-- Chrono Cross Character Recruiting FAQ -- -- by CB! (Christine Bomke, cb@positronrecords.com) -- -- Final Version (really! I mean it this time!), 10/28/00 -- DISCLAIMER: This FAQ is for PERSONAL USE ONLY, copyrighted to me, Christine Bomke. Do not put this FAQ on your site without first emailing me for permission. If permission IS granted, you are not permitted to change a single word of this FAQ when you post it, and must leave it as a .txt file unless I've explicitly told you otherwise. Do not gank information from this FAQ for your magazine, or other form of media - printed, online, or otherwise. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200. If I find out you've gone and violated this disclaimer anyway, I will dismember and disembowel you. Slowly. Avast ye matey, thar be spoilers ahead. -- Table 'o Contents -- I. Version History II. Quick & Dirty Branching Storyline Chart III. Character Encyclopedia IV. Combination Attacks V. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why can't I get so-and-so? 2. Can I get all of my characters back in New Game+? 3. Can I recruit so-and-so? They have a character portrait! 4. Who do you recommend? 5. Is Glenn Frog from Chrono Trigger? 6. How do I equip Glenn with 2 Einlanzers? 7. What's all this Radical Dreamers stuff? 8. Is Guile who I think he is..? 9. Who was the "stranger from the mainland" who brought Kidd Hydra Humour when she was ill? Was it Magus? 10. What's the deal with Pip? 11. Can I get Harle back? 12. Are those REALLY all the combination attacks? 13. I can't forge Prism weapons! What gives? 14. How do I defeat Dario? %@$#@!! 15. Can I change anyone's names? 16. Is Kidd Harle? Is Harle Kidd? 17. The game won't let me change Serge's name to Crono! 18. Is that really the Epoch in the basement of Viper Manor? 19. I've heard a rumour about xyz, can you confirm/deny it for me? 20. I love the soundtrack, where can I get it? VI. Thanks, Shameless Plugs, and Credits -- Version History -- v2Final 10/28/00: FAQ comes out of retirement and kicks butt like Jin Kazama on a bender. BOO-YA! Section order rearranged, too many additions to list here. vFinal 9/3/00: More skill names converted to the English release, and finally filled in the blanks for Zappa's skills. Like you care. Added everyone's fortunes as per the fortuneteller in Termina - nonessential information, but it gives an interesting bit of background info if you miss optional cutscenes, and don't complete anyone's sidequests. (That, and I haven't seen fortunes in anyone else's guides yet.) Finished Branching Story Chart, added more FAQs. This will probably be the last update, so if you have any corrections, don't bother emailing me, unless it's to say how much you love the new DJ? Acucrack record. v2.5 8/20/00: Small name corrections (Elranzer to Einlanzer, Gardov to Guldove, etc), BIG overhaul on most of the text. Frequently Asked Questions added. Branching Story Chart will be updated and FINISHED in the next version. v2.4 8/15/00: Lots of character and skill names changed to their English ones. New warm fuzzy disclaimer, and branching story path chart. Miscellaneous section went poof, as everyone and their mother will be writing more in-depth FAQs soon enough about that very subject. v2.3 7/22/00: Character list changed to the order in which it appears in the game (ie, in the Menu). Some names changed to the ones in the North American release. My Dexdrive ate my memory card. v2.1 4/7/00: Done as it's going to be until the English release. Really. Cross my heart. Added little revisions everywhere, how to get Lazzuli's & Tsumalu's Level 7 Skills, a caveat about Lena's Level 7, a Did You Notice?, the location of Skull's bones, and made the strategy for recruiting Kinoko less obtuse. Only 4 months until the North American release! Rejoice! v2.0 and below: Who cares? Started on 12/26/99. Completed on 10/28/00. -- Quick & Dirty Branching Storyline Chart -- This is a chart of the branching storylines, and whom you can recruit in favor of whom, when, for the player who doesn't want a bunch of character details. This is wholly in chonological order, and based on the earliest point you can recruit someone - if recruiting a particular character is optional, there'll be a question mark (?) next to their name; if a character joins you automatically, there'll be an exclamation point (!); and lastly, if you need to recruit someone to advance the story, there'll be an asterisk (*). Simple enough? Tally ho. Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Guile* -> Korcha* -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Razzly? -> Greco? -> Kidd! -> Mel? -> Pip? -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff? -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Guile* -> Macha* -> Glenn? -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Greco? -> Pip? -> Kidd! -> Doc! -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff? -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Nikki* -> Korcha* -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Razzly? -> Greco? -> Kidd! -> Mel? -> Pip? -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Nikki* -> Macha* -> Glenn? -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Greco? -> Pip? -> Kidd! -> Doc! -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff? -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Pierre* -> Korcha* -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Razzly? -> Greco? -> Kidd! -> Mel? -> Pip? -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff? -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! Serge -> Poshul? -> Kidd? -> Leena? with Poshul! -> Mojo? -> Skelly? -> Pierre* -> Macha* -> Glenn? -> Luccia? -> NeoFio? -> Greco? -> Pip? -> Kidd! -> Doc! -> Sprigg! -> Harle! -> Radius! -> Zappa? -> Van? -> Funguy? -> Norris! -> Draggy? -> Starky* -> Irenes? -> Sneff? -> Janice? -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Orcha! -> Grobyc? -> Riddel* -> Fargo! -> Karsh! or Zoah! -> Viper! -> Marcy! -> Pip? -> Miki? -> Leah! -> Steena! -> Orlha? -> Turnip? -> Kidd! -- Character Encyclopedia -- Characters are listed in the order they appear on the list accessable via the menu (Triangle button). This FAQ is ideally for people who've already played the game once, and want to pick up any characters they've missed in New Game+. Spoilers have been minimized, but read at your own risk nonetheless. Name: Serge Occupation: Silent Protagonist Elemental affiliation: White When found: If you need to ask... Weapon: Swallow Age: 17 Origin: Arni Height: 5'7" Weight: 128 lbs Build: Ordinary Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Dash & Slash (Serge dashes through an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Luminaire (Serge levitates, causing a glowing orb to descend on the enemy party. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Flying Arrow (Serge floats in the sky, and his aura shoots an arrow of light at an enemy. This skill is inherent, and the size/shape of the aura seems to depend on the weapon. Try it with the Mastermune, then try it with the Silver Swallow. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Well balanced. Good magic power and magic defense, great HP, great power, and tons of Element slots. Fortune: "You're not dead or anything, are you? Has anybody called you back from the great beyond? Hmm...For some reason, I just can't read your future." -- Name: Kidd Occupation: T&A Elemental affiliation: Red When found: On Another's Cape Howl at sunset, or in Termina if you refused her three times at Cape Howl, or after she recovers from poisoning if you refused her in Termina, or NEVER if you didn't help Kidd and skip Guldove before going to Fort Dragonia. Weapon: Dagger Age: 16 Origin: Unknown Height: 5'5" Weight: 99 lbs Build: Slender Dominant hand: Ambidextrous Skills: Level 3: Pilfer (Kidd steals an item. Handy! Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Red Pin (Red pin is pin tat is red. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Hot Shot (An invention of Lucca's falls from the sky, and Kidd fires it at one enemy. Must be obtained via the side quest in the burning house. In the first room, press the Action button next to the device to the right of the door, and enter L1, Triangle, R1, Triangle for the password. L A R A.) Evaluation: Please, let's not argue about how many D's she has in her name. I didn't use her much while she was in my party, and to be honest, I didn't miss her, either. There are other people with the Steal skill and better stats. If you want her to do more than 1 point of damage to an enemy, keep her weapon upgraded! (Like I didn't...) Fortune: "In your eyes, I percieve...both the look of a beauty and the look of a beast. Be mindful not to bring about your own end, my dear! A dream lies in wait, reaching out to engulf you!" -- Name: Guile Occupation: Magician, and subject of much speculation. Is he or isn't he? Elemental affiliation: Black When found: In Termina's bar in Another, prior to exploring Viper Manor for the first time. You must have witnessed the event at the statue of Lord Viper, and not have spoken with Nikki's manager or Pierre. Weapon: Staff Age: 26 Origin: Zenan Continent Height: 6'2" Weight: 154 lbs Build: Tall & Slender Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: WandaIn (Guile makes his staff disappear, then materialize in one enemy's body. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: WandaSwords (Guile's staff becomes many staves, which in turn become many swords, and accost the enemy. Ph34r! Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: LightninRod (Guile whirls around, and throws his staff into the air, which causes purple lightning to strike the enemy. This skill is inherently learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: He's a little more powerful than Riddle when it comes to physical attacks, and his Strong attack hits the entire enemy party. Towards the end of the game when you're able to forge Prism weapons, his physical offense grows tremendously. Very good with magic, lots of HP, and very powerful skills. The only thing Guile lacks in is spaces in his Element grid for the first few levels. Fortune: "Hahah...! Sir Guile, the deadline has already passed!" [Guile admits defeat, takes off his mask, and the fortuneteller flips out. The end. Alternately, if you have the Dragon's Honor from Viper Manor in your inventory, Guile will win the bet, and the fortuneteller will give him a Brass Rod.] -- Name: Norris Occupation: Captain of the Black Wind Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: While exploring Home's Viper Manor, in the dungeon, he'll join automatically. Weapon: Gun Age: 26 Origin: Porre, on the Zenan Continent Height: 5'10" Weight: 137 lbs Build: Average Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Spiral Ray (Norris fires a blast of yellow light at an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Sunshower (Norris fires his gun into the air, and yellow energy rains down on the enemy party. Looks like something out of Actraiser. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: TopShot (Norris takes aim and blasts an enemy into next Tuesday. Talk to Another's Norris with Home's Norris - he'll be in the far left parlor on the ground floor of Viper Manor.) Evaluation: He can do more damage than his piddly strength rating would suggest, and Sunshower can easily wipe out a Green enemy party. Okay with magic, more Element slots than you'd expect for a fighter, and average HP. Fortune: "You work to be more honest more straight...This world is distorted and crooked. Trying to force your honesty on this crooked world may break you. Beware of that." -- Name: Nikki Occupation: ROCK STAR! Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: Before sneaking into Viper Manor, speak with Nikki's manager on his ship, and rescue him from the Cassowaries in the Shadow Forest. You must have witnessed the event at the statue of Lord Viper, and not have spoken with Guile or Pierre. Weapon: Guitar & Pick Age: 19 Origin: S.S. Zelbess Height: 6'0" Weight: 115 lbs Build: Thin Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: GrandFinale (Nikki smashes his guitar over one enemy's head. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: ChillOut (Nikki freezes an enemy. How? He's just that cool. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: LimeLight (Spotlights illuminate Nikki, and he shoots evil black energy at the enemy party for big damage. Eat your heart out, Marilyn Manson! Take Another's Nikki to meet Home's Nikki to find this skill. They'll have a chat and jam together.) Evaluation: When he's not hawking Urban Decay cosmetics or playing rock music, Nikki moonlights as one of your party members. He's balanced all around, and very useful with blue healing items if you don't have Leena. Fargo's son, and Marcy's older brother. Fortune: "The reading states that you are a bridge that connects to the other side. Indeed. Two shores, that are separated by an unstoppable stream...It is your role to connect them." -- Name: Lord Viper Occupation: Ruler of El Nido Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: Automatically joins on Another's Zelbess after rescuing Riddle from the Porre army. Weapon: Sword Age: 57 Origin: El Nido Height: 6'7" Weight: 216 lbs Build: Solid Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: G-Force (Viper slices his sword up and down one enemy's body. Learned at 3 Stars. Level 5: Air Force (Viper swings his sword, and shoots a six pointed star-shaped energy field at all enemies. Learned at 19 Stars. Level 7: FlagBearer (Viper folds his arms and stands majestically, while the flag of Viper Manor is hoisted behind him, restoring a squidload of HP. To recieve this skill, put Viper in your active party and speak with the bar owner in Home's Termina. Go into the secret back room of the bar and examine the tapestry on the far wall.) Evaluation: Relatively the same stats as Fargo only less adept with magic, and stronger with physical attacks. Fortune: "You will continue to be the rightful lord that you are...This is no fortune reading, it is my opinion as one who has lived longer than you." -- Name: Riddel Occupation: Pretty pretty princess! Elemental affiliation: White When found: After rescuing her from the Porre troops running amuck in Another's Viper Manor, she'll join automatically at the Hermit's Hideout. Weapon: Staff Age: 24 Origin: El Nido Height: 5'7" Weight: 104 lbs Build: Slender Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Snake Eyes (No, not the Nick Cage vehicle. Riddel heals your party for many HP's, and cures any status ailments. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Snake Skin (Riddel protects one party member with the power of the White Snake, for a 20% defense and 25% magic defense increase. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: SnakeFangs (See Leena's Level 5 - like that, only with a 50% Element revival rate. You must defeat Dario to acquire this.) Evaluation: Riddel has very low offensive and defensive strength, and low HP, but she has lots of slots on her Element grid, and is probably your most powerful magic-user. Her Strong attack hits all enemies. Give her good accessories and protective gear, and she'll be a great asset to your party. She's Viper's daughter. I'm very curious why she doesn't have a character portrait in all those flashbacks with Karsh and Dario. Fortune: "Deep devotion often makes the impossible possible. I suggest that you keep holding on to your purity." -- Name: Karsh Occupation: Acacian Deva Elemental affiliation: Green When found: Joins automatically in the backroom of Termina's bar before you explore Another's Viper Manor for the second time, or on the Zelbess afterwards. You have a choice between he and Zoah. Weapon: Axe Age: 27 Origin: El Nido Height: 5'11" Weight: 159 lbs Build: Solid Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Dragon Rider (Karsh rides a dragon and swings his axe at the enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Axial Axe (Karsh throws his axe all over the battlefield, like a boomerang. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Axiomatic (Karsh hits an enemy many times with his axe; can only be found after completing his side-quest with Solt & Pepper on the Isle of the Damned.) Evaluation: Karsh has excellent HP and offensive strength, and is almost always in my party when I fight bosses. Zappa's son. Fortune: "The reading says: A change in fashion will blossom a new love." -- Name: ZOAH Occupation: BRAWNY ACACIAN DEVA Elemental affiliation: YELLOW When found: JOINS AUTOMATICALLY IN THE BACKROOM OF... sorry, caps lock wearing thin? Ahem. Joins automatically in the backroom of Termina's bar before you explore Another's Viper Manor for the second time, or on the Zelbess afterwards. You have a choice between he and Karsh. Weapon: Glove Age: 28 Origin: El Nido Height: 6'3" Weight: 203 lbs Build: Mammoth Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Dragon Rider (Zoah mounts a dragon, and jumps off, effectively body-slamming one enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Sweep Attack (Zoah's arms become charged with electricity, and he whirls in the air, coming down hard on one enemy. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Toss&Spike (Gotta love those volleyball puns. Can only be found if you bring Zoah back to Viper Manor and open the chest in his room. It's the furthest to the right on the ground floor.) Evaluation: Zoah has great offense and defense, and extremely high HP. His magic power is somewhat weak, but not as bad as Poshul's. Fortune: "I sense deep sadness beneath that mask of yours...In the near future, you, too, shall find your sanctuary of peace." -- Name: Marcy Occupation: Acacian Deva Diva Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: Joins automatically on the Zelbess. Weapon: Glove Age: 9 Origin: Zenan Continent Height: 4'9" Weight: 84 lbs Build: Smallish Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 3: Cat's Cradle (Marcy twirls a ball of string in the air, and throws her line at the enemy, entangling them. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: String Phone (Marcy twirls a ball of string in the air, hefts individual lines at the enemy, and shoots ice along them. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Web Surfer (Marcy casts what looks like a Blue version of Final Fantasy VIII's Quake. Learned at 40 Stars.) Evaluation: Marcy owns me. She can do almost as much physical damage as Leah or Karsh - even moreso if she's fighting a Red monster - and she's very good with magic as well. Fortune: "The reading says, your wish will come true if you purge of your likes and dislikes." -- Name: Korcha Occupation: Wannabe host of Babe Winkelman's Sport Fishing Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: Before Kidd recovers her health, you have a choice of he or Macha. Say you want to save Kidd. He'll join after he takes you to Termina. Weapon: Fishing implements Age: 16 Origin: Guldove Height: 5'6" Weight: 123 lbs Build: Thin Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Headbutt (Korcha does the breathstroke in the air, and headbutts an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Hook&Sinker (Korcha casts his fishing rod at one enemy. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Big Catch (Korcha casts his line, and reels in a big catch, hitting one enemy. The big catch is a morph chosen randomly from Spriggan's list, and will sometimes be a boot that does no damage. This Level 7 skill can be found by taking Korcha back to the small red display in Termina, where you first met him, and examining it. Then talk to the nearby person in purple, before heading down the road towards Greco's home, and talking to the mermaid where you first talked to Korcha by the beach.) Evaluation: Not bad. I like his sister, Mel, better. Fortune: "Your fortune reads that it is a hopeless love... I'm sorry, but you've got to give up." -- Name: Luccia Occupation: Scientist Elemental affiliation: Black When found: Go back to Viper Manor's balcony after Kidd is wounded, and speak with Luccia there and then at her lab. Weapon: Pin, Syringe Age: 28 Origin: Zenan Continent Height: 5'9" Weight: 97 lbs Build: Thin Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Pin-up Girl (Luccia jumps into the air and throws lots of pins and needles at the enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Mix&Match (Luccia throws two Erlenmeyer flasks at the enemy for a status change. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: TestAmeba (Luccia throws her Test Amoeba at one enemy, which inhibits oxidative phosphorylation on a cellular level, and inflicts wicked damage. To find this skill, put her first in your party, and talk to the slimy amoeba thing in the dungeon of the Viper Manor in Another dimension. You need to go down through the grating in the kitchen.) Evaluation: Fur eine Mad Scientist�, you vould tink she'd have better attacks; maybe dat is vhy she engineers Pip and the other critters in her lab, oh ho ho! Average HP, lots of Element slots, and a bit lower than Miki for attack power. I vastly, vastly preferred her Skill names in the Japanese release. Fortune: "You shall always be under the watchful eye of your former master..." -- Name: Poshul Species: Dog Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: Either give her the Heckran Bone and recruit her in Home before you speak with Leena on the beach, or take the nescessary steps to recruit Another's Leena and she'll join automagically. Weapon: Glove Age: Unknown Origin: Arni Height: 3'8" Weight: 26 lbs Build: Roly-poly Dominant paw: Unknown Skills: Level 3: K-9 Ball (Poshul curls into a ball and bounces on the enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Doggy Dunnit (Poshul spins around, creating a wind vortex, then dispatches it at the enemy party. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Unleashed (The Chrono Cross equivalent of Fat Chocobo! Poshul unlocks her collar, grows bigger, and belly flops on one enemy. Can only be found by speaking with Home's Leena at the dock, after Serge gets his body back.) Evaluation: PO-SHU-SHU!! Poshul is a DELIGHT. She has very high HP and offense - more than you'd expect from a pink two-tailed ball of fluff - but her skill with magic is so poor it's laughable. She'll wax ecstatic about the Heckran Bone and her Pretty Miracle Power X if you recruit her in the Home dimension. Did I mention she's supremely awesomely funny? Fortune: "Beware of fat and of over-eating...Well, I guess that goes without saying." -- Name: Razzly Species: Sprite (Don't call her 7up!) Elemental affiliation: Green When found: While on the quest for Kidd's medicine, in Hydra swamp, if you choose to let her out of the cage by the Pentapus. You can't get her if you chose Macha's branch, and went to the Zelbess in lieu of Hydra swamp. Weapon: Staff Age: Unknown Origin: Water Dragon Island Height: 3'7" Weight: 11 lbs Build: Tiny Dominant hand: Unknown Skills: Level 3: Raz-Star (Razzly makes a large, comicly proportioned star fall on an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Raz-Heart (Razzly waves her wand, and restores a small amount of HP to herself and boosts her defense. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Raz-Flower (Don't include Razzly in the battle with the Hydra in Hydra Swamp, let Rosetta die, and when the Terra Tower surfaces, go to Water Dragon Island in the Home dimension and examine the flowers that grew in the middle of the sprite village.) Evaluation: Razzly is between Riddel and Guile in terms of physical offense and HP, on par with the both of them for magic power, and her Star skill does awesome damage early in the game. Crappy defense, though - she's the poster child for some serious Prism equipment. Fortune: "Conflict can occur anywhere...The only way to be rid of conflict is to remove its roots. Nothing will be resolved by just glancing at the surface." -- Name: Zappa Occupation: Blacksmith Elemental affiliation: Red When found: After returning Home and going to Termina, speak with him in the Smithy twice and choose the top option. Weapon: Axe or Hammer Age: 52 Origin: Zenan Continent Height: 5'8" Weight: 181 lbs Build: Solid Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Hammerblow (Zappa beats the earth to rattle his foe. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Hammerthrow (Zappa whirls like a dervish, and strikes all enemies on the battlefield for decent damage. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Balls of Iron (Stupid skill name, good skill. Zappa hits a red hot ball of iron at the enemy, Tiger Woods style. Learned at 40 Stars.) Evaluation: Karsh's father. Zappa is as strong as he looks, and he's essential for forging Prism weapons towards the end of the game; after defeating the 6 dragons, go back to Marbule in Home, specifically the cave where the black dragon was in Another dimension, and buy the weapon the man on the far left will sell you. Equip this to Zappa, and with him leading your party, speak with Another's Zappa in Termina's smithy. Fortune: "You shall encounter the two things you seek...But be careful, for one of them is what you seek only in appearance." -- Name: Orcha Occupation: Cook Elemental affiliation: Red When found: While the Porre troops are ravaging Another's Viper Manor, defeat his blue counterpart and he'll join automatically. Weapon: Frying pan Age: 44 Origin: Guldove Height: 5'7" Weight: 203 lbs Build: Chubby Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Spice of Life (Orcha throws a jar of spice in the air, healing the party for a couple hundred HP. Learned at 3 Stars. Level 5: Mystery Menu (Orcha cooks and eats one enemy. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: DinnerGuest (Orcha has returned from the Dark World and is now BLUE Orcha! With Orcha leading your party, speak with his brother, Home Arni's chef.) Evaluation: He's got average HP, average magic power, and slightly better than average attack power. I don't use him much, but at least he doesn't look like that freakazoid Quina. Macha's older brother. Fortune: "Do not think your inner evil will just fade away...Remember that the evil is secreted away inside everyone." -- Name: Radius Occupation: Arni Village's Chief Elemental affiliation: Green When found: Joins automatically after you defeat him in Home's Arni. Weapon: Staff Age: 62 Origin: Zenan Mainland Height: 5'8" Weight: 119 lbs Build: Thin Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Longshot (Radius blasts an enemy with green energy from his staff, similar to Glenn's Level 5. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: QuickDraw (Radius dashes at and through an enemy. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Vital Energy (Radius leaps into the air, and green fire engulfs one enemy. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Maybe if I wasn't afraid he'd break in two from osteoporosis if I put him in battle, I might actually use him. I dunno. Fortune: "The many lines laid before you, shall all merge into one..." -- Name: Fargo Occupation: El Capitan del Zelbess! Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: On Another's Zelbess Weapon: Sword Age: 40 Origin: Unknown Height: 6'0" Weight: 163 lbs Build: Macho Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Pillage (Fargo plunders an item. Arrr matey! Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: CannonBalls (Fargo whistles, and cannonballs from the Zelbess crash down on the enemy party. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Invincible (Fargo runs toward an enemy, brandishing his sword as he goes, while kanji's flash on the screen. He'll get this automatically before going to Marbule to fight the Lagoonates, who have taken over the town.) Evaluation: Good offensive strength, good stats. Well-balanced. If you're going to do any kind of aggressive stealing from enemies, you should definately pick Fargo over Kidd or Mel. Fortune: "Take away the mirror of falsity and reflect your image on the mirror of truth. You will then regain your true self." -- Name: Macha Occupation: Hausfrau Elemental affiliation: Red When found: In Guldove, when you're asked to undertake the quest for medicine. You have a choice between she and her son, Korcha. Choose not to save Kidd if you want Macha. Weapon: Frying pan Age: 38 Origin: Guldove Height: 5'6" Weight: 150 lbs Build: Stout Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Bottom's Up (Macha hits and wiggles her derriere, then launches herself at the enemy for mediocre damage. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Folding (Macha turns the enemy into dirty laundry, folds it, and jumps on top. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Dirty Dishes (This brings new meaning to the urban colloquialism, "drop some plates on your ass". Macha summons flatware to drop down on the enemy party. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Less HP than Mojo, with slightly better offensive power, and equally silly skills. Fortune: "It reads that, as a mother, you should set an example for your children." -- Name: Glenn Occupation: Knight who says, "Nee!" Elemental affiliation: Green When found: After recruiting Macha and her boat in Another's Termina, by the docks. Weapon: Sword Age: 20 Origin: Termina Height: 5'9" Weight: 141 lbs Build: Average Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Dash&Gash (Glenn dashes and gashes an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Sonic Sword (Glenn launches a blast of green light from his sword at one enemy. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Dive & Drive (Looks like Spire from Chrono Trigger. Learned at 40 Stars.) Evaluation: First and foremost, GLENN IS NOT FROG FROM CHRONO TRIGGER. Once again, GLENN IS NOT FROG FROM CHRONO TRIGGER. Glenn's father, Garai, named him after Frog, who was a legendary hero. All clear on that? Good. His attack power starts out kind of weak compared to Serge & Poshul, but quickly catches up to be one of the heaviest hitters in your party, especially when you equip his Green booty with two Einlanzers. Fortune: "If I were to equate you to something, you would be the moon. Yes, the moon. The moon only shines when there is a sun to reflect.The moon does not glow with its own light...But remember this! The moon's light is a guidepost to those that search in the darkness of the night. A time will come when you will carry out such a role...Sometime in the near future." -- Name: Leena Occupation: The girl next door Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: In Another, if you refuse Kidd three times at Cape Howl, she'll join automatically with Poshul when you return to Arni. She'll still join if you recruited Poshul in Home, however. Weapon: Household items (spoon, frying pan, broom...) Age: 16 Origin: Arni Height: 5'5" Weight: 93 lbs Build: Ordinary Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: MaidenHand (Leena's hand glows and she smacks the enemy four times. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: MaidenHeart (Leena levitates and feathers make swirling blue light around her. All of Leena's elements - except for stocked items - have a 1/3 chance of being replenished. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: MaidenFaith (Leena kneels in prayer, and her attack power and hit accuracy are increased, along with auto-resurrection for that battle. You can get this by putting Leena at the head of your party, and speaking with her grandmother in Home after you regain your body. You may not be able to get Leena's Level 7 if you gave the wrong responses to her early in the game. The correct responses are: (at the beach) "I remember", then "We'll never forget this day!", and (on the dock) "I'm Serge!". You need at least 2 out of 3.) Evaluation: Leena's stronger than her dainty appearance belies, and excellent with magic - up there with Riddel and Razzly, even. Her HP is on the low side of average, but not as low as most magic users. Mad, crazy, phat amounts of Element slots. Fortune: "It says, you will not find a boyfriend for a long time. Fortunetelling is such a merciless thing..." -- Name: Dynamite Dancer Miki! Occupation: Dancer Elemental affiliation: Red When found: After liberating Marbule of the Lagoonates, go back to the Zelbess' restaurant and speak with Miki. Weapon: Glove Age: 19 Origin: S.S. Zelbess Height: 5'7" Weight: 95 lbs Build: Slender Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Head Bopper (Miki dances a jig on one enemy's head. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Sexy Wink (Miki bats her eyes seductively, damaging all enemies. That must be some powerful mascara! Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Dance on Air (Miki floats through the air like she did in Nikki's rock opera, leaving sparkles as she goes. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Exactly like Leena, but Red. And about ten times cuter. Fortune: "You shall broaden your horizons in the open world." -- Name: Harle Occupation: Enigmatic Jester Elemental affiliation: Black When found: Joins automatically in Never Never Land after Sprigg does. Weapon: Pin Age: 18 Origin: Unknown Height: Unknown Weight: Unknown Build: Unknown Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Moon Beams (Harle leaps in front of the moon and launches crescents at the enemy party. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Moonshine (Not the record label, unfortunately, but useful nonetheless - magic defense up for your whole party. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Lunairetic (Harle eclipses the moon, heavily damaging the enemy party. Learned at 25 Stars.) Evaluation: Elle est une coquette, oui? Her defense and magic power are good, Moonbeams is very powerful for only being a Level 3, and if you're going to use her in the fight against Miguel - which I recommend - Moonshine will make or break you. Fortune: "In your eyes, I percieve...both the look of a beauty and the look of a beast. Be mindful not to bring about your own end, my dear! A dream lies in wait, reaching out to engulf you!" -- Name: Janice Occupation: Monster Trainer - think Pokemon Elemental affiliation: Red When found: Anytime after getting access to the Grand Slam Tournament on Home's Zelbess. Beat her 3 times. Weapon: Carrot Age: 22 Origin: S.S. Zelbess Height: 5'7" Weight: 104 lbs Build: Plumpish Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Beat It (Janice flattens the enemy by hitting them over the head with her drum. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: 24 Carrots (Janice throws lots of carrots at one enemy. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: What'sUpDoc (Janice beats her drum, and water gushes out from the ground to damage the enemy party. Can be found if you put her in the lead of your party, and talk to the land octopus at the End of Time.) Evaluation: She's not THAT plump, sheesh. Average defense, attack, magic, magic defense, and fantastic amounts of HP. There's a Prism Carrot for her to use in a treasure chest in the Terra Tower, so even if you don't use her, you can still disassemble the components for an extra Rainbow Shell. Fortune: "It's very rare to see a demi-human like you living such a cheerful life. Keep on living as cheerfully as you are now, and fortune will follow." -- Name: Draggy Species: Dragon Elemental affiliation: Red When found: You can get Draggy anytime after acquiring the boat in the Home world. Kill the Dodo in Fossil Valley, and steal one of the eggs (key item) it was guarding. Then, go to Fort Dragonia, flick the four elemental switches so that the pillar rises in the central room, and choose the second option on the lift to go down. Place the egg on the middle platform to hatch it. Weapon: Glove Age: 0 (you hatched him, remember?) Origin: Fossil Valley Height: 2'2" Weight: 265 lbs Build: Tiny Dominant claw: Front left Skills: Level 3: Cough Drop (Draggy belches a little fireball at one enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Cough Mix (Draggy belches aforesaid fireball, then fans it with his wings towards the enemy party. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: BigBreath (Draggy summons the spirit of his mother to engulf the battlefield in flames. Can be found by taking Draggy to Fossil Valley in Another, and speaking with the dragon's skull on the northern screen.) Evaluation: He's a pwecious widdle Draggy-waggy, yes he is! Great physical attacks, on par with your heavy hitters Karsh & Zoah, high HP, and a fair amount of Element slots. Fortune: "Seek coexistence with other species." -- Name: Starky Species: Alien Elemental affiliation: White When found: Get the starfish (key item) from the El Nido triangle in Home, then defeat MegaStarky on Sky Dragon Isle. Weapon: Gun Age: Unknown Origin: Another Planet Height: 2'11" Weight: 11 lbs Build: Alien (not a Xenomorph!) Dominant hand: Ambidextrous Skills: Level 3: Starlight (Starky summons a Voltron-looking robot to attack one enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Starburst (Starky summons a Voltron-looking robot to attack all enemies. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Meteor Zap (Starky summons the robot, who flies through the air, and crashes down on the enemy party like a meteor. Who would have guessed?! You need to bring Starky back to the crashed UFO after you've obtained the anti- gravity device.) Evaluation: Like a Tellitubby gone horribly wrong. Very cute, and very damaging skills. Fortune: "My word! You are fated to make a grave choice. Whatever will be selected will be decided from the actions of those around you." -- Name: Sprigg Species: Loveable Old Lady with a soft spot for wine Elemental affiliation: Green When found: After Serge's out-of-body experience, she'll join automatically. Weapon: Staff 0Age: 224 Origin: Dimensional Vortex Height: 4'4" Weight: 86 lbs Build: Dwarfish Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 5: DoppelGang Sprigg can learn new morphs if she deals the killing blow to an enemy, or someone in your active party is equipped with the Forget-Me-Not-Pot you find in Chronopolis. Evaluation: Good with magic, lousy HP, almost no Element slots. I was going to mock up a list of Sprigg's morphs, but ToastyFrog beat me to it. Go read his FAQ. Right now. Why are you still reading my FAQ? GO! Press the back button! NOW! Why are you still here? GO AWAY! SHOO! NOBODY LIKES YOU! Fortune: "......! It's been a long time, Lady Sprigg. Have you been well?" -- Name: Mojo (aka the artist formerly known as Lucky Dan) Occupation: Cursed Voodoo Doll Elemental affiliation: Black When found: Anytime after going to Cape Howl in Another. Offer the Shark's Tooth pendant (key item) you recieved in the fishmonger's basement in Home to the freaky zealot who occupies the same space in Another. Weapon: Glove Age: Unknown Origin: The Far East Height: 6'3" Weight: 20 lbs Build: Waistless Dominant arm: Unknown Skills: Level 3: Voodoo Dance (Mojo praces around in front of an emeny, and laughs with derision. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Cartwheel (Mojo does cartwheels all over the battlefield, striking all enemies. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: HoodooGooroo (Mojo squeals with morbid delight, and lifts one enemy into the air with the sharp end of the voodoo nail stuck through his heart. Can only be acquired by taking Mojo to the fishmonger's basement in Home, then back to his shrine in Another, and speaking with the cat statues in a certain order: first the cat that stares at you (lower left), then the one that buzzes with electricity (right), then finally the one that licks you (upper left). Mojo will give a pithy soliliquy about how he used to be evil, but from travelling with Serge & company, he's decided he wants to be happy and live life right, and his name changes to Mojoy. Mo' joy, get it? MO JOY? Oh those crazy translators!) Evaluation: Mojo is a fascinating, complex character, and if I may say so, perhaps the most fascinating, complex character ever rendered. He is a contradiction in terms - he is the effigal messenger to an evil god, yet he uses his powers for good when he joins your party. He has a nail through his heart, yet he lives! Ropes bind his wrists, ankles, and pelvis, yet he dances on! While his spindly, bantamweight body is made of straw, he wears a crown festooned with three candles that could easily set him ablaze. Mojo is not afraid! Mojo is an inspiration to us all. Don't believe me? Go to http://toastyfrog.com/jump/luckydan.shtml to be converted! Soapboxing aside, he's got some amusing attacks, an excellent evade rate, and his skills are surprisingly strong given his crappy crappy stats. Fortune: "There is someone...No, a thatch of straw that is most dear to you in this vicinity..." [Note from CB!: Check the practice dummy in Glenn's yard in the Home dimension.] -- Name: Turnip Species: Duck-billed platypus. (No, he's a turnip.) Elemental affiliation: Green When found: After completing the side quest in the burning house, go to the solitary island in Another, and use the Ice Gun (key item) on the burnt patch of earth. Then return to the same spot in Home, and Poshul will dig up the sprout. Alternately, you can use the Freezing Breath key item on the scorched spot, if you never completed the orphanage sidequest. Weapon: Sword Age: 3 Origin: Hermit's Hideout Height: 4'4" Weight: 62 lbs Build: Round Dominant hand: Right-rizomed Skills: Level 3: Vege Chop (Turnip leaps into the air and comes down on the enemy, � la Claude's Head Splitter. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Vegemight (Turnip spins in the air, and burrows into the ground, reappearing underneath one enemy. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: VegOut (Turnip turns into a giant Turnip head, which splits in two to reveal a smaller Turnip head, which also splits in two to reveal Turnip, who leaps out. Bring him to the pond where you found NeoFio, at Viper Manor, with NeoFio in your party. Turnip & NeoFio will exchange words, and Turnip will jump into the pond and turn.. pink?) Evaluation: His character art makes me giggle uncontrollably - too much so to properly hold a Playstation controller. Or maybe that's the Dual Shock acting up? Regardless, he's not very powerful offensively, nor does he have a lot of Element slots, but he has high-ish HP and can equip good swords. Fortune: "As mysterious as your birth, there is an equally fascinating fate that awaits you." -- Name: NeoFio Species: Nauseatingly kawaii plant-thing Elemental affiliation: Green When found: Anytime after leaving Guldove for medicine. A dwarf in the bar at Guldove will give you a key item called the Green Tinkler that can be used to manipulate the plants in Hydra Marsh. (Ie, use it directly in front of them, and they won't slap you.) Get the Sparkle of Life from Hydra Marsh in Another world, take it to Another's Viper Manor, and use it on the flower in the pond on the balcony. Weapon: Glove Age: 5 Origin: Viper Manor Height: 4'0" Weight: 44 lbs Build: Undefinable Dominant hand: Omnidextrous Skills: Level 3: PopPopPop! (NeoFio shoots seeds out her sleeves at the enemy party. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Slurp Slurp! (NeoFio siphons HP from one enemy. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: BamBamBam! (NeoFio does some impressive tumbling, and repeatedly bodyslams one enemy. Put NeoFio in your active party, and waylay the land octopus from chasing the butterfly on the crescent island in Home a few times by talking to him. Go up the hill, and when you come back down, the land octopus should have eaten the butterfly. Keep harassing him until he lets it go, whereupon a bunch of butterflies will thank NeoFio and she'll recieve BamBamBam!) Evaluation: Weak, weak, weak. Those of you expecting Peco part deux will be disappointed. Don't bother, unless you have a surplus of Carnivore Elements to give her, or like kawaii little critters. Fortune: "Whether your birth was by God's hand or random chance is unknowable... In either case, treasure your life." -- Name: Greco Occupation: Psychic Ex-Wrestler Elemental affiliation: Red When found: After exploring Viper Manor, in Termina, near Dario's grave, anytime until the end of Disc 2. Weapon: Glove Age: 33 Origin: Zenan Continent Height: 6'7" Weight: 271 lbs Build: Heavyweight Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Clothesline (Greco gathers power, and punches the enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Flip-Flop (Greco does some gymnastics, and comes down on one enemy's head. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: ? (Greco stands on somebody's grave, and jumps stomach-forward onto one enemy. To find this, you must speak with the person in his shanty near Dario's memorial in Home's Termina.) Evaluation: Pending. I have an aversion to gray haired pro wrestler looking guys, so I haven't used him much. Fortune: "When your long journey reaches its end...the heavy burden that rests upon your shoulders will be lifted at last." -- Name: Skelly Occupation: Skeleton Clown Elemental affiliation: Black When found: After finding all of his bones, take them to his house in Another Termina. Weapon: Glove Age: 32 Origin: Zenan Mainland Height: 6'2" Weight: 51 lbs Build: Boney Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 3: JugglerVein (Skelly throws a bubble at the ground, which makes rainbow-colored bubbles crash down on the enemy party. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: LoneBalloon (Skelly blows a bubble, which rises into the air and splashes down on him to recover some HP, and increase his attack power by 20%. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Whateva (Skelly summons a giant ball with his picture on it, and dances on it towards one enemy. Bring Skull to the bar in Termina in the Home dimension - he'll order some food and recieve his Level 7 skill. How is he supposed to eat when he doesn't have a gastrointestinal tract..?) Evaluation: He's pretty weak physically, and IMHO not worth the trouble to reassemble unless you're a character completist. If he has an evilly powerful combination attack that makes him worthwhile, I haven't found it. All of his bits & pieces are in Another - his cranuim is in Fossil Valley; his scapulas are beneath the waterfall in the Shadow Forest; his ribcage is given to you by a fellow on Water Dragon Island; his sacro-iliac is given to you by the Element splitter in Guldove; his spine is in Hydra Swamp; and miscellaneous bone fragments are in the uppermost cave on the first screen of the Isle of the Damned. Fortune: "You, who has been revived from the edge of despair, must share your light of hope with all." -- Name: Funguy Species: Mushroom, and all around fun guy Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: After you've returned to Home as Lynx, go to the sewers underneath Viper Manor, and defeat the Headless. A man will pop out of the hole and give you a special red mushroom from Guardia. Bring this mushroom to the fruitcake underneath the waterfall in Shadow Forest, who will transform into Funguy. Weapon: Axe Age: Unknown Origin: Termina Height: 6'0" Weight: 66 lbs Build: Light Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Lumberjack (Funguy attacks an enemy with his axe. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Sporecloud (Funguy shoots spores into the air. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Myconid something or other. Who cares. This guy sucks. (Funguy shakes spores from his head, which become lots of little mushroom paratroopers when they touch the ground, and attack an enemy en masse. After the Terra Tower appears, bring Funguy back to the cave whence he joined you, and there will be a junior mushroom. Eat it.) Evaluation: Take Doc's inefficiency in battle plus Irenes' kooky artwork and you have Funguy! (No relation to Funboi of "The Crow" fame.) Fortune: "There might be a way for you to return to your original body, but... It's a matter of which you prefer." -- Name: Irenes Species: Mermaid Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: While you're a cat on the Zelbess, go across the rope and witness the event between Irenes and Nikki in his dressing room. Then, after you defeat the Sage, go back to the dressing room and talk to Irenes, who will join. Weapon: Harp & Pick Age: 16 Origin: The Ocean Height: 5'10" Weight: 115 lbs Build: Mermaid Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Water Breath (Irenes spits water at an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Mermelody (Irenes sings a song and heals one party member for lots of of HP. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: SirenSong (Irenes plays sour notes on her harp, while a wave knocks down the enemy party. After Home's Marbule is cleared of the Lagoonates, go into the first house and speak with the bug man with the turquoise robe twice. He'll give her a package from her Motter and Fatter.) Evaluation: Her HP is on the low side, and her hit percentage seems poor. Good with magic, or for comic relief - not since Mesarthim has a mermaid so capriciously eschewed water! Fargo's sister-in-law. Fortune: "When you can resolve your inner struggle...A new hope will be born." -- Name: Mel Occupation: Problem Child Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: After you get Kidd back, if you chased Mel down to reclaim your elements, speak with her several times. You need to do this before you've gone to Fort Dragonia, and you can't recruit her if you went to the pirate ship with Macha instead of Hydra swamp with Korcha. Weapon: Boomerang Age: 10 Origin: Guldove Height: 4'3" Weight: 84 lbs Build: Thin Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Snatch (Mel pilfers an item. Kids these days! Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Doodle (Mel draws on an enemy. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Tantrum (Mel has a hissy fit, damaging the entire enemy party. Learned at 40 Stars.) Evaluation: Korcha's adopted sister. She can do a surprising amount of damage with her boomerang, and she's one of the only 3 characters who can steal. The success rate of Steal for all thieves, incidently, is the same as the hit percentage for the strongest attack, barring effects from Eagle Eye, which doesn't help. Fortune: "There's no need to worry...Your love at heart can be hindered by no one." -- Name: Leah Species: Cave Girl Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: On Gaia's Navel in Home while looking for the Green Dragon, she'll join automatically. Weapon: Axe Age: 6 Origin: Gaia's Navel Height: 3'5" Weight: 71 lbs Build: Infantile Dominant hand: Ambidextrous Skills: Level 3: Rock Throw (Leah throws boulders at one enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Tail Spin (Leah twirls the tail of her outfit, creating a tornado that damages the enemy party. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Triple Kick (Leah triple-kicks the enemy. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Leah is to Chrono Cross what Ayla was to Chrono Trigger. High HP, high defense, high offense, and great skills. Her magic isn't so hot, but if you equip her with three Power Belt accessories... who cares?! Fortune: "Wowzer!!! The reading says you'll become a glamour queen when you grow up!" -- Name: Van Occupation: Learning to be a businessman Elemental affiliation: Green When found: Talk to him in his house in Home's Termina. His father gives him a boomerang and he joins your party. Weapon: Boomerang Age: 14 Origin: Termina Height: 4'11" Weight: 88 lbs Build: Smallish Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 3: Jump Throw (Van throws two boomerangs at an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: WetPaint (Van throws 3 bottles of paint in the air and makes the field effect all one random color. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Piggyboink (Van winds up his giant piggy bank, and sends it hurtling towards the enemy. This skill is learned at 35 Stars, and if you take Van to his room in Home, you can put money into his piggy bank. For every 100 gil that you put in, it adds 3% to the attack power of this skill. The bank holds 900 gil, so the max you can boost it to is 127%. However, the more gil you have in the bank, the higher chance that the piggy bank will break, which may cause up to twice as much damage. When the bank breaks, the money goes to zero. Evaluation courtesy of Leonard Wan (leowan@netvigator.ca): Pretty good I guess, average attack, and strong attack hits all enemy. Has many magic slots good to use as a recovery person in the party while providing decent physical attack. Fortune: "Take good care of the ones who love you, my boy." -- Name: Sneff Occupation: Buck-toothed Master of Magic Tricks Elemental affiliation: Yellow When found: After you've defeated the Sage on Home's Zelbess, speak with Sneff in the casino, then in the preformers' dressing room. Weapon: Cards Age: 53 Origin: Unknown Height: 5'6" Weight: 139 lbs Build: Ordinary Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Big Deal (Sneff throws his cards at an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: HP Shuffle (Sneff shuffles his HP, like a deck of cards. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Sword Trick (Sneff puts the enemy into a steel box, and then shoves some swords through it. Learned at 35 Stars.) Evaluation: Fugly and useless, except when preforming a combination attack of his Level 7 with Guile's Level 5. I think instead of HP Shuffle, he should have an attack call Ugly Stick. Namely, that he beats an enemy with it. How about it, Square? Fortune: "You shall once again open your wings in the free world, says the fortune." -- Name: Steena Occupation: Universal Disco Goddess Elemental affiliation: White When found: She'll join automatically at the end of Disc 1, when you show her a certain key item. Weapon: Sword Age: 27 Origin: Guldove Height: 5'9" Weight: 110 lbs Build: Tall & Slender Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Direa's Shadow (Steena summons Direa's eidolon to attack an enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Hydra's Shadow (Steena doesn't have an inherent Level 5 skill, although she can equip the Hydra Frame eidolon you can win from a dwarf in Another's Hydra Swamp.) Level 7: Garai's Shadow (Steena summons the eidolon of Garai. To find this, examine Garai's grave on Home's Isle of the Damned.) Evaluation: Steena has excellent magical power and neat-looking skills, and does a decent bit of damage with her sword as well. Dresses like Kujah, always a plus! Fortune: "Hmph, it's useless for a spiritualist to have their fortune read." -- Name: Doc Occupation: Tree-hugging hippie doctor Elemental affiliation: White When found: If you chose not to save Kidd, and stop by Guldove before going to Ft. Dragonia, he'll join automatically. Weapon: Throwing knives Age: 27 Origin: Zenan Mainland Height: 5'9" Weight: 146 lbs Build: Ordinary Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 3: High Five (Doc throws a knife into the air, which splits into many knives and falls down, stabbing the enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Gnarly (Gnaaaaaaaarly, dude! Doc gathers power, and rushes forward to deal a bone-breaking blow. Better damage than his Level 3. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Heal Shower (Doc heals your party for ~900 HP. In order to find this, you need to bring Doc the Medicine Book. It's in a seemingly inaccessable treasure chest in Chronopolis. Get the Station Pass key item from one of the shadow men in the subway-looking room, and go through the northwest door.) Evaluation: Not very strong physically or adept with magic. Lame. Fortune: "Do not linger on your mistakes in the past. Humans must always look to the future." -- Name: Grobyc Occupation: Cyborg Asassin Elemental affiliation: Black When found: After escaping Viper Manor in Another while the Porre troops reign, if you best him in battle. And ask real nice. Weapon: Glove Age: 26 Origin: Unknown Height: 6'8" Weight: 301 lbs Build: Bionic Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Rocketfist (Grobyc fires his cyborg arm - like a rocket! - at one enemy. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Haircutter (Aqua Net be damned, Grobyc jumps in the air and astrally projects his hair to damage all enemies. Learned at 19 Stars.) Level 7: Dark Burst (Grobyc detaches his arm, and grafts a new, larger, more formidable-looking one in its place, which blasts the enemy. To find this, put Grobyc in the lead of your party and search the coffin-like container in the storage room on the second floor of Chronopolis.) Evaluation: Very high HP, and fairly powerful skills. Like Leah, but with a glove instead of an axe. Fortune: "I'm sorry, but I cannot read your fortune." -- Name: Pierre Occupation: Why, a self-proclaimed hero! Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: Before sneaking into Viper Manor (or in his case, storming the gates), get his badge from the boy in Termina's training yard, then give the badge back to him in Termina's smithy. You must have witnessed the event at the statue of Lord Viper, and not have spoken with Nikki's manager or Guile. Weapon: Sword Age: 23 Origin: Termina Height: 5'11" Weight: 130 lbs Build: Weakling Dominant hand: Right Skills: Level 3: Medal Some (Pierre brandishes his badge, restoring a liliputian amount of HP. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Foiled Again (Pierre slashes an enemy twice with his sword. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Cyrus Punch (Pierre tries to punch the enemy, but trips and falls flat on his face. To recieve this skill, speak with Pierre - who is curiously running laps around the room - at Termina's smithy in Another, if you picked up the sword (key item) you found in the garden of the Vortex.) Evaluation: He's lousy in term of offense, and he likes to spice up his speeches with a bizarre English-French mishmash. I wonder if that's socio-political commentary on behalf of Square that as a culture, English speakers are ineffectual in battle, and dress oddly? Anyhoo, if you collect the three pieces of Hero equipment, his attack and defense grow tremendously. The "Hero Effect" is as follows: Hero Sword goes from 11 to 22 in attack power, critical hit percentage is doubled, evade percentage is 25 up, the Badge's spark power - in addition to the HP recovery - gives Pierre +20% attack, defense, accuracy, magic attack, and magic defense. Also, Cyrus Punch - which always fails - will now succeed. -- Name: Orlha Occupation: Xena with pigtails Elemental affiliation: Blue When found: Defeat her in Another's Guldove before finishing the quest for the six dragon relics, then after you've gotten your body back, speak with her in the bar and show her the blue brooch. Weapon: Glove Age: 23 Origin: Guldove Height: 5'5" Weight: 119 lbs Build: Muscular Dominant hand: Left Skills: Level 3: Multi Punch (Orlha leaps forward and kicks one enemy repeatedly, Chun-Li style. Learned at 3 Stars.) Level 5: Punchdrunk (Orlha swaggers drunkenly towards an enemy and strikes them once, hard. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: SisterHoods (Orlha and her sister attack an enemy for big damage. You must take Orlha to Home's Guldove and speak with Doc to get her Level 7. Bring a box of Kleenex.) Evaluation: Your Mickey Mouse kung-fu is no match for Orlha's superior fighting style! She can deal about as much - if not more - damage as Grobyc. Decent HP, decent defense. You *must* see her Level 5 skill at least once. Too bad you get her so late in the game. Fortune: "You will soon find your missing counterpart..." -- Name: Pip Species: Guinea Pig Experiment Elemental affiliation: Varies, initially White When found: Speak with him and open his cage (first option) in Luccia's lab the first time you explore Viper Manor, then catch him aboard Another's Zelbess. Also, after you return to Another as Lynx, he'll rejoin if you find him on the Zelbess. Weapon: Glove Age: Unknown Origin: Viper Manor Lab Height: Unknown Weight: Unknown Build: Unknown Dominant paw: Unknown Skills: Level 3: Pounce (Pip stands on his tail and launches himself at the enemy. Learned at 8 Stars.) Level 5: Soothe (Pip looks cute and dreams about a warm sunny meadow, replenishing HP to all party members. Learned at 15 Stars.) Level 7: Varies (The skill name and effect depend on what form of Pip you have, but you'll get it between the 34th-37th star, if you've created Pip Archangel, Pip Archetype, or Pip Archdevil. The Skill names are as follows: Archangel = Heaven Calls; Archetype = CanonCannon; Archdevil = Hell's Fury.) Evaluation: Add an M and he's Pimp. Weak at first, but the more he battles, the more butt-kicking he becomes. Pikachu WISHES he were this awesome. See Boko Kun's fabulous nifty sugoi FAQ for further details. Fortune: "You should seek the uncharted potential that lies within you..." -- Combination Attacks -- In order to preform a combination attack, your characters need to have their Element grid charged to the appropriate level, and at least 1.0 point of stamina. Double techniques are listed first, then Triple techs. Unfortunately, this appears to be the sum and total of combination attacks in Chrono Cross, but feel free to experiment for hours nonetheless! Serge (3) and Glenn (3): X-Strike, Red elemental (Serge and Glenn dash at an enemy from opposite directions, dealing HUGE damage.) Mel (3) and Kidd (3): DoubleTake, Red elemental (Mel and Kidd dash at an enemy from opposite directions and steal an item.) Miki (7) and Nikki (7): Flamenco, Red elemental (Miki and Nikki preform the Flamenco, which boosts the hit accuracy and defense of all party members.) NeoFio (7) and Turnip (7): Tossed Salad, Green elemental (Turnip turns into a giant turnip head, which NeoFio then repeatedly crushes the enemy with.) Karsh (3) and Zoah (7): DragonSpike, Green elemental (Zoah runs forward and strikes the enemy, while Karsh follows suit on his dragon steed.) Leah (7) and Draggy (7): DraggyRider, Yellow elemental (Leah hops on Draggy's back and together they attack one enemy.) Viper (5) and Radius (7): VitalForce, White elemental (Viper and Radius take turns slashing an enemy with their sword and cane, respectively.) Norris (7) and Grobyc (7): PitchBlack, Black elemental (Grobyc fires his arm laser into the air, which Norris then shoots more energy towards, creating a Black vortex that damages all enemies.) Snef (7) and Guile (5): Sword Storm, Black elemental (Snef puts the enemy into a box, then he and Guile shove swords through it.) Sprigg (5, and morph into Slash), Serge (7), and Kidd (5): Z Slash, Blue elemental (Serge, Kidd, and Soy Sauce dash at an enemy from all three directions, and a large "Z" appears over the enemy.) Serge (Level 5), Leena (Level 7), and Razzly (Level 7): Delta Attack, White elemental -- Frequently Asked Questions -- 1. Why can't I get so-and-so? Chrono Cross is unique in that it has several branching storylines - talk to someone when you shouldn't have, or give someone else an unsatisfactory answer, and you just might end up with a character you didn't want. But don't despair! See question #2... 2. Can I get all my characters back in New Game+? Yes! After getting the Chrono Cross, go to Hydra Swamp in the Home dimension, and warp to Sprigg's place. Use the Chrono Cross (key item, not the Element) as soon as you get to Sprigg's, and you should have all your characters back from other saves on the memory card where you've beaten the game. 3. Can I recruit so-and-so? They have a character portrait! Probably not. For practicality's sake, there's a limited number of spaces for characters on the list in the menu. Marge, Lisa, Una, Rosetta, Dario, Miguel, Lord Van Gogh, and anyone I'm forgetting have character portraits because they're part of the story, and with the exception of Miguel and Dario (whom you fight anyway, so they have to have stats), I doubt any of these characters have battle sprites or stats like recruitable characters do. 4. Who do you recommend? For comic relief, Poshul or Harle. If you want to make things hard on yourself, Skelly or Pierre. For sheer butt-kicking insanity, Zoah, Marcy, Steena with 3 Magic Seals and a Spectra Sword, Grobyc, Leah, or Glenn with two Einlanzers. 5. Is Glenn Frog from Chrono Trigger? No, no, no, and NO. Frog lived in 600 AD. Chrono Cross takes place in 1020 AD. See Glenn's entry. 6. How do I equip Glenn with 2 Einlanzers? After Chronopolis, and having defeated Dario, go back to Dario's grave in Termina Another, with Glenn leading the party, equipped with the Einlanzer sword. There'll be a bit of heartwarming dialogue, and Glenn will become a 2-handed swordsman. 7. What's all this Radical Dreamers stuff? Chrono Cross is based on a Japanese Satellaview (dialup service for the SNES) game called Radical Dreamers, which was a quasi-sequel to Chrono Trigger. The plot of Radical Dreamers centers around three lovable young scamps named Kidd, Serge, and Gil, who sneak into Yamaneko's ("Lynx", as per the English Chrono Cross name) manor in order to steal the Frozen Flame. There's lots of allusions to Radical Dreamers in Chrono Cross, the most blantant of which is the computer on 4F in Chronopolis - it's the Radical Dreamers opening text. Other similarites include the big stone face seen in the Terra Tower, which is in the basement of Yamaneko's mansion, and gives you lots of archaic information that would probably be useful if I'd known more Japanese before my video card went kaput and ZSNES stopped working. Sigh! The stone face mentions Lavos once, and Riddel a lot, as do a couple other NPCs. The big library from Viper Manor is present. Your first encounter with Yamaneko (again, "Lynx") is set against a background that looks like his FeralCats attack. Several music tracks from Chrono Cross are lifted straight from RD - head to the SPC archive at Zophar's Domain (http://www.zophar.net/) to download the soundtrack. Do not email me asking for the ROM, as any and all requests for such will be deleted, unread. 8. Is Guile who I think he is..? Depends, who you do think he is? Guile is loosely based on a character named Gil from Radical Dreamers (see above), whom at the end of the game, was revealed to be Magus, who'd been searching for Schala. However, while there are several pieces of evidence pointing to Guile's being Magus in Chrono Cross (the hair, the Black/Shadow affiliation, the floating, Lucca's note, the Radical Dreamers stuff in Chronopolis which refers to "Magil", etc), it's never explicitly stated that he IS Magus. So he's probably not. 9. Who was the "stranger from the mainland" who brought Kidd Hydra Humour when she was ill? Was it Magus? No, it was Norris. He happened to be gathering intel undercover as the dishwasher in Viper Manor's kitchen when that nasty incident with Kidd went down, and being a nice guy, he couldn't let her waste away in Guldove. It's explained in one of the endings. Can we kill that rumour now? Thankupo. 10. What's the deal with Pip? Cute little guy, isn't he? Read Boko Kun's FAQ on GameFAQs, he went into Pip's transformations in much greater detail than I could here. 11. Can I get Harle back? Not any more than you could get Aeris back in Final Fantasy 7 after Disc 1, and for the same reason. Minus the shish-kebobbing. I've been informed with varying degress of politeness (QUIT EMAILING ME NOW, THANKS) that you CAN get her back using the Chrono Cross key item trick described in question #2, if you beat the game with her in your party while you're Lynx. 12. Are those REALLY all the combination attacks? Yup. Feel free to try comboing with all the characters anyway, though. And if you do, I'd like to know how it is you have that much time on your hands, since 44 x 43 x 3 is a lot of combinations... 13. I can't forge Prism weapons! What gives? Oops! Looks like you didn't recruit Irenes and choose to rid Marbule of the Lagoonates. Better luck next game. 14. How do I defeat Dario? %@$#@!! Hey, this ain't no walkthrough. Steal the Black Plate from the Black Dragon to absorb all of Dario's attacks, then go read ToastyFrog's astonishing, wonderful, amazing, incredible, staggering, wonderful, super-leet FAQ for further gameplay tips. 15. Can I change anyone's names? Yes. After Lynx wounds Kidd, go to Viper Manor's Library, and look for a hidden door to the basement behind the desk. There'll be a Nu-like monster who will offer to change your name. 16. Is Kidd Harle? Is Harle Kidd? Not in the sense of being the same person from parallel worlds. But consider that Harle looks like Kidd, who of course looks like Schala, who is merged with Lavos, who controls the dragons, and thus Harle. Eeek. Convoluted. 17. The game won't let me change Serge's name to Crono! What's up with that? It's just an interesting Easter Egg that was also in the Japanese version. You could take this quite literally as a message from Square saying that Chrono Cross is NOT supposed to be an exact continuation of Chrono Trigger, but a whole new world unto itself - WITHOUT a silent protagonist named Crono. As an aside, you can rename Serge "Crono" in the Japanese version in Romaji (ie. English letters), however if you try to name him "Crono" in katakana (ie. ku'ro'no) the game won't let you. 18. Is that really the Epoch in the basement of Viper Manor? Nope. The Epoch was a three-seater, while the aircraft in the basement of Viper Manor quite clearly has only one seat. This could be the Neo Epoch Belthasar was talking about, though... 19. I've heard a rumour about xyz, can you confirm/deny it for me? I've gotten so much email over the past few months about hare-brained, flat out RIDICULOUS rumors, that I figured I'd better address this in my FAQ. The most prevailing and silly rumour is that Serge is Janus, because of his blue hair, and desire to help Kidd/Schala. Untrue. Then there's the rumours about Guile and Norris being Magus. Again, untrue, and please see FAQ questions #8 and #9. Another rumour I hear a lot is that Grobyc and Luccia are brother and sister. It is vaguely, VAGUELY hinted at that they knew each other from Porre many years ago if you speak to both of them during the course of the game at every opportunity, and to the soldiers in the mess hall of Viper Manor before rescuing Riddel as Lynx, however, vagueness is as far as it goes. The final rumour I've seen circulating on message boards is that large portions of the plot explaining various character relationships were cut from the North American release of Chrono Cross. This is 100% fictitious, like the rest of the rumours, and frankly I think it's deplorable that rumourmongers are having a chuckle at the expense of gullible gamers, AND dedicating long sections of their FAQs to furthering these lies. Look at it this way - it is simply too much trouble to not only translate a game of these porportions, especially with everyone's various dialects, but also re-code sections - for example, eliminate an event or several lines of speech. If Square changed Chrono Cross as much as people are insinuating, the game wouldn't be out until November 2000, a full YEAR after the Japanese release. And by the by, if you think I'm wrong, I have it on good authority that I'm not. The most authoritative authority possible, in fact. Comprende? 20. I love the soundtrack, where can I get it? I got mine from Gamemusic Online (http://www.gamemusic.com/), and I cannot say enough nice things about this company. Other reputable sites that carry the soundtrack are Animenation and Tokyopops, while at the very bottom of the list is Gamecave/Express.com, which tends to stock pirate CDs from Taiwan, and not specify that in the item description. Remember folks, if it doesn't say Digicube, Yasunori Mitsuda isn't seeing a dime! -- Thanks, Shameless Plugs, and Credits -- Tronix (http://www.tronixweb.com/), for ALWAYS getting me imports expediently, and at fair prices. Two very enthusiastic CB! thumbs up. Game Music Online (http://www.gamemusic.com/) for consistently giving me great service when it comes to ordering game soundtracks, most recently the Seiken Densetsu 3 OST. No thanks to Gamecave/Express.com for slothlike customer service and being so shady, nearby plants cannot preform photosynthesis. Boo, hiss! Don't give your business to these fools. DJ? Acucrack (http://www.djacucrack.com/), for crafting the sweetest breakbeat known to man. New record came out September 5th on E-Magine. Buy it. J. Parish (http://www.toastyfrog.com/), for penning the definitive resource on Chrono Cross, convincing me to import the game in the first place last year, and making me laugh so hard that my liver hurts. Huge love and mad respect. CHV.net (http://www.chv.net/), for having the most comprehensive archive of MPEG eye candy on the net, and their ultra swank gaming shows on Realplayer. Gotta love "$h!t Talks"! Everyone on the Chrono Cross boards at The GIA (http://www.thegia.com/), for (mostly) intelligent discussion about the game. Lord Odin (galvinchan@pacific.net.sg) for lots of information on Level 7 skills, too much to list here, the Tsumalu Angel/Devil bit about the stars and transformations, lots of combination attacks, and the Miscelleous tips about stealing armor from the six dragons and getting Level 7 Summons from common enemies. Whyte Tyger (whyttigr@mediaone.net) for information on Kinoko's, Fio's, Korcha's, Bancliff's, Leah's, Pierre's, and Snef's Level 7 skills, the location of the Lost Medicine Encyclopedia, and for a description of Lazzuli's Level 3. Boko Kun (boko_kun@neteze.com) for lots of story and character relationship information. All the quotes, hometowns, and physique shiznits for the Japanese version. Praise be to Boko Kun, he is my FAQ savior. Read his Pip FAQ! Leonard Wan (leowan@netvigator.ca) for the information on Bancliff, and for not using the word "idiot" when he told me I'd forgotten him. Synthia 23 (synthia23@aol.com) for more combination attacks. Pierre Tassetto (ptasset@free.fr) for the clue on Tsumalu Angel/Devil's Element attacks, and the correct name of Marbule. Square (http://www.square.co.jp/), for making Chrono Cross in the first place. No thanks to sites who post and plagarize FAQs without permission. You know who you are.