Update 1: Old Forest Tutorial
Hollow ones cling to faith;
Fanged ones honor power;
Foolish sages protect a lie.
But the Medium's song remains,
Guiding you to Yggdrasil.
You hold the wings to soar
In this tempestuous saga.
Winds of beginning, blow now...
Now that's a great opening theme. EO4 is the first EO game with orchestrated music and the title theme gives you a good wake-up slap.
EO4 is also the first to have a difficulty option! Casual gives you 50% extra damage dealt and halves damage taken, losing a battle carts you back to town instead of making a sapling visit your screen, and Ariadne Threads are infinite. I'll be playing on Normal though.
Legends say something sleeps within Yggdrasil that calls people to eternal paradise. In order to ascertain the truth of this legend, the Count of Tharsis issued a challenge across the land. "Reach Yggdrasil and uncover the truth!" That summons has drawn countless explorers to the city. You are among their number; a pilgrim to the city with little to your name but a blade and boundless curiosity. Nevertheless, you aim to solve the mystery of Yggdrasil and win fame and fortune!
The game won't allow me to go anywhere but the guild, so...
This is the Explorers Guild, where your kind pools their talents. It's something like a mutual aid society. Now, if you want to operate in this city as an explorer, you have to be part of a guild.
I want to make my own guild and make a name for myself!
Oh, so you want to create your own rather than joining someone else's? Then write a name in that ledger. Though your guild will be your whole identity in Tharsis, so think it over carefully before deciding on a name.
After skipping the usual "Don't be mean" suggestion for names, we enter the name that won the poll.
The Sirocco Guild... Very well. Here's hoping you can live up to the name. You'll want this. It's a letter of introduction that'll get you into an audience with the Count.
Obtained Formal Letter!
Next, you need to register the explorers you want in the Sirocco Guild and form an adventuring party. It's up to you who to recruit, but you can't go wrong with a balanced party. You can register yourself, of course.
Time to create the guild members!
Alright! Now to find some guildies! Oh! Heeeey! Mr. Robes with the wand and book! Wanna join my guild?
Me? Sure, I suppose.
Nice to meet you, Jarno! My name's Quelle!
What's the name?
Quelle!
What?
It's Quelle!
No, I- Nevermind. Thanks for inviting me though.
No probs! Here's some forms you can use to help find some more guildies for us! Let's meet up here again! Byyyyeeee!
W-wa- Uuugh... I guess I'll try my best... Why is she named "What" though? Probably a coincidence.
After a while, Quelle finds a lone explorer.
Heya! Want to join my guild?
Hmmm...
Mayhaps joining a guild may help my ability to see more of this world? I accept, miss. Do you, perchance, know where your guild leader is? I would like to apply.
Right here! Just fill in this form, please!
They simply let just about anyone form a guild? Thank you. Here is my form, filled in as per the requirement.
Thank you! We'll meet at the entrance of the Guild Hall! See ya!
Meanwhile...
F-Fine! Here! Please don't hurt meeeeeee!
I- What? Why would I-
Where are you taking me?!
P-please calm down. You just signed up to be part of an adventuring guild. I'm not going to harm you.
There you are, Hel! Could you maybe not run off like that? Why'd you run, anyway!
AAAAAAAIIIIEEEE! Don't sneak up on me like that!
Jarno and the Fortress exchange looks. Jarno has a puzzled look, while the Fortress looks back with a sheepish smile that looks... a tad demonic.
Guess I'll sign up too... Can't have him run off to get you hurt, huh? Haha. Don't worry. My friend Hel's a gigantic coward. The name's Frank, by the way.
I see... Well... We... will meet up at the Guild Hall, okay?
Okay!
Hel runs off again, panicking slightly. Frank is hot on his trail.
Later, the guild meets up at the Guild Hall. There's something off though.
Waaaaiiit a minute. Who are YOU?
Wait. This isn't the Highroad Guild?
Nnnno... This is the Sirocco Guild.
Oops! Welp. Guess I missed their recruitment drive! Can I join yours then?
Sure! Glad to have ya!
Now that I'm done making them, let's set off!
Here in my Grand Court, when there are important duties to be carried out, I assign them to explorers as missions. But of all the explorers who arrive in Tharsis, like yourselves, we want only the best on the hunt for Yggdrasil. Before you can set out on your search, you must prove yourself worthy as explorers. What say you to this?
I do not know of my allies' abilities, but I certainly will be able to do so.
Rude.
Ah, very reasonable of you! In that case, simply accept the mission I have offered and prove your skills.
Tutoial tiiiiime. *Bangs and confetti*
I'd like for you to head to the Old Forest Mine on the outskirts of the city and excavate some Iridescent Ore. We had thought the vein was mined dry, but the other day, a certain explorer found that there was more to be had. The Iridescent Ore is a pretty thing. Shine light on it, and it refracts it into all the colours of the rainbow... But its true worth is not found in its beauty! Though I'll explain more about that if you complete the mission. Now, do I understand right that you've only recently arrived in Tharsis? You must lack the proper essentials. So I'll pay half of the reward for this mission in advance. Use that to purchase whatever you'll need.
Obtained 500en.
Huh! That's generous.
The Old Forest Mine is the perfect place to test your skills. You'll need all your strength and cunning there. Once you're ready, head to the city gates, and I'll have a soldier waiting to escort you there. Best of luck!
But before we do that... Uh... We currently are only equipped with the equivalent of a quick snack run to the freezer in the middle of the night. A visit to the atelier is in order!
Da Sirocco crew, huh? Well, hey, welcome ta Berund Atelier. For alla ya weapon and item needs! Eh... mosta ya needs, anyways. It kinda depends on da materials you explorer folks sell us. Da more materials ya bring us, da more kindsa stuff we'll sell yas! We gotta list posted of what kinda equipment we can make, so if ya see something ya want, bring us da stuff. Well, niceta meetcha! Give us a ring whenever ya need something for ya advencha!
No. This is seriously how she talks. Anyway, what the girl says is true. Bring materials from the labyrinths, sell them, and unlock new equipment. There's different types of weapons and armour that only certain classes can equip. Equipment has an effect on your battle speed, but I won't go into detail about it right here. On the bottom screen, you can see what a selected ally has equipped currently, in addition to their stats. Equipment can have an effect on stats, depending on the icons in its description. I'll go into detail about the icons later, when a certain mechanic is unlocked.
I bought a shield for Frank, a bow for Nie, and some helms for all but Frank. Three Medicas should be nice in an emergency. Whenever I start an EO game, I tend to go down a list when buying equipment to keep myself from screwing myself over. Shield, weapons, armour, accessories, items. Shields have priority over every purchase so long as a class like Fortress, the tank, is in the party. Then weapons to allow allies to actually USE their damage skills. Mages and healers don't care about weapons much in games like EO4 though, since they have no effect on your damage beyond extra effects on the weapons.
In addition to all this exhausting prep work, I allocated the skill points of the current party members.
Why didn't I invest in Iron Wall? Well...
Frankly, it sucks this early on.
Saving a point for Lightning Rune later.
Now onwards, TO ADVENTUUUUUU-
You're the Sirocco Guild, right? I'm here from the Outland Count.
F- Please, game. Less text, more adventuring?
Before we leave, you're sure you're ready for this? Whatever skills you have are useless if not trained.
Obligatory message you have 3 free skill points on a fresh character and that you gain 1 SP per level. Assign SP to skills in the Custom menu you can access with the Y button!
So, what'll it be? Should we head straight for the Old Forest Mine?
Let us proceed posthaste!
Alright, then follow me.
WE ENTER AT LAST. We can also instantly leave if we'd like.
Ah man. Adventure. Would've preferred to stay at the guild, really.
Wha-?! Where'd you come from?!
Assigned by the Count as your personal doctor. Name's Bundt. Cheers.
...but he never said that?
Guess he forgot. Here's my card.
We're glad to have you regardless! Welcome to the team, Bundt!
This desk's underside seems a lot more appealing than its topside, all of a sudden.
You pick it up and see that it is a shining, golden locket, with space for a small picture inside. Could another explorer have dropped this...? If you are curious, you can try opening the locket.
Let's uh... Leave it be before we anger the owner...
Just as you are wondering what to do with the locket, someone speaks to you from behind.
Found that for me, did you? Thanks, I've been looking all over for it.
You turn to see a sleepy-looking man with a sack over his shoulder. His attire marks him as a fellow explorer. You hand the locket to the man, who seems to be a friendly sort. He asks the name of your guild.
Me, I'm Whirlwind, though that's really just a nickname... Nice meeting you, Sirocco Guild.
We're here for some Iridescent Ore. Have you seen a vein of it?
You're here for some Iridescent Ore? Yeah, I think there's still some to be had in this Old Forest Mine. How do I know? Because I'm the one who found it in the first place. Here. Maybe this'll help.
What is this parchment for? We do not need it for notes.
It's to draw a map with, Nie. Explorers draw their own maps to navigate the labyrinths. Some explorers like to say it's an explorer's lifeline.
Preposterous! Do we not get a navigator?!
Look down. The navigators are standing around that area.
What? That doesn't make any sense!
I sketched in where you can find the Iridescent Ore. I hope that helps point you in the right direction.
But only half of it is drawn!
Huh? The map's only half done? Well, that makes this a great chance to learn how to draw your own!
I'll keep it short here. You get a selection of tools such as a pencil, paint, and icons to draw a grid-based map on the bottom screen. Draw it well, or face disorientation.
How 'bout it? Think you can draw your own? Don't worry, if I can do it, anyone can!
The man laughs, though you are not sure this is a joking matter.
But seriously, you need to learn to draw a map if you're going to chase Yggdrasil. That map's your lifeline.
Chasing a tree isn't going to be that hard. Well... Unless it suddenly grows legs. It's not out of the question.
Preposterous! A tree cannot grow legs!
You never travelled to Etria, huh?
When you think you're done with your map of this Old Forest Mine, bring it here and I'll look it over for you. I'll be at the entrance.
The man then parts with you and walks back the way he came... You glance at the map he gave you and decide to begin your search anew.
I quickly ran back to the loop behind me to find a closed shortcut. I ran back and ran into...
Roller
Description
A small creature which can curl up in its shell in order to roll around and ram enemies.
Stats
Grants 67 EXP.
Damage Vulnerabilities
Ailment and Bind Vulnerabilities
Drops
Skills
Rush Attack: A single target attack that deals Bash damage. Uses the legs. Melee range. 130% damage. No speed or accuracy modifiers.
Threatening? Not really. Especially when they're alone, which they can! An elemental attack will deal with it effortlessly. A quick round of regular attacks does them in too. I'll show battles if they're not boring like a single roller. Got some Hard Skin as a reward. In addition, the enemy is added to the compendium, in addition to any items they dropped. Now I can perss R to see the damage vulnerabilities of Rollers!
As you proceed down the forest path, you eventually reach a fork in the road. Across the water, you see a shining patch of ground. It seems something buried shallowly is reflecting light.
Isn't that the ore we're looking for?
Judging by the map you received from Whirlwind, the Iridescent Ore you seek can be mined there. But the water between you and your prize is too deep to cross. You frown and begin looking for another route.
Mage, freeze the water!
The ice I create with my magic dissipates too quickly. Tried it before in another land. The ice also... tends to be so cold it hurts to even be near it. Quelle would likely not want to be a sunny ice sculpture.
She's not dressed for the cold either.
Did another explorer leave this? The sign begins, "Caution!" in large bold letters. You read further... "From here on lurk monsters of the old mine! Those who mistake recklessness for courage will meet Death!"
You sometimes find random events throughout the labyrinths. Some are good, some bad, some are simple conversations or text. Choose wisely when interacting with them. You may face danger if you choose poorly. In this case, it's hinting at what's to come...
As you steadily put one foot in front of the other, you gradually become aware of a dread presence.
To the right! F.O.E.!
You know that there is no shame in avoiding unnecessary combat... A wise explorer picks their battles. If you wish to avoid an encounter, study the monster's movements and slip past it! FOEs will also move for every turn that passes in battle. Be aware of their position during combat!
Even in a forest mine, F.O.E.! The game isn't really kidding either. FOEs are practically minibosses that wander the labyrinth in full view. They're visible on your map. The flames surrounding the icon on the map shows how difficult the enemy is compared to you, level wise. It checks with the highest level in your party. Red is a large difference, yellow us just about right, and blue means they're easy. They can join battles too, so don't take too long in a battle if you're in their path! How do you get past them? Well... You solve their puzzle! Look at the FOE's path and how it reacts to you and the environment. That is how you pass by without getting annihilated. Or you brute force your way through if you can handle it. Almost forgot... The orb that changes colour in the bottom right as well as those coloured bars? The orb represents how close you are to entering a battle.The bars represent how close an FOE is. All bars full? The FOE is right next to you!
This is a plant called a Traveller's Friend, prized by explorers for the way it stores water in its stalks. If you're thirsty, you can nibble at the stalk, though if you are wary of monsters, you may wish to leave.
I'm a bit hurt, but... we're pretty much raring to go, aren't we? Let's just pass it by...
If this plant is attractive to humans, it would be equally so for monsters... Thinking this, you turn away. Unfortunately, you turn directly into a horde of terrible insects! However, your caution has enabled you to catch the monsters unawares! You take up arms and prepare for battle!
Well... I did say your choices can matter during these events!
Grasseater
Description
A Grasshopper that lives in the forest. Their kicks are powerful, but they are no threat when alone.
Stats
Grants 55 EXP.
Damage Vulnerabilities
Ailment and Bind Vulnerabilities
Drops
Skills
Jump Kick: A single target STR-based attack that deals bash damage. Uses the legs. Melee. 150% damage. +3 speed. 90% accuracy.
Certainly more dangerous than a roller! Though... Will we even let them attack at ALL?
Frank uses Taunt while Quelle uses Counter Samba. Bundt heals Frank. Jarno casts Fireball Rune at the back row. Nie uses Leg Snipe on the front row.
Right for the knee!
Remember how the Jump Kick description says it uses the legs? Nie's Leg Snipe inflicts leg binds. Leg binds halve AGI, disable escapes and evasion, and keep leg skills such as Jump Kick from activating! If an enemy tries to use the skill, they waste their turn.
And since we got a pre-emptive strike on the enemy, they don't get to act! Be careful though, as you also have a chance to be ambushed and be forced to wait a turn yourself whenever you enter a battle.
Frank defends. Bundt and Quelle attack the Grasseater in front, and Nie attacks the back row.
Whoo! Tag team!
And a crit from Nie! That was trivial.
After successfully vanquishing the terrible insects, you decide to leave at once before more can arrive.
The Guild moves further to their destination when they pass through a door.
When you open the door, you see an open clearing past it.
But have care! The wandering beasts will hunt you mercilessly even while you mine for minerals!
Don't be so dramatic, game. While pressing A at a gathering point will count as moving or advancing a turn, these FOEs don't chase the player. Do you want more materials from these points? Press A multiple times! EO4 changed gathering to be much more bearable. You get about three shots at gathering from these points. Chop, Mine, and Take simply give you a chance to get more resources. No more gathering parties!
After dodging the first baboon by just letting it walk past, you can get slate here, but that's not what we're here for...
Oh no oh no oh no oh no...
Let's allow the FOE to pass first...
OOOOOH! It's so shiny!
At last, you have mined the Iridescent Ore you came for! Your mission is now complete. The ore won after many tense moments near powerful monsters is lighter than you'd imagined and feels fragile... After you finish exulting in your accomplishment, you stow the shining stone and begin your trek back.
Now I'm not going to go back the way I came, no. There is a path beyond the baboons.
Cooool. Treasure. What's in it?
Well then. With that, let's enter the shortcut behind us.
Of course...
Yet again, Frank taunts. Bundt attacks the front row while Quelle starts cha-cha-chasing. Jarno lights the back row on fire, and Nie recreates a certain scene from Ace Ventura with Leg Snipe.
One-two-three! One-two-three!
And finally, Sirocco rushes with a round of regular attacks.
Let's return to town... Oh... He's still waiting for us...
You find the explorer Whirlwind, who gave you your map, standing at the edge of an open clearing. If you wish, you can have him review the completed map you've drawn.
Whirlie! Look at our map, please!
Oh, hey guys. Want me to take a look at that map? Alright, let's see here...
You hand him your map and he pores over it to verify its accuracy... Whirlwind studies your map intently for some time, but eventually his face brightens and he addresses you.
This is nicely done, considering the time it took. I'm surprised how well drawn it is! Looks complete to me. This is your map and yours alone. You never know when you might need it again, so take good care of it.
You get yourself some Iridescent Ore? I thought so, since you seemed so pleased. Anyway, that wraps it up for your mission.
The man congratulates you and you thank him before parting ways.
He has a name, game. 
You check your knapsack again to make certain that the Iridescent Ore you put away is still there. The final step before completing your mission will be to visit the Grand Court and report your find.
We're going to the inn innstead. I didn't save when we were first in the town.
Welcome to the Saehrimnir Inn. Lots of our explorers use this place as a base between excursions. If you get hurt or tired, come back here and get a good rest. We have a clinic in the back, too! You're welcome to use it if you have any ailments or wounds to treat.
SAVED. Thanks for reading this update! Now, if you'd like, you can vote here for the next party composition!
