Snarf's Weapons FAQ for Shining Force III Last update: 12/21/99 Shining Force has been my favorite "strategic roleplaying game" series ever since I bought a Sega Genesis to play SF1. It's neither the hardest nor the flashiest, but there is something about the game which makes it a blast to play. SF3, the newest installment for the Sega Saturn, is a three-part series. It's a pity that only the first scenario is available in English, but I'm doing my best to wade through Japanese imports of the others. The events of each game build upon how you played the previous scenarios, and fortunately the imports work just fine with US Scenario 1 save files. SF3 makes great advances in its use of graphics and sound (as you'd expect after four years), but the improvements to the combat system are what truly set it apart from its predecessors. Characters can advance not only in class experience level, but also in skill with various weapon types. The weapons themselves are now more than a simple number, behaving differently as the user increases in skill. It took me a while to understand all of this, so I wrote this "spoiler" to document the system. Even if you don't care about numbers, herein lies a complete equipment list. I'd like to take a second to mention the naming conventions I will use in this FAQ. Since the majority of the series is only available in Japanese, I will use the translated Japanese names. If the translation is different from what was used in the US Scenario 1, the US version name will be included as well in parenthesis. I didn't know the first thing about Japanese before starting this project, so take it easy on me if you see any mistakes...but please do correct me. Every effort has been made to ensure that this FAQ is accurate and complete, but there's a lot of information here! If you find any errors or omissions please drop a line to snarf@dimensional.com. You too could *ooh* have your very own credit :) -Snarf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Tools of the Trade ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Choosing the right weapon for each character is the first step toward success on the battlefield. Each character's choice of weaponry is determined by his or her class. The promoted classes and their available weapon types are: Hero blade, knife, rapier, sword Paladin halberd, lance, spear Wizard, Priest, Summoner, Princess, Witch ankh, rod, wand Sniper, Bow Knight, Metal Gunner arrow, quarrel, shell Warrior, Lion Warrior axe, mace, tomahawk Master Monk, Wolf Baron, Mandragon claw, glove, knuckle Battler rapier, sword, wing Flare Penguin, Samba Penguin, Scholar Penguin beak Steam Knight, Ancient Robot, Ogre Rider anchor, shell Ninja, Master Kuno, Samurai katana, shuriken Commando knife, spear, tomahawk Animal Trainer whip Unicorn horn Dragon talon Pegasus Knight lance, spear, wing Fairy rod, wand Roshi claw Equal the Commander knife, mace, rapier Profound the Commander spear, sword, tomahawk Spirited the Commander halberd, mace, rapier Penn is limited to only the Pen Beak in Scenario 1, but can freely exchange it for other beaks in Scenario 3. Sounds painful to me! Gracia can only equip the Besem Staff...not that you'd want him to use anything else. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Weapons and Smashing Things ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A character advances in skill with each type of weapon as it is used in battle. The most common method is smacking monsters, but casting spells and using items in combat also work toward increasing weapon skill. Weapon skill ranges in level from 0 to 3. When a character wields a weapon, skill with that weapon type is displayed under "item" in their status menu. Some characters start the game with skill in more than one type of weapon, so it pays to do a little research when someone first joins up. As a character increases in skill with a given weapon type, more special attacks become possible and the weapon attack bonus increases. Individual weapons fall into one of three skill progressions (I'll call them A, B, and C). Class "A" weapons are the standard sort you play most of the game with. Class "B" weapons represent the limits of technology or possess weak magical properties. Class "C" weapons are the most powerful magical artifacts. A B C level 0 +0 +0 +0 level 1 +3 +4 +5 level 2 +6 +7 +9 level 3 +9 +11 +15 As an example, the Great Sword is a B+23 weapon. This means that at weapon skill levels zero through three it will be +23, +27, +30, and finally +34 to attack, the maximum bonus for the weapon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Weapons and Blasting Things ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some magical weapons (primarily ankhs, rods, and wands) will add a new spell to the wielder's repertoire. The level of this spell is dependent only upon the character's weapon skill--not experience level, as with innate spells. The maximum level this additional spell can reach depends on the weapon, and ranges from 1 to 4. M1 M2 M3 M4 level 0 1 1 1 1 level 1 1 1 1 2 level 2 1 1 2 3 level 3 1 2 3 4 Just as the combination of weapon and skill adds to attack, it also adds to the magic power of all spells cast by the wielder. This magic power bonus reaches a maximum of +12. All wizard and cleric weapons above class "A" have this maximum bonus, as well as a few other powerful magical weapons like the Element Sword. If you find yourself wanting to cast a weak spell (a great way to build up those friendships) try removing your weapon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Know Your Opponent ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ever flown Eldar into a group of archers? Ever seen what happens to Synbios after he charges a line of centaur knights? By understanding exactly how vulnerabilities occur, you can pick your fights and avoid nasty surprises. Every weapon falls under one weapon type, which is in turn part of one weapon class. It is the matching of the attacker's weapon class to the target which creates these situations. A vulnerable target is easily identified by the exclamation point which appears over its head. Attacking a vulnerable target not only adds to damage, but also increases the chance for a critical. Here is a table of the vulnerability relationships: Strong vs. Weak vs. WC Sword WC Axe WC Spear WC Spear WC Sword WC Axe WC Axe WC Spear WC Sword WC Bow Fliers - WC Glove - - WC Spirit Monsters - WC Exorcist Spellcasters - WC Holy Undead - WC Innovator Vandals - The weapons list specifies which WC each weapon type falls under, beyond the description given in the game manual. It is very important to understand that while these relationships hold true for most weapons, powerful magical weapons often differ! For instance, the Dragon Lance is strong vs. sword wielders as WC Spear and vs. monsters as WC Spirit, making it a versatile weapon indeed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. Format of the Weapons List ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weapon types are listed in alphabetical order. Individual weapons are sorted by value in this format: [sell price] [origin] [skill class + bonus] [max attack bonus] [name] [specials] The first field represents the price you'd get if selling the item to a store. This is not the buy price which they would charge you to purchase the item. I chose to list the sell price because most items simply aren't found in stores. The sell price is 75% of the buy price (rounded down). The origin field describes where an item comes from, and is composed of three letters corresponding to the three scenarios. If you're just playing Scenario 1, only pay attention to the first letter of the field! B: can be purchased at a store under (B)uy M: a blacksmith can create this using (M)ithril C: a blacksmith can create this using a (C)ube of dark matter O: a blacksmith can create this using (O)richalcum (the blue stuff) F: can be (F)ound hidden in a town or in battle S: found on a character who (S)tarts with this object D: can only be purchased at a store under (D)eals -: object not found in this scenario This is an ordered list, with the easiest method of obtaining an item listed first. An item is given the first letter which matches its origin. So for example, an item which could be found and also created using mithril would be marked M. The third and fourth fields describe the weapon's attack progression and its maximum bonus. Obviously the fourth field could be computed from the third, but it's handy to have the maximum attack bonus available for quick reference. The specials field is a catch-all for anything unusual about the weapon. The possible entries include: - ranged attack capability (a range of 1 is implied otherwise) - spells added to the wielder's repertoire - any additional weapon class (WC) the weapon belongs to - the weapon's special attack (SA) and its possible effects - effects produced by using the item in combat - bonuses to critical and/or counter chances - changes to the wielder's stats - regenerative abilities - changes to magic resistance - a warning if the item is cursed - a note if the item is restricted to a certain character Every special attack entry is followed by its possible effects. Remember that this effect is not guaranteed to work as your victim's luck may overcome it. The possibilities are: [damage] The only observed effect is damage, and lots of it. [lock] Victim is locked onto one map spot from which it cannot move. [illusion] Attacks become wild and easy to parry. [poison] Lots of HP are lost following each round's action. [dispel] If a spellcaster, victim is silenced and cannot use magic. [slow] Defense and agility are dramatically reduced. [confuse] Victim may attack friends, enemies, or just burble to itself. [paralyze] Victim can move about the map but usually cannot act. [sleep] Sleeping targets are safe to attack but cannot move or act. [vampire] Around 20 HP is added to the attacker's health. [charm] Victim may attack your enemies, or it may just drool... [destroy] Chance to utterly destroy the target, hasta la vista, baby! The [damage] effect simply means that I haven't observed any special effects produced by this attack...well, other than maiming the opponent. Remember that many special attacks use a magical element (fire, ice, etc.) to do their damage, so magical vulnerabilities can affect the outcome. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6. An Arsenal to Explore ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now that you've waded through the tables, here's the raison d'etre for this whole thing, the weapons list! If you find this incredibly confusing, read the sections you just skipped and it will all make sense. Really. Anchor WC Axe ------------------ mithril: 15000 orichalcum: 17000 ------------------ 2250 S-- A+14 +23 Heavy Anchor range 1-2 6750 BB- A+21 +30 Power Anchor range 1-2 11250 MMB B+24 +35 Spin Anchor range 1-2, SA Drill Smash [damage], raises counter 12750 MMB B+22 +33 Crash Anchor range 1-2, SA Hammer Throw [damage], raises critical 14250 MMB B+23 +34 Gravity Anchor (Grav Anchor) range 1-2, SA Gestalt [confuse] 15750 --O C+27 +42 Plasma Anchor range 1-2, SA Soul Grapple [damage] Ankh WC Holy ------------------ mithril: 12000 orichalcum: 14000 ------------------ 150 DDF A+07 +16 Power Ankh adds Hellblast (Tornado) M3 1200 DDS A+12 +21 Saint Ankh adds Support M2 4800 DDF B+19 +30 Mystery Ankh (Misty Ankh) adds Resist M2 6000 MMB C+19 +34 Druid Ankh (Tornado Ankh) adds Hellblast (Tornado) M4, SA Fool Prayer [vampire], raises counter 8250 MMB C+20 +35 Silent Ankh (Silence Ankh) adds Antispell (Dispel) M1, SA Minister's Silence (Holy Silence) [dispel] 10500 MMB C+21 +36 Seraphic Ankh (Blessed Ankh) adds Support M2, WC Exorcist, SA Apostle Descent (Apostle Fire) [damage], raises critical 11250 FFF C+19 +34 Element Ankh (Holy Ankh) adds Aura 1/1/2/2, regen 4 HP/turn 11250 --O C+23 +38 Golgoda Ankh adds Resist M2, SA Thorn Crown Commandment [slow], regen 5 HP/turn 12000 --F C+20 +35 Raphael Ankh adds Zephyros M2, +5 defense, +40 wind resist 12750 FFF C+21 +36 Ankh of Mitra (Mitra Ankh) adds Tanatos M2, WC Exorcist ONLY, +20 light resist, +10 dark resist Arrow WC Bow ------------------ mithril: 13000 dark: 15000 orichalcum: 15000 ------------------ 187 BB- A+08 +17 Wooden Arrow (Small Bow) range 2 900 BBS A+12 +21 Steel Arrow (Short Bow) range 2 3375 BBB A+17 +26 Robin Arrow (Faerie Bow) range 2-3, raises critical 9300 BBB B+23 +34 King's Arrow (King's Bow) range 2-3 12750 MMB C+23 +38 Moonlight Arrow (Moon Bow) range 2-3, WC Holy, SA Lunatic [confuse], use for Berserk, regen 3 HP/turn 15750 MMB C+24 +39 Dragonbone Arrow (Dragon Bow) range 2-3, WC Spirit, SA Dragon Snipe [paralyze], +5 defense 18000 MMB C+25 +40 Demonbreaker Arrow (Breaker Bow) range 2-3, WC Exorcist, SA Spell Virus [dispel], +7 defense 19500 CCC C+23 +38 Kantarera Arrow (Kantar's Bow) range 2-3, SA Poison Arrow [poison], CURSED 21000 --O C+30 +45 Sagittarius Arrow range 2-3, SA Stardust [damage] Axe WC Axe ------------------ mithril: 8000 dark: 10000 orichalcum: 10000 ------------------ 67 BB- A+06 +15 Middle Axe (Small Axe) 450 BBF A+10 +19 Power Axe 2100 BB- A+15 +24 Battle Axe 6000 BBB B+21 +32 Great Axe 9000 MMB C+22 +37 Heat Axe use for Blaze 2, +10 fire resist 9750 FFF C+25 +40 Gaia Axe SA Giga Wheel [damage], use for Aura 1, +2 defense, +5 agility, regen 2 HP/turn 10500 MMB C+24 +39 Giganto Axe (Gigantic Axe) SA Ragnarok (Laguna Lock) [damage], +2 defense 11250 MMB C+26 +41 Dragon Axe (Sharp Axe) WC Spirit, raises critical, +20 fire/ice resist 12750 CCC C+30 +45 Evil Axe (Sorrow Axe) SA Death Wheel [damage], +20 dark resist, CURSED 14250 --O C+32 +47 Apollon Axe SA Corona Wheel [damage], +30 fire resist Beak WC Glove ------------------ mithril: 400 orichalcum: 800 ------------------ nfs S-S C+00 +15 Pen Beak (Penn Beak) nfs -S- C+00 +15 Penko Beak 450 -MB C+05 +20 Silver Beak WC Holy, SA Pen Flash [illusion], +10 light resist, +20 dark resist 582 --O C+12 +27 Colorful Beak SA Pen Expander [vampire] 1350 --D C+03 +18 Gold Beak WC Exorcist, use for Gold Beak special (see Tips) Blade WC Sword ------------------ mithril: 9000 orichalcum: 11000 ------------------ 240 BB- A+07 +16 Iron Blade 1875 BBB A+13 +22 Battle Blade 6750 BBB B+22 +33 Chrome Blade (Steel Blade) 9000 MMB C+25 +40 Rust Blade (Luster Blade) SA Melt Armor [slow] 10500 MMB C+25 +40 Rune Blade WC Exorcist, SA Light Cross [dispel] 11250 FDD B+24 +35 Venom Blade SA Poison Blade [poison], +20 dark resist 14250 MMB C+27 +42 Photon Blade SA Light's Fire (Light Fire) [paralyze] 15750 --F C+28 +43 Chaos Blade adds Chaos Gate M2, -20 light resist, +20 dark resist, CURSED 18000 --O C+33 +48 Varion Blade SA Element Flare [damage], +20 elec resist 21750 --F C+45 +60 Force Blade WC Innovator, SA Force Edge [damage], +30 light/dark resist Claw WC Glove ------------------ mithril: 6000 dark: 8000 orichalcum: 8000 ------------------ 37 B-- A+03 +12 Iron Claw (Bronze Claw) raises counter 240 BB- A+06 +15 Power Claw (Iron Claw) raises counter 1350 BBB A+10 +19 Steel Claw raises counter 3900 BBB B+15 +26 Battle Claw raises counter 6600 MMB C+17 +32 Mithril Claw WC Holy, raises critical and counter 7500 MMB C+18 +33 Tiger Claw WC Spirit, SA Storm Fang [slow], raises critical and counter 9000 MMB C+19 +34 Berserk Claw use for Berserk, raises counter 9750 CCC C+24 +39 Jigitari's Claw (Pokey Claw) SA Venom Fang [destroy], raises counter, CURSED 11250 --O C+26 +41 Gehenna Claw SA Occult Martial Spirit [damage], +20 fire resist 12750 --F C+25 +40 Dragonman Claw WC Spirit, SA Change Dragon [damage], Cyclops only Glove WC Glove ------------------ mithril: 5000 orichalcum: 7000 ------------------ 45 B-- A+04 +13 Razor Glove (Cloth Glove) raises critical and counter 562 BBB A+08 +17 Power Glove (Iron Glove) raises critical and counter 2100 BBB B+13 +24 Thorn Glove (Steel Glove) raises critical and counter 4500 MMB C+18 +33 Spike Glove (Spiked Glove) raises critical and counter 5625 MMB C+18 +33 Muscle Glove SA Phoenix Sky Dance (Sky Dance) [damage], use for Attack 1, raises critical and counter, +5 defense 6000 FDD C+19 +34 Magna Glove SA Universe Blast (Heavenly Fire) [confuse], raises critical and counter 6750 MMB C+17 +32 Spark Glove WC Exorcist, use for Spark 2, raises critical and counter, +40 elec resist 12750 FFF C+17 +32 Jewelry Glove (Pretty Glove) SA Jewel Palm (Bruce Fist) [charm], raises critical and counter, +5 agility 13500 --O C+25 +40 Kokyuto's Glove SA Scarlet Sparrow Tumble [destroy], +30 ice resist Halberd WC Spear ------------------ mithril: 13000 dark: 14000 orichalcum: 15000 ------------------ 360 BB- A+10 +19 Halberd 2100 BBB A+16 +25 Heavy Halberd 9000 BBB B+23 +34 Knight Halberd (Poleaxe) 11250 MMB C+24 +39 Brave Halberd (Holy Halberd) +3 defense, regen 2 HP/turn 13500 MMB C+25 +40 Lord Halberd (Star Halberd) SA Lord Rush (Road Rash) [damage], raises counter 16500 MMB C+26 +41 Arc Halberd (Ark Halberd) SA Lightning [paralyze], use for Spark 3 18000 CCC C+29 +44 Evil Halberd (Dark Halberd) SA Death Gate [destroy], CURSED 19500 --O C+32 +47 Buster Halberd SA Gorgon Buster [destroy] Horn WC Spear ------------------ cannot create ------------------ nfs --S C+00 +15 Horn Katana WC Sword ------------------ mithril: 12000 dark: 12000 orichalcum: 14000 ------------------ 225 -B- A+06 +15 Kodachi 1200 -B- A+12 +21 Shinobi Tachi 4500 BB- B+21 +32 Shonin Tachi (Steel Ninjato) 6750 MMB C+22 +37 Wind Cutter Tachi (Wind Cutter) SA Technique Kamaitachi (Kamaitachi) [damage], use for Hellblast (Tornado) 2 9750 MMB C+23 +38 Bone Eater Tachi (Bone Eater) SA Technique Onimukade (Oni Hyakusoku) [poison] 12000 MMB C+24 +39 Rumbling Sea Tachi (Rumbling Sea) WC Exorcist, SA Technique Umizato (Umi Zato) [dispel] 16500 --O C+31 +46 Masamune SA Frost Sword [damage] 17250 CCC C+32 +47 Muramasa SA Hades Road Escort (Yellow Road) [destroy], CURSED 18750 --F C+34 +49 Murasame adds Hungry Demon M2, CURSED 20250 --F C+37 +52 Kusanagi WC Spirit, SA Ruin Kill [destroy], CURSED Knife (Dagger) WC Sword ------------------ mithril: 4000 orichalcum: 6000 ------------------ 37 BB- A+03 +12 Bronze Knife range 1-2 187 BBB A+07 +16 Steel Knife range 1-2 750 BBB B+12 +23 Hunter Knife range 1-2 3450 MMB C+12 +27 Mithril Knife (Mithril Dirk) range 1-2, WC Holy, raises critical 4800 MMB C+14 +29 Butterfly Knife (Butter Knife) range 1-2, SA Rainbow Edge [illusion], +3 agility 5250 MMB C+13 +28 Assassin Knife (Killer Knife) range 1-2, SA Silent Kill [destroy], +2 luck 6750 --O C+19 +34 Reaper Knife range 1-2, SA Blood Sucker [vampire], +10 dark resist Knuckle WC Glove ------------------ mithril: 5500 orichalcum: 7500 ------------------ 112 BB- A+05 +14 Razor Knuckle (Cestus) raises critical 825 BBB A+09 +18 Brass Knuckle (Iron Cestus) raises critical 3900 BBB B+14 +25 Hard Knuckle (Steel Cestus) raises critical 8250 MMB C+17 +32 Giganto Knuckle (Giant Cestus) WC Spirit, raises critical, +8 defense 9000 MMB C+18 +33 Mist Knuckle (Mist Cestus) SA Bodhisattva Palm (Buddha Fist) [illusion], +6 agility 9750 MMB C+17 +32 Wire Knuckle (Wire Cestus) SA Back Step Dark Binding Fist (Back Step Fist) [paralyze], raises critical and counter 12000 --O C+26 +41 Aura Knuckle WC Holy, SA Yellow Dragon Wave [damage], +30 wind resist, +20 light resist Lance WC Spear ------------------ mithril: 12000 orichalcum: 14000 ------------------ 150 BB- A+07 +16 Bronze Lance 675 BB- A+11 +20 Steel Lance (Iron Lance) 3150 BBB A+16 +25 Heavy Lance 9000 BBB B+22 +33 Chrome Lance (Steel Lance) 12000 MMB C+24 +39 Gale Lance (Nelson Lance) use for Support 2, +5 agility 14250 MMB C+26 +41 Holy Lance WC Holy, regen 3 HP/turn 18000 MMB C+27 +42 Dragon Lance WC Spirit, SA Dragon Breath [damage] 19500 FFF C+27 +42 Gungnir (Ultra Lance) SA Death Charge [destroy] 20250 --O C+33 +48 Bozon Lance SA Mega Leap [damage] Mace WC Axe ------------------ mithril: 9000 orichalcum: 11000 ------------------ 210 BB- A+09 +18 Middle Mace (Mace) 1500 BBB A+15 +24 Heavy Mace (Flail) 6300 BBB B+22 +33 Battle Mace (Maul) 9750 MMB C+23 +38 Saint Mace (Saint's Mace) WC Holy, regen 3 HP/turn 11250 MMB C+23 +38 Revenge Mace raises counter 15750 MMB C+25 +40 Thor Hammer (Power Hammer) SA Thunder Storm [damage], raises counter 18000 FFF C+26 +41 Massacring Mace (Macho Maul) WC Spirit, SA Pressure Bomb (Press Bomb) [destroy], +2 defense 19500 --O C+32 +47 Geo Hammer SA Geo Spark [illusion] Quarrel WC Bow ------------------ mithril: 12000 orichalcum: 14000 ------------------ 240 BB- A+09 +18 Light Quarrel (Light X-Bow) range 2, raises critical 1875 BBB A+14 +23 Middle Quarrel (Heavy X-Bow) range 2, raises critical 6000 BBB B+20 +31 Heavy Quarrel (Arbalest) range 2-3, raises critical 9750 MMB C+23 +38 Mithril Quarrel (Hunter X-Bow) range 2-3, WC Holy, raises critical 12750 MMB C+24 +39 Sonic Quarrel (Sonic X-Bow) range 2-3, WC Exorcist, SA Hell's Wind (Demon Wind) [damage], raises critical, +30 wind/dark resist 14250 MMB C+24 +39 Flame Quarrel (Flame X-Bow) range 2-3, WC Holy, SA Saint Flame [damage], raises critical, +30 fire/light resist 17250 --O C+29 +44 Doppler Quarrel range 2-3, WC Holy, SA Prism Ray [damage], +20 light/dark resist Rapier WC Sword+Exorcist ------------------ mithril: 8000 orichalcum: 10000 ------------------ 112 BB- A+06 +15 Light Rapier (Epee) raises critical, +2 agility 1125 BBB A+12 +21 Battle Rapier (Foil) raises critical and counter, +3 agility 3750 BBB B+19 +30 Master Rapier (Rapier) raises critical, +4 agility 6750 MMB C+20 +35 Mist Rapier (Magic Rapier) SA Mist Feint [illusion], raises critical, +8 agility 8250 MMB C+21 +36 Magic Rapier (Mist Rapier) SA Rune Magic [dispel], raises critical, +5 agility, regen 2 MP/turn 9750 MMB C+23 +38 Shine Rapier (Shiny Rapier) SA Alchemist (Alchemy) [paralyze], raises critical, +5 agility, regen 3 HP/turn 12000 -F- C+28 +43 Final Rapier SA The End [destroy], raises critical, +5 agility, regen 2 MP/turn 14250 --O C+30 +45 Nebula Rapier SA Helical Spin [damage], raises critical, +5 agility, regen 3 HP/turn 16500 -FD C+27 +42 God Rapier adds Tanatos M2, WC Sword+Holy ONLY, +20 light/dark resist 21750 --F C+44 +59 Arc Rapier SA Absolute Zero [destroy], raises critical, +5 agility, regen 3 MP/turn Rod WC Spirit ------------------ mithril: 13000 dark: 16000 orichalcum: 15000 ------------------ 22 BB- A+04 +13 Timber Rod (Wooden Rod) 270 DDD A+09 +18 Bronze Rod adds Antispell (Dispel) M1 1950 DDD B+16 +27 Talisman Rod adds Freeze M3 4500 -FF B+15 +26 Ground Rod adds Golem M2, WC Exorcist, +3 defense 6750 MMB C+18 +33 Maze Rod (Torture Rod) adds Confuse M2, SA Nine Gate [illusion] 9750 MMB C+17 +32 Mirky Rod (Sleepy Rod) adds Sleep M1, SA Meta Dream [sleep], regen 2 MP/turn 14250 MMB C+17 +32 Alchemy Rod (Soul Rod) adds Soul Steal M2, SA Change Gold [lock] [destroy], +4 agility, regen 3 HP/turn 15000 -FF C+18 +33 Dragon Rod adds Helldragon M2, WC Holy, +7 defense, +40 fire resist 17250 FFF C+18 +33 Crystal Rod (Tiamat Rod) adds Tiamat M2, +5 defense, +2 luck, +1 speed 18000 CCC C+23 +38 Demon Rod SA Demon Breath [damage], CURSED 18750 --O C+22 +37 Rod of Will adds Blaze M4, SA Ruled Heaven [damage], +6 defense Shell WC Bow ------------------ mithril: 15000 orichalcum: 17000 ------------------ 450 BB- A+11 +20 Assault Shell (Long Bow) range 2 2250 BBB A+16 +25 Great Shell (Heavy Long Bow) range 2 8250 BBB B+22 +33 Buster Shot (Elven Bow) range 2-3 11250 MMB B+24 +35 Magnum Shell (Magnum Bow) range 2-3, WC Spirit, raises critical 13500 MMB B+23 +34 Storm Shot (Storm Bow) range 2-3, SA Desert Storm [confuse], +3 agility 18000 MMB B+25 +36 Meteor Shot (Meteor Bow) range 2-3, WC Spirit, SA Planet Dance [damage] 19500 --O C+29 +44 Hotrod Shell range 2-3, WC Spirit, SA Muzzle Blast [damage] Shuriken WC Bow ------------------ mithril: 7500 orichalcum: 9500 ------------------ 225 -B- A+04 +13 Juji Shuriken range 2 900 -B- A+08 +17 Manji Shuriken range 2 3000 BB- B+13 +24 Hakasane (Shaken) range 2 5250 MMB C+15 +30 Lightning Flash Manji (Deadly Star) range 2-3, SA Thunder Array (Battle Array) [paralyze], +30 elec resist 6750 MMB C+16 +31 All-Direction Shuriken (Octagon Star) range 2-3, SA Total Chaos (Chaos Call) [confuse] 9750 MMB C+18 +33 Demon Wind Shuriken (Wind Star) range 2-3, SA Demon Wind Shuriken (Evil Wind) [destroy] 11250 --O C+27 +42 Emma Shuriken range 2-3, SA Emma Shuriken [damage], +30 dark resist Spear WC Spear ------------------ mithril: 9000 orichalcum: 11000 ------------------ 135 BB- A+06 +15 Spear range 1-2 1350 BBB A+12 +21 Power Spear range 1-2 4350 BBB B+18 +29 Battle Spear range 1-2 6750 MMB C+19 +34 Silver Spear range 1-2, WC Holy, raises critical 9000 MMB C+18 +33 Counter Spear range 1-2, raises counter 12000 MMB C+19 +34 Lancelot Spear (Rune Spear) range 1-2, SA Light Geyser (Flash Gazer) [lock], +25 light resist 13500 --O C+26 +41 Mercurius Spear range 1-2, SA Salamander Throw [damage], +3 agility, +20 fire resist Staff WC Holy+Innovator ------------------ cannot create ------------------ nfs --S B+11 +22 Besem Staff adds Shining M2, +30 light/dark resist, Gracia only nfs --S C+23 +38 Besem Staff (after Innovator promotion) adds Blessing M2, +30 light/dark resist, Gracia only Sword WC Sword ------------------ mithril: 10000 dark: 12000 orichalcum: 12000 ------------------ 150 BB- A+05 +14 Steel Sword 562 BB- A+09 +18 Broad Sword 2850 BBB A+14 +23 Bastard Sword 7500 BBB B+23 +34 Great Sword 9000 MMB C+23 +38 Counter Sword raises counter 12000 MMB C+25 +40 Sword of Shiva (Shiva Sword) SA Thunder Shock [paralyze], +30 elec resist 13500 MMB C+25 +40 Leviathan SA Heat Wave [damage], +30 fire resist 15000 F-D C+25 +40 Element Sword (Phoenix Sword) adds Phoenix M2, WC Exorcist, +30 fire/wind/elec resist 15750 F-F C+26 +41 Justice Sword WC Holy, SA Shine Edge (Dazzle Edge) [damage], +20 light/dark resist 18000 CCC C+31 +46 Darkside Sword (Dark Sword) SA Soul Eater [vampire], +20 dark resist, CURSED 19500 --O C+32 +47 Sword of Blood SA Gold Rush [destroy], +20 ice resist 23250 --F C+44 +59 Shining Sword WC Holy, SA Mirage Round [damage], +30 light/dark resist Talon WC Spirit ------------------ cannot create ------------------ nfs --S C+00 +15 Hooked Talon Tomahawk WC Axe ------------------ mithril: 6000 orichalcum: 8000 ------------------ 75 BB- A+07 +16 Tomahawk (Hand Axe) range 1-2 900 BB- A+11 +20 Power Tomahawk (Iron Hand Axe) range 1-2 3375 BBB B+16 +27 Battle Tomahawk (Steel Hand Axe) range 1-2 5250 MMB C+17 +32 Rune Tomahawk (Accurate Axe) range 1-2, WC Exorcist, raises critical 6600 MMB C+17 +32 Killer Tomahawk (Super Axe) range 1-2, SA Vital Point Attack (Deadly Strike) [destroy] 7350 MMB C+16 +31 Sky Tomahawk (Arrow Axe) range 1-3, WC Bow 8250 --O C+24 +39 Flame Tomahawk range 1-2, SA Heat Cyclone [damage], +20 fire resist Wand WC Exorcist ------------------ mithril: 14000 orichalcum: 16000 ------------------ 60 BB- A+05 +14 Small Wand 675 DDS A+10 +19 Magic Wand adds Sleep M1 2400 DDD B+17 +28 Anger Wand (Angel Wand) adds Blaze M3 8250 MMB C+18 +33 Fool Wand (Jester Wand) adds Slow M2, SA Fetamorgana [confuse] 11250 MMB C+17 +32 Charm Wand (Jewel Wand) SA Ryanan Shi (Shannon Sea) [charm] 11250 FFF C+19 +34 Volcanon Wand (Volcano Wand) adds Phoenix M2, +30 fire resist 12000 MMB C+19 +34 Witch Wand adds Attack M2, +2 luck 13500 --O C+20 +35 Eternal Wand adds Spark M4, SA Tachion Shoot [illusion], +4 defense, regen 2 MP/turn 15000 F-F C+18 +33 Wand of Kadas (Wendigo Wand) adds Wendigo M2, +8 defense 16500 --F C+19 +34 Abyss Wand adds Proserpina M2, +3 defense, +40 ice resist 18000 -FF C+18 +33 Earth Wand adds Thor M2, +40 elec resist Whip WC Spirit ------------------ mithril: 13000 orichalcum: 15000 ------------------ 5250 -B- B+17 +28 Chain Whip 6750 -MM C+17 +32 Love Whip use for Love Whip special (see Tips), regen 2 HP/turn 9000 -MM C+18 +33 Ignorant Whip SA Balloon Bomb [destroy] 9750 -MB C+20 +35 Queen Whip SA Slave Dance [charm] 11250 --O C+27 +42 Silk Whip SA Beast Bash [damage] Wing WC Sword ------------------ mithril: 11000 orichalcum: 13000 ------------------ 300 BB- A+05 +14 Metal Wing raises counter, +2 defense 2250 BB- A+11 +20 Silver Wing WC Holy, raises counter, +3 defense 7500 BBB B+18 +29 Battle Wing raises counter, +4 defense 9750 MMB C+22 +37 Sylph Wing (Silk Wing) raises counter, +4 defense, regen 3 HP/turn 11250 MMB C+21 +36 Sonic Wing SA Hyper Boom [slow], raises counter, +4 defense, +2 agility 12000 MMB C+21 +36 Cosmo Wing (Cosmic Wing) SA Hell Dive [confuse], raises counter, +4 defense 12750 F-D C+22 +37 Zero Wing SA Count Zero (Zero Count) [destroy], raises counter, +4 defense 13500 --O C+28 +43 Full Metal Wing SA Metal Jacket [damage], raises counter, +6 defense, +20 dark resist Tips: - Cursed items have about a 1 in 4 chance of temporarily paralyzing the user, negating the intended action. Failing that, they have about a 1 in 4 chance of inflicting around 20 points of damage on the user. They can only be removed at a church. If the wielder of a cursed weapon also wears the Chaos Ring (see below) the curse will never strike. - Berserk is dangerous, it seems to combine the effects of Attack and Confuse. - Gold Beak special casts a random summoning spell at a single target. - Love Whip special targets an ally for a couple points of damage, but then acts like Attack plus Support. - The names of the Mist Rapier and Magic Rapier are mixed up in the US version of Scenario 1. - The abilities of Gracia's Besem Staff change when he receives his full Innovator promotion. Restrictions: - Mithril weapons can only be used after the first promotion. - Orichalcum weapons can only be used after the second promotion, which can only be attained in Scenario 3. - Only heroes can use the Element Sword, Justice Sword, Shining Sword, God Rapier, Final Rapier, Arc Rapier, and presumably the Force Blade. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7. Accessorize or Die ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Often downplayed next to more spectacular weaponry, accessories can be just as important, especially when used to overcome a character's weakness. It costs 1500 gold for the blacksmith to work Mithril Pieces into an accessory. nfs SS- Elbesem Jewel (Elbesem Orb) use for area attack, +5 dark resist 3 FFF Serious Undies (Power Undies) raises counter 6 DDF Valiant Loincloth (Loincloth) raises critical 1500 BFB Battle Brace (Iron Bracer) +2 attack 1500 BFB Protect Brace (Steel Bracer) +3 defense 1500 BFB Silver Ring +2 defense, +1 luck 2250 MMM Gale Ring +5 defense, +5 agility 2250 FFF Life Ring +4 defense, regen 2 HP/turn 2250 MMM Magic Ring use to recover about 10 mana, +5 fire/ice/wind/elec resist 2250 FFF Nimble Ring +2 speed 2250 MMM Power Ring +5 attack, +5 defense 2250 MMM Protect Ring use for Heal 2, +5 defense 2250 FFF Swift Boots use for Support 1, +5 agility 3000 -FF Chaos Ring protects wearer from curse effects, -30 dark resist 3000 BBB Platinum Circle (Iron Circlet) +4 defense 3000 BBB Shinobi Bowl (Shadow Bowl) +3 defense 3750 MMM Artemis Pierce (Artemis Pin) raises counter, +5 defense, +2 luck 3750 MMM Attack Ring use for Attack 1, +5 attack 3750 FFF Black Ring use for Blaze 2, raises critical, +10 attack, CURSED 3750 DDD Demon Wind Bowl (Dark Bowl) raises critical, +5 defense 3750 FFF Evil Ring (Ibiru Ring) use for Spark 2, +15 attack, CURSED 3750 MMM Mars Chain (Apollo Pin) raises critical, +5 attack, +2 luck 3750 MMM Master Ring raises critical and counter 3750 FFF White Ring +10 defense 5250 DDD Princess Circle (Steel Tiara) +7 defense, +2 luck, regen 2 MP/turn Tips: - Accessories and weapons which give regeneration are cumulative (eg. you can regenerate 4 MP/turn by combining a Mirky Rod with a Princess Circle). - You can combine the benefits of a speed item with an attack item by swapping the two between movement and attack. - Friendships which add to magic power (as with wizards) also add to the MP regeneration of a Magic Ring. - The Elbesem Jewel is unbreakable so use its weak area attack to build up your friendships. Restrictions: - Bowls are only usable by ninja-types. - Bracers cannot be used by ninja-types or most nonstandard characters. - Mars Chain and Valiant Loincloth are only usable by male characters. - Artemis Pierce and Serious Undies are only usable by female characters. - Platinum Circle is only usable by spellcasters. - Princess Circle is only usable by female spellcasters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Esprit de Corps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We've covered how equipment, skill, and vulnerabilities affect combat. Two remaining factors to take into account are terrain and friendships. The terrain effect is easy, each figure in combat gains a defensive bonus when in helpful surroundings. The percentage of this gain is displayed on the battle map. Friendships, on the other hand, are more difficult to use correctly but can mean the difference between an easy victory and a close fight. In a nutshell, when one person pounds the same enemy another person just hit, the two like each other a little more. Casting friendly spells also helps, as does the use of beneficial items, but blocked or dodged attacks don't count. If a character dies in combat, the resultant loss of trust decreases their existing friendships. When two friendly characters stand next to one another, each receives some benefit from the other. What form that benefit takes depends on the friend's class. How big the boost is depends on how friendly the two are. Attack (from a hero) and defense (from a warrior) follow this progression: Ally: +0 Partner: +5 Friend: +7 Trusted: +10 Soulmate: +15 Other benefits advance differently and some (like my favorite, a paladin's succumb) are hard to gauge, but don't underestimate the value each adds to your team! Soulmate is special, the "friend icon" which floats above your ally's head turns into a heart, and the range increases to two. It seems easier for two characters of opposite sex to gain the Soulmate level of friendship. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9. Credits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ First off, let me extend my thanks to the following individuals whose FAQ's and walkthroughs for SF3 were an extraordinary help: Grandchester Resurrection........................grandchester@resurrection.com Joe Negron..................................................constant23@aol.com I'd also like to give a special thanks to the following people who directly helped me with suggestions and answers to my questions. You're the best! Aerith....................................................Masqurin@hotmail.com David Copeland.......................................ds506@freenet.carleton.ca Dreamcast.................................................Daytona5@hotmail.com Evil C......................................................evil_c@hotmail.com Florent......................................................fabflo@easynet.fr Hahn...............................................peterson.b@mankato.msus.edu Matthew Lim................................................mlbk@pacific.net.sg WildCard..................................................rincewind@uswest.net Z F.......................................................prncmedion@yahoo.com Thanks also go to the authors of the Shining Force III Artbook. Although it's written in Japanese, I highly recommend it to any fan of the game. There is a tremendous amount of information inside, including some facts I just couldn't get from any other source, notably the extra weapon classes. And the artwork is, of course, awesome! Many thanks to GameFAQs for publishing this document on the web...you can find the latest version of this FAQ at www.gamefaqs.com. Finally let me thank everyone involved with the two web sites I have found Shining Force III discussion groups on, www.rpgfan.com and www.rightstep.org. These are great places to seek or share knowledge about this game and other computer-based RPG's. Copyright 1998 Andrew Grimm, aka Snarf. Permission to use any or all of this FAQ for any purpose is hereby granted, provided that credit is given where it is due. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ END ------------------------------------------------------------------------------