But Lloyd is not called Lloyd Fudd. 
Anyway, Rabbits carry carrots, obviously, and Beast Hide. Now you know 
that you can perform taxidermy on rabbits! Ugh.

Hawk:
HP: 480     TP: 0        Atk: 115
Exp: 9      Gald: 18     Def: 6
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Wind
Attack: Sky Diving Swoop
Items dropped: Chicken, Egg
More of the hazardous wildlife, I guess. Hawks in this game do not look 
very big. Their size is comparable to that of a sparrow. Anyway, the Hawks 
of Tales of Symphonia specializes in air attacks. They just like to dive 
bomb you, and that's the only attack they have at their disposal. Hawks 
have quite a high HP for wildlife, but they do have a weakness in magic. 
A Hawk is weak against Wind element attacks, maybe that because Wind causes 
turbulence, and this makes the Hawk vulnerable. There is a way to fight 
a Hawk without fear of retaliation. It is simply to slash it down to the 
ground, and follow up with Down A attacks, and preventing it from taking 
to the air. As long as the Hawk is grounded, it cannot attack! By the way, 
Hawks tend to carry chickens and eggs! The chickens must be their prey.

Giant Bee
HP: 320     TP: 0       Atk: 130
Exp: 5      Gald: 9     Def: 0
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Ice
Attack: Diving Sting, Stinger Launch
Item dropped: Panacea Bottle, Acuity Bottle
Giant Bees are bees that are well, oversized. They have fewer HP than the 
Hawks, but they can still pack quite a punch. They also attack by diving 
down from the sky and attempting to sting you. They can also sting by 
launching their stingers at you. Giant Bees are vulnerable to Ice, maybe 
it is because they are poikiotherms, and such animals' body temperatures 
vary with the surroundings. To make a quick end to the fight, use a jumping 
slash to floor the bee, and then slash it while it is helpless on the floor. 
As simple as that. They drop Panacea Bottles when beaten.

-------------------
Techniques Learned
-------------------
Stone Blast (Genis)
Element: Earth     TP required: 7     Learned at: Level 3
This is the novice Earth Element move for Genis. This spell will cause 
rocks to rise up quickly from the ground below the target, hitting him 
a couple of times. Now you know. Another good start for Genis.

Sonic Thrust (Lloyd)
TP Required: 5     Learned at: Level 4
This is one of the Thrust moves for Lloyd. In this attack, Lloyd will quickly 
jab his sword forward at his enemy, and this is probably why the move is 
called Sonic Thrust. Although it is not very impressive, use it 50 times, 
at least, so that even more powerful moves can be learnt.

Wind Blade (Genis)
Element: Wind     TP Required: 8     Learned at: Level 5
Genis' first Wind Element attack features him setting up several fast air 
currents around the enemy, so fast that they will feel as if they are being 
cut by sharp knives. It's turbulence, I tell you.

When your characters are ready, reenter Iselia, heal, and save for one 
last time before you head onwards to the Martel Temple. Enter it, of course.

---------------
Martel Temple
---------------
Level of Weakest Character: 2

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
You get to see a far away view of the Martel Temple from below. Lloyd is 
astounded, "Whoa, that light really is coming from the temple!" Genis says, 
"Then an oracle is going to be conveyed. Colette's going to be the Chosen 
of Regeneration." Colette covers her eyes a bit. "It's really, really 
bright," she says. Genis and Lloyd are both annoyed. Lloyd asks, "Say, 
Colette...when the oracle is conveyed, you'll become the Chosen who will 
save the world, right? You are going to be like the hero, Mithos!" So maybe 
you should act a little more...you know, Chosen-like...." Colette agrees 
enthusiastically, "Yeah! No problem. No problem." Genis looks up, "hey, 
there's a lot of commotion at the temple." Lloyd agrees, he hears sounds 
of people fighting, "...You're right!"  Lloyd starts to go up the sitars. 
"Okay! Let's go, you two!" Colette and Genis respond with their usual, 
"Okay" and "Yeah" and up they go!

But Colette trips herself, "Oww!" She cries. Lloyd runs down, he asks, 
"Are you all right?" "I'm fine. Sorry about that." So, now, you can play. 
Run up the steps and see what the commotion is all about.

Some Desian commander with a traditional English accent asks, "Where is 
the Chosen?" Phaidra sees the 3 run up the stairs. Phaidra cries, "Run, 
Colette!" One of the commander's 4 Desian henchmen says, "Lord Botta! There 
she is!" Botta says, "Chosen One, your life is mine!" Lloyd draws his sword, 
"I won't let you Desians get away with anything!" That particular henchman 
laughs, "Desians?...Hahaha!" Genis asks, "what's so funny?!" "Well then, 
die at the hands of the Desians you so hate. Get them!" says another Desian.
*****END OF SCENE*****

Now it's time to fight!

Event Battle! 2 Desian Henchmen
Foot Soldier
HP: 600     TP: 38
Attacks:
Sword Stab, Sword Slash, Jumping Sword Slash
You will be up against 2 of Lord Botta's henchmen. They are really a piece 
of kick anyway. The 2 Desians you are going to face are both Foot Soldiers. 
They attack with their weapons, which are their swords. They can either 
stab your character directly, or they can slash you from above. The Foot 
Soldiers can also slash you and then continue with a jump. That's the way 
they attack. Just block their attacks and get ready to counter them with 
a slash and you will be fine.

From this battle, your team can gain another 31 EXP. The 2 Desians you 
just fought will run back, and some larger Desian warrior with a mace wil 
come forward. "Do not get in our way," he says. You now have to fight this 
warrior. He is called Vidarr.

Vidarr
HP: 4000     TP: 300      Atk: 210
Exp: 115     Gald: 25     Def: 21
Location: Near Iselia
Attacks:
Mace Swing, Axe Slam
Item Dropped: Life Bottle
Vidarr is a very tall Desian warrior with a green uniform. He has two weapons, 
a Mace which he likes to swing around and around, and an axe which he can 
chop down at you with. So, just move Lloyd forward, and have him slashing 
at him, while Genis supports from the rear. Continue the blocking and 
slashing, and suddenly, the battle will stop.

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
"Wow, this guy's strong!" Comments Genis. The 3 are rather beat at this 
stage, even though you may not have lost that much HP! "Man, this guy is 
really tough!" As Vidarr moves in to swing his mace at the 3, some warrior 
dressed in purple jumps forward and blocks the blow. Lloyd asks, "Who are 
you?" The warrior says, "Get out of the way." Now, you will continue to 
fight Vidarr, and that warrior is here to help you, so go on! Don't be 
scared, my little duckies. You would not have lost too much HP anyway. 
Vidarr will be shocked that he has lost to a bunch of kids! You will find 
a Life Bottle on this warrior.

Botta is surprised as well, "I never thought you'd show up. Damn....Retreat 
for now!" The Desians now flee. Colette says "Amazing!..." Genis jumps 
up in joy. "This guy's incredibly strong," he says. But Lloyd is a bit 
doubtful of things. He just says "...Y...yeah, I...I suppose so...." 

This warrior says, "...Is everyone all right? Hmm... no one seems to be hurt."  
To everyone's surprise, something shines on his arm. Lloyd asks, "Is that 
an Exsphere?" Phaidra walks up. She asks,' How can I every thank you for 
saving the Chosen?" This warrior says, "I see, so this girl is the next 
Chosen." Colette must be excited that someone knows her. "That's right! 
I have to go accept the oracle!" She exclaims.

"Grandmother, I'm going to undergo the trial now." Colette walks forward 
into the temple. Lloyd asks, "What trial?" The warrior thinks it's the 
monsters, and that an evil presence lurks in the temple. Phaidra says that 
the priests were to accompany Colette, but they were killed by the Desians. 

Lloyd volunteers to protect Colette. "Then I'll take on the job of 
protecting Colette." Phaidra is unsure of this, "Lloyd?...I would be uneasy 
with just you." This warrior asks, "Your name is Lloyd?" Lloyd cuts back, 
"Who do you thin you are to ask for my name?" What an egoist. This warrior 
introduces himself, "My name is Kratos, a mercenary. As long as you can 
pay me, I can accept the job of protecting the Chosen." Phaidra decides 
to hire Kratos, so he now has a job to do. She says, "Under the circumstances, 
I have little choice. Please be of service." Kratos says, "It's a deal, 
then." Lloyd runs forward, "W...wait! I'm going, too!" Kratos just says, 
"Lloyd, you'll only get in the way. Be a good boy and wait here." You are 
underestimating Lloyd! Kratos! 

Time to socialize 3!
a. "...What did you say?"	Displeases: Kratos (-1)
b. "Gotcha."			Pleases: Kratos (+1)

At this point, you get to choose between, "...What did you say?" or "Gotcha". 
Let's be a bit mean to Kratos, shall we? So, ask "What did you say?" and 
your relationship with him will drop.

Kratos is a bit agitated now. "Did I not make myself clear? You're a burden. 
Go home." Now, he really is insulting you.  Colette has to beg on Lloyd's 
behalf. "Um...Mr. Kratos, would it be okay to take Lloyd along, too?" Kratos 
tries to refuse, "But..." Colette begs him even more. She continues, 
"Please. I get nervous when Lloyd's not around." Kratos finally agrees, 
"...Do as you wish." Lloyd says, "Let's go Genis." Now, Genis is a bit hesitant 
at this point, but he agrees. Kratos just sighs and says it's not a field 
trip. So the 4 will enter the temple.

"So this is what the inside of the temple is like," Lloyd says. Genis asks, 
"Colette, you've been in here many times, right?" "Yeah, but it sees 
different than usual." Kratos says, "I sense the presence of monsters. 
Don't let your guard down."  "We can handle a few measly monsters. Let's 
go," says a confident Lloyd. Kratos then asks, "Wait, Lloyd,...are your sword 
techniques self-taught?" "Yeah, that's right." Kratos steps forward and 
gives him something. Lloyd asks, "What is this thing?" Krartos just says, 
"If you are going to use a sword, then at least learn the basics." You 
want to protect the Chosen, don't you?" Lloyd must be jealous of Kratos! 
"Humph! You think you now so much!" So, you have acquired a Training Manual. 
Now you can play.
*****END OF SCENE*****

--------------------
Monster Strategies
--------------------
Zombie
HP: 800     TP: 0        Atk: 130
Exp: 8      Gald: 12     Def: 0
Location: Near Iselia
AA: Darkness     Weak Against: Fire, Light     Strong Against: Darkness
Attack:
Double Punch
Item Dropped: Apple Gel, Black Quartz
You are up against some zombie like creature. It really is not a hard battle. 
A quick scan of the monster reveals that he has 800 HP, and he is weak 
against Fire and Light, but strong against Darkness. So, you can always 
ask Genis and Kratos to use their fire element moves and you can have the 
taste of lovely roast meat. The Zombies are rather slow, and they only 
attack by punching you twice. So it's just simple to block every single 
move they throw at you. The black quartzes that zombies may drop allows 
your weapon to be temporarily of the Darkness element. Use it wisely.

Spider
HP: 460     TP: 0         Atk: 120
Exp: 10     Gald: 13     Def: 7
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Ice
Attacks:
Spider Web Attack, Lunge Bite
Item Dropped: Magic Lens, Apple Gel
Item to Steal: Panacea bottle
The Spiders of Tales of Symphonia are very large yellow streaky creatures. 
However, they are not poisonous. They attack by throwing a Spider Web at 
your characters, and by lunging forward and biting you. Spiders are also 
weak against the Ice Element. These enemies are not of much threat to your 
team. When Spiders are killed, they may drop a blob of Apple Gel or maybe 
a Magic Lens.

Slime
HP: 490     TP: 10        Atk: 132
Exp: 10     Gald: 10     Def: 8
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Fire
Attack:
Blue Ball Launch, Blob Tackle
Item Dropped: Apple Gel
Slimes look like moving fruit cocktail jellies on the move. They are all 
blue-green in color, and have a blue ball inside them as the fruit. The 
Slime has only one attack, the Blue Ball Launch. The blue ball of course 
will be launched at its target, dealing damage. At the same time, the Slimes 
will just tackle you by stretching their flexible bodies. You know they 
say, jelly can easily be molten by heat. So, you should use more Fire element 
attacks against them to melt them down. When Slimes are killed, they may 
drop Apple Gel. This really fits their gelatinous nature, doesn't it?

Ghost
HP: 320     TP: 0        Atk: 128
Exp: 10     Gald: 9     Def: 1
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Light
Strong Against: Physical Attacks
Attacks: 
Hammer Swing, Hammer Boomerang Throw
Items Dropped: Apple Gel, Panacea Bottle
Close examination of the Ghost reveals that it is weak against Light attacks, 
and strong against physical attacks, so do not attack by swinging your 
twin blades at the Ghost. The Ghost himself will attack by swinging his 
hammer, or he will just throw it out and let it come back to him, much 
like a boomerang. As Ghosts are evil entities, good things are very 
effective against them. As light represents justice, this element is 
particularly effective against Ghosts.
*****END OF ENEMY STRATEGIES*****

Level of Strongest Character: 4
Level of Weakest Character: 3

Walk around the temple. You have 3 paths from the entrance. The one to 
the left is a dead end, and the middle path is blocked off, so you might 
as well turn right, follow the hallway, and defeat any enemies you find 
for the sake of EXP. Then go down the stairs. 

You come down to a very large room here. There is some ring on a shrine. 
Genis says, "Look, look! There's something glowing." Colette walks away, 
but Genis and Lloyd have not noiticed yet. Lloyd exclaims, "Wow! Let's 
go see it!" Colette calls to the 3, "Look, there's something here."  Kratos 
sees it, and calls them over to fight.

Event Battle! Golem
HP: 1210    TP: 10
Weak against: Water
Strong against: Earth
Attacks:
Dual Arm Spin, Dual Fist Ground Pound
Items Dropped: Apple Gel, Yellow Quartz
Item to Steal: Yellow Quartz

This event battle can prove to be a toughy if you do not know what to do. 
For one thing, the Golem has very long arms, and hence he has a long reach. 
He can stretch them both out and spin around, causing damage to anyone 
close by. If you are a bit too annoying in the front, he can bring both 
of his fists down onto the ground at where you are standing. However, Golem 
also has his own weaknesses. He is vulnerable to water, as it can wear 
down all the mud that he is made of. Don't even try using Stone Blast on 
him, as it is not so effective. Just block and counter as usual. When the 
Golem is destroyed, it will drop an Apple Gel and a Yellow Quartz (It 
temporarily gives the element of Earth to a weapon.)

After the Golem is dead, it will turn into a stone block. You can move 
it around freely.  Colette says, "Wow! It turned into a rock!" Lloyd just 
says, "Well, it was kind of a rock to begin with." Colette, the clumsy 
oaf, trips over, and knocks the rock into the hole to the left, and it 
drops down to the level below, covering a gap in the path. "oh, no!" she 
cries. Genis and Kratos have an idea at the same time. Lloyd stil does 
not get it. "what? What are you two talking about?" Genis says, "In just 
a moment, it'll probably... See, there it is." Another Gole, appears. Lloyd 
cries, "Whoa, there's another one!" Genis says, "Now, let's take care of 
it and drop it down below!"  Lloyd still does not know what it's all about. 
What a slow learner. You now have a puzzle in your hands.

Puzzle Time! Rock Alignment
As you can see, the path to the ring below is riddled with holes, and you 
will need rocks to fill them up. A rock is available every time you beat 
a Golem. So beat Golems and push the rocks formed down these holes: The 
upper central hole twice, the middle right hole and the middle left hole 
one more time. Walk down to the path. You can now push the left rock into 
the leftmost hole, and you can move over the gap to find a Treasure Chest. 
Inside is a Life Bottle. You can fight the monster there if you wish. Then, 
go back up and defeat another Golem. This time, push the rock into the 
middle right hole once more. Go down, and push this rock into the rightmost 
gap. Then go over the gap, and open the chest. There is a Panacea Bottle 
inside. This potion can remove any Physical Ailments from a character. 
With this done, go down, and push the final rock into the northernmost 
hole. This should clear the way.

While you are fighting, Kratos will learn Sonic Thrust at Level 5.

New Technique for Kratos! Sonic Thrust
TP Required: 5     Learned at: Level 5
This is one of the Thrust moves for Kratos. In this attack, Kratos will 
quickly jab his sword forward at his enemy, and this is probably why the 
move is called Sonic Thrust. Although it is not very impressive, use it 
50 times, at least, so that even more powerful moves can be learnt.

Run up to the shrine, and you can watch another scene. Genis looks at the 
ring, "Is this the Sorcerer's Ring?" he asks, "I've heard about it before. 
It's a holy artifact of the Church of Martel!"  Kratos says, "With this, 
we should be able to deal with most traps and obstacles." Lloyd really 
enthuses, "Wow! Let me try it!" "Okay, Lloyd!" Genis is not amused, "You're 
like a little kid." So, you can now use the Sorcerer's Ring by pressing 
X. Now, get back to the entrance and find the force field. 

At the force field, Kratos will say, "It's sealed." Colette says, "The 
Sorcerer's Ring can probably open it." Lloyd will say, "Okay! Leave it 
tome!" So, use the Sorcerer's Ring on the Force Field, and it will open 
up. There will be a warp portal. Step into it and press A. You will be 
transported into a higher level of the temple.

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
Kratos looks up, "This must be the top floor." Colette agrees, "yes, and 
that is the altar." The camera now focuses on something red and shiny on 
the altar. "Then that shining thing there must be the Cruxis Crystal." 
Colette confirms it. "That's right, they say I was born with that in my 
hand." Meanwhile, Genis saw something up above. "Look at that light." A 
strong beam of light shines from the roof, and an angel appears. Lloyd 
is surprised. "Wh...what is that?" he asked in awe.

"An angel, I would assume," says Kratos. "So is that Colette's real father?" 
The angel is called Remiel. "I am Remiel, I am an angel of judgment. I 
am here to guide Colette daughter of the Mana lineage, on her journey to 
heaven as the seventh Chosen." The Cruxis Crystal rises up. "The time has 
come to awaken the goddess Martel, who sleeps at the center of the world." 
"Awaken the Goddess Martel... It's just like the legend Raine told us about." 
I guess Genis does read his textbooks thoroughly. The Crystal moves forward 
and is absorbed into Colette. 

Remiel says, "From this moment, Colette becomes the Chosen of Regeneration. 
We of Cruxis bless this event, and hereby bestow the Tower of Salvation 
upon Sylverant." Now, you get to see the Tower of Salvation across the 
deep blue sea, stretching high up into the sky. Lloyd says, "So that's 
the Tower of Salvation!" Genis is full of excitement at this point, "Now 
the world will be saved!" "Colette, the Chosen of Regenration. Unlock the 
seals that guard the Tower of Salvation and climb its stairs to heaven 
in distant lands." "I humbly accept this task." 

"Very good. We of Cruxis shall grant you the power of the angels with each 
seal you unlock." Once you are reborn as an angel, this eroded world shall 
be regenerated." "Thank you, I swear on my life I will regenerate the 
world." "First head south, to the Seal of Fire. Offer your prayers in that 
distant land." "Yes, Lord Remiel." Then, Remiel rises, but Colette has 
one last question to ask him."Oh wait! Please wait! I have a question I 
wish to ask of you. Are you really my fa-" "First head to the Seal of Fire. 
Understood? My beloved daughter, Colette."  "F...father!...So you really 
are my true father." "We shall meet again at the next seal, my daughter." 
Then Remiel disappears in a flash of light, and you can finally play!
*****END OF SCENE*****

Time to socialize 4!
a. Talk to characters	 Pleases: Any character talked to (+1)

If you talk to anyone at this point, they will like you more.

Get into the Warp Portal and get back down to the ground level. By the 
way, there will be a skit called Lloyd's Thoughts on Angels. Read it if 
you like.  Lloyd will talk about how hard will it be for angels to change 
their clothes due to their wings! Walk a bit forward down there, and you 
will find Raine in the temple. She is studying the schematics with 
fascination. 

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
"MARVELOUS!" she exclaims. Lloyd asks, "Professor?" Now, Raine sees them. 
She is now mad at Lloyd and Genis for skipping class. "What? What are you 
two doing here?! You're supposed to be studying in class!"  "Uh! Uh-oh!" 
Oh dear. She Raine moves forward to Genis, "Raine! I...I'm sorry!" But it's 
too late, Raine is now spanking Genis! This is just corporal punishment 
at its best! "You're next, Lloyd. Are you ready?"  

Lloyd begs for mercy! "Whoa, no, hey, stop!" But what Lloyd gets is a kick! 
I knew that in the good old days, the teachers will cane students for being 
naughty, but they won't go as far as to kicking them, right? How farfetched 
is Raine. "Now, you two, if you've learned you lesson, go back home. There 
will be no class for the rest of the day." Genis asks Raine, "What about 
you?" Raine answers, "I've received permission from Phaidra to study this 
temple a little while longer. It's not often that ordinary citizens have 
the opportunity to enter this place."
*****END OF SCENE*****

Now, let's get out of here. It's not a good place to stay, with all the 
monsters about, but Raine doesn't seem to be concerned to the least. Return 
to the village, and you are free to fight any enemies that get in your 
way. There is another skit called "Do I have to?", where Lloyd wants to 
borrow the Sorcerer's Ring. As you leave, there will be another skit called 
the Oracle, and you will also hear Raine's hysterical laughter as she 
studies the place. Genis just understands his older sister well.

---------------
Iselia
---------------
I guess the game's programmers really like to think that the player will 
be a curious person. I bet you will be nosey to find out what will Colette 
be up to when she is back with Kratos. So, go back to Colette's house and 
you will find Kratos and the Mayor in a discussion over Colette.

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
The Mayor says, "Then, we shall entrust the protection of the Chosen to 
Kratos and Raine." Kratos agrees. "I have no objections." Colette is 
grateful now. "Thank you so much for your help earlier!" Phaidra spots 
Lloyd, "Ohh, you're back! Thank you for your assistance earlier! Please 
accept this small thanks."  You will receive a Collector's Book, which 
records all the items you have collected in the game. 

Genis thanks Phaidra. "Thanks." "Thanks Phaidra," Lloyd then says, "Say, 
were you talking about the world regeneration journey just now?" "Yes." 
"Wow! I want to go, too! I wanna see Colette regenerate the world!" Genis 
adds, "If Raine is going, I want to go too." I bet Kratos thinks that the 
two are sometimes simple, sometimes naive. This is what the former Chinese 
President Jiang Zemin said to the reporters when they angered him by a 
pointless question. "No. You'll get in the way." 

Lloyd is annoyed, "Wh...what?!" Kratos explains, "The battles at the chapel 
were nothing compared to the journey that waits us. Children need to stay 
home." The Mayor agrees, "Kratos is absolutely right. Now then, we still 
have things to discuss. You two should go on home." 

So the two get out, but Colette stops them as they are ready to get away. 
"Please wait!" she cries. In her rush, she stumbles and falls, she 
apologizes. "I'm sorry." Lloyd simply says, "It's not like it's your 
fault." "Oh yeah...I'm sorry." "Listen! Ah, never mind." 

Genis just remembers that it's Colette's birthday. "Oh yeah! Happy birthday, 
Colette!" Lloyd must have been shocked that he forgot. Genis goes on. "I 
baked you some cookies, if I knew you'd be leaving tomorrow, I would've 
made something a little more special, but..." Colette interrupts, "no no, 
I love your cookies! Thank you very much!" "So what about, Lloyd? You 
promised to make her a necklace, right?" 

"...Uhhhh...heh..." "Don't tell me you forgot." "Uh, it's... It's almost done. 
Uh, I'll give it to you...tomorrow, before you leave. I swear!" What a liar. 
"Really? I'm so happy! As soon as I find out when we're leaving, I'll go 
to your house to let you know." Lloyd is still doubtful of Colette's safety, 
"Isn't it going to be dangerous?" "I'm the Chosen, remember? I'll be fine. 
See you later, then." Colette reenters her house. Genis calls Lloyd a liar. 
Lloyd tries in vain to defend his honesty, and fails miserably.

"If I start on it now, I'll finish it in time," Lloyd quickly replies. 
"Oh really? Well, whatever. By the way, you're going home now, right? Can 
I go part of the way with you?" "Sure, but where are you going to go? Genis 
replies, "I'm going to see a friend." "Huh? I didn't know you had friends 
outside the village besides me." "Does it matter? Anyway, can we swing 
by my house so I can get my stuff?"
*****END OF SCENE*****

As said, go over to Genis' house, but not before you stock up on Magic 
Lenses. There will be a skit called Sole Redeeming Feature. Lloyd is still 
mad at Kratos for not letting him participate in the world regeneration 
journey!  In his house, Genis will pick up some ingredients for sandwiches.  
Genis explains that they will need food to keep up their strength, as gels 
aren't cheap. Now, you can leave the village. Just turn left to enter Iselia 
Forest, and ignore the monsters on the map for now.

You will be told by the sentries of your village to get rid of your dog 
Noishe, and that there is a human ranch near Iselia Forest. You are not 
to go near the ranch. Then you can leave.

---------------
Iselia Forest
---------------
Current Level: 5

*****IMPORTANT SCENE*****
Noishe whines in fear. Genis says, "Ah, that's not right. Noishe doesn't 
like this place." "He'll never go near places like this that have lots 
of monsters." Even though you hardly sever see monsters bigger than him." 
Noishe whines again.  He runs off. Lloyd is annoyed at his dog now. And 
I thought the dog is the man's most loyal friend! 'Ah, he ran off again! 
Fine, do whatever you want, Noishe." "I keep thinking, ifg he's going to 
run away, he should at least take use with him."  The two then walk into 
the forest. You will be able to play now.
*****END OF SCENE*****
-------------------
Monster Strategies
-------------------
Rabbit
HP: 380     TP: 38       Atk: 139
Exp: 6      Gald: 11     Def: 8
Location: Near Iselia
Attack: Jumping Kick
Items dropped: Carrot, Beast Hide
Oh, look at that cute little white wabbit! The Rabbits of Tales of Symphonia 
are quite annoying, although they are not as annoying as Bugs Bunny. Like 
the Wolf, they only have one attack, and that is the jumping kick. This 
deals moderate damage to Lloyd, and is capable of a 3 hit combo. Be ready 
to block at all costs, or you will find yourself vulnerable while you 
stagger. Let's eat the rabbit stew! But Lloyd is not called Lloyd Fudd. 
Anyway, Rabbits carry carrots, obviously, and Beast Hide. Now you know 
that you can perform taxidermy on rabbits! Ugh.

Giant Bee
HP: 320     TP: 0       Atk: 130
Exp: 5      Gald: 9     Def: 0
Location: Near Iselia
Weak Against: Ice
Attack: Diving Sting, Stinger Launch
Item dropped: Panacea Bottle, Acuity Bottle
Giant Bees are bees that are well, oversized. They have fewer HP than the 
Hawks, but they can still pack quite a punch. They also attack by diving 
down from the sky and attempting to sting you. They can also sting by 
launching their stingers at you. Giant Bees are vulnerable to Ice, maybe 
it is because they are poikiotherms, and such animals' body temperatures 
vary with the surroundings. To make a quick end to the fight, use a jumping 
slash to floor the bee, and then slash it while it is helpless on the floor. 
As simple as that. They drop Panacea Bottles when beaten.

Minicold *****NEW!*****
HP:  470
Weak Against: Ice
Strong Against: Thunder, Earth
Attacks:
Pink Spore, Short Range Green Beam, Diving Tackle
Item Dropped: Mushroom
Minicolds are some moving mushroom creatures with pink caps. At close range, 
Minicolds can release Pink Spore all around them, and can fire a small 
green beam with a short range. If you give these guys the chance, they 
can jump very far at you and attempt to tackle you. The trick when facing 
these moving toadstools is to hit them rapidly and recklessly. As they 
are mushrooms, they are earthed, so Thunder and Earth moves don't deal 
too much damage. However, Ice is effective. Minicolds may drop mushrooms