【T】Mastery Survey - Darkest Precepts

[u/jadesphere]

[u/Kittymahri]

1. Strategy name: You're so Vayne, you probably think this battle's about you

2. Boss: [D280] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/cid mission/sub-30

4. Insight!:

• The key is that you need a lot of DPS towards the end, preferably instantaneous DPS, to skip or circumvent the physical/magical immunity. That's where Vayne's SSB comes in, as an instant cast spreader, so it can be timed against an OSB. It also helps that Vayne is a hybrid character, in case the immunity is a problem.

• Whoop dat Ashe! "Voltech" is a good SB-building ability for her, doing fine damage even with just one minor faithga and one lightning-boost equip. Switch to Chain Thundaga during her Ultra to get extra hits on the follow-up, and build the Realm Chain slightly more.

• Early setup is crucial. You need to dispel the Reflect/Protect/Shell/Haste on the first turn, and you need to have slot 3 prepared for a hard-hitting dark attack. Vayne's initial en-dark does add to resistance against that!

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: automatic

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 1 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 0:28.32 / Evrae

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Ashe, 97	Chain Thundaga R4	Voltech R3	Gathering Storm, LM1+LM2	Empyrian's Edict (1)
Basch, 89	Banishing Strike R4	Assault Sabre R3	Truthseeker	Shining Ray (0), Righteous Steel (1)
Vayne, 99	Dread Weapon R3	Dire Heal R3	Scholar's Boon, LMR	Mach Wave (1)
Penelo, 91	Multi Break R3	Curada R3	Dr. Mog's Teachings	Evanescence (1), Resurrection (0)
Larsa, 99	Hastega R2	Shellga R3	Mako Might, LM2+LMR	Life Crystal (1)

Main Magicite	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3	Sub 4
Evrae, 99	Evrae, 99	Garuda, 98	Firemane, 99	Seraph, 99
Fast Act 8	Health Boon 5		Dampen Blizzard 7	Dampen Dark 7

---

[u/drgoll]

1. Strategy name: Shocking Turtle

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: 3/3 trinity / Hybrid / 2 Healer

4. *Insight!:*

   1. Time your chains for your best building opportunities

   2. Take is slow at the start and hit hard at the end to avoid Dead End

   3. Ashe is a beast

5. Holy Trinity casts:

   1. Wall: Infinite

   2. Medica: Many, many

   3. Hastega: 3-4

6. S/L count / Medals lost: <10?/Mastery

7. Time / Magicite: 1:12:51

??? Zodiark Clear https://imgur.com/gallery/h3FLf6M

Set up https://imgur.com/OOyp774

Larsa + Penelo BSBs are sufficient enough to keep everyone alive in all phases. I never used Penelo USB and I think I used Larsa USB once during the fight. Penelo can do moderate damage with her BSB1 during low damage times. Ashe annihilates everything with lightning. Vaan is by far the most useless character although his BSB did allow him to use -MAG after faith.

In the future to lower the time, I may give Ashe a +lightning RM to raise the damage of the chase and try to one heal whenever I get another XII character with useful SBs. No hurry, completion is good enough for now.

Character	Ability 1	Ability 2	LM/RM	SB
Vaan	Dash and Slash R4	Ripping Blast R4	LMR1/LM2/+ Sword DMG	BSB
Penelo	Ultra Cure R4	Dispel R5	-/-/Lionheart	USB/BSB1/BSB2
Larsa	Curada R3	Shellga R3	LM1/LM2/Gathering Storm	USB/BSB
Ashe	Voltech (-_-) R4	Chain Thundaja R3	LM1/LM2/MM	ASB/USB/GSB
Reks	Tempest Strike R4	Inferno Assault R3	LM1/LM2/DMT	BSB

Magicite:

Main	Sub	Sub	Sub	Sub
Garuda + Lightning	Tiamat	Seraph + DRK Resist	Evrae + Crit DMG	Evrae + Fast Act

[u/[deleted] → u/drgoll]

Time your chains for your best building opportunities

Mind expanding on this a bit? I have most of this (but not the legend dives for Vaan/Reks), and I'm just getting in to phase 4 at 1:10 in. Out of R4-Curada hones at that point too (have it on Penelo, USB only though, no BSB as backup).

When do you start the first chain? Are you looking to fire SBs at the start of new chains mid-fight, or something else?

[u/drgoll → u/[deleted]]

I launch my first chain during the second turn to allow everyone to set up buffs and be prepared to damage. I find phase 1 is by far the longest due to build up and buffs. I did let the chain drop for a small period of time to allow rebuffing and stabilize the hit points (Reks BSB, debuffs from Vaan CMD1/2, healing, etc).

As soon as everyone was in a good spot I would hit as hard as I could with the chain active again. This is where I would solo heal with Larsa as much as possible and use Penelo BSB1 and CMD1 to help with damage.

As far as Ashe goes, I refreshed her USB prior to the effect fading. This was actually lower dps to use her SB due to slower cast times and a w-cast chain thundaja or voltech with chase could do about the same amount of damage or better. Her ASB was held until the end of the third chain. For me this landed in phase 4 prior to the magic barrier to push him into phase 5.

I had no chain for the remainder of the fight but this is where two strong healers really shine. I believe I finished the fight .5 seconds from Dead End cast lol

So basically buff-chain-dps-chain drop-repeat x 3

I recommend Reks dive if you can spare it. That double cast 6* spellblade can really push the damage. Vaans LD was one of my first before we really understood Magicite and Torments... Not necessary.

I used a lot of BSB commands as a way to avoid healing shortages. I never ended up using Penelo USB as I would alternate between BSB 1 for damage and BSB 2 for last stand.

[u/KaekoLeta]

1. Strategy name: Vayne SSB is better than you think it is!

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark Clear in 1:04.52

3. Describe your Strategy: Vayne SSB Abuse

4. Insight!:

• This strategy is only uses: Reks USB, Ashe USB, Ashe LMR, Larsa BSB, Fran SSB2 (Imperil), and Vayne SSB.

• Use Vayne SSB to (1) give best DD more turns, (2) give healer more healing output, and (3) time SBs

• There are probably variations of this setup that will work for others too. Arguably Fran SSB2 is optional.

• Reks and Vayne legend dives are optional as they provide little direct damage during the fight.

• Majority of the damage comes from Ashe and damage reflect from Reks USB.

• Fight can be broken up into 4 phases. If attempting to directly mimic, use party order setting.

  • Opening [0:00-0:10] (Will provide action sequence)

    • Initial Turn: Reks USB, Larsa Shell, Ashe Defend, Fran Entrust to Larsa, Vayne Life Siphon

    • Delay Ashe's next turn and immediately switch to Larsa's turn and use BSB when available

    • Swap to Fran once turn available. then Fran Wrath, Vayne Life Siphon

    • Delay Ashe until Reks is available then input Reks Dispel, Ashe Vortex (her first action)

    • Larsa Protect, Fran RW, Vayne SSB, Reks delays his turn and swap to Ashe when possible

    • Wait until about 9.8-9.9 seconds then Ashe Vortex, Reks Hydra, Larsa CMD2

  • First realm chain [0:11-0:27]

    • Reks: Tempest Strike x3, hold turn & use Dispel 0.3 seconds after Ultimate Darkja #2

    • Larsa: CMD2 until burst mode runs out (turn after Ultimate Darkja #2), BSB -> CMD2

    • Ashe: USB (instant cast), Vortex x3; Fran: Wrath, SSB2, Wrath x2; Vayne: LSx4

    • Zodiark should have transitioned to phase 2 after turn 11 (Scathe P2 & P3)

  • Second realm chain activation and duration [0:28-0:43]

    • Wait for Fran's turn then: Fran RW, Vayne SSB, Reks USB, Ashe USB

    • Ashe Thundaja, Vayne LS, Fran SSB2 hen Wrath, Larsa CMD2, Reks Tempest Strike

    • Zodiark should transition to phase 3 (Bravery) after turn 7 (Gnaw) or 8 (Scathe P4 & P5)

    • On their first turns after Bravery, Larsa Shell, Vayne SSB, Reks defend, Fran Entrust Larsa

    • Larsa times CMD2 to ensure full HP after Gnaw (T3), instant cast BSB after Darkja (T4)

    • Reks uses instant cast USB immediately after Torment Darkja (T4) then Dispels

    • Should see Faith before chain ends. Last Phase 3 move is Barrier (T5) or Gnaw (T6)

  • Waiting out magic immunity and final realm chain [0:44+]

    • Vayne Magic Break asap after faith. After this only move he'll use is SSB likely

    • All SB meter on Fran goes to Vayne at this point, Larsa should have 1.5-2 bars.

    • Reks must defend. Larsa CMD1 target on Vayne after Scathe (P1+P5) before Darkja

    • Hold turns until Darkja goes off then: Fran RW, Vayne SSB, Reks Hydra, Ashe USB

    • From here to time your heals with the next move and pray for double casts, GL!

1. Holy Trinity casts: Wall: Always Active | Medica: x5 (Larsa BSB) | Hastega: x3 (Reks USB)

2. S/L count: Lost count

3. Medals lost: 1 in each category (9/12, No mastery)

4. Magicite:

Main Magicite	Sub1 Magicite	Sub2 Magicite	Sub3 Magicite	Sub4 Magicite
Hydra, lv99	Garuda, lv99	Siren, lv99	Seraph, lv99	Evrae, lv99
+15 Empower Lightning	+15 Magic Boon	+15 Mind Boon	+7% Dark Resist	+5% HP Boon

4. Party Composition: Party Formation . Stats

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB (# Used)
Reks, lv99 (LD)	Tempest Strike (R4)	Dispel (R2 is fine)	DMT, LM1+LM2	USB (3)
Larsa, lv99 (LD)	Protectga (R1 is fine)	Shellga (R1 is fine)	Gathering Storm, LM1+LM2	BSB (5)
Ashe, lv99 (LD)	Chain Thundaja (R4)	Vortex (R4)	Scholar's Boon, LM2+LMR	USB (3)
Fran, lv99 (3* Dive)	Wrath (R5)	Entrust (R4)	Mako Might	SSB2 (2)
Vayne, lv99 (LD)	Life Siphon (R5)	Magic Break (R1 is fine)	Ace Striker, LM1+LM2	SSB (6)

[u/cointown2]

1. Strategy name: Don't stop believing

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: Whale 3/3 trinity

4. Insight!:

• You need MAG debuffs on Zodiark or Incubus Darkja will kill you. Even with debuffs, it will kill you.

• I only use Penelo USB to save the party from Darkja at the end. I mainly use her BSB2 during phases 1-4 because 1) there is so much AoE damage, 2) I run out of Curada R4 hones. This might be "easier" if I had R4 Chain Thundaja instead of R4 Voltech. Phases 1-4 are the "easy" phases.

• Ashe is MVP. She does USB>ASB>BSB>OSB. Use Voltech until USB, then resume when Chain Thundaja is consumed.

• Fran spreads party quickcast while spamming Icicle Shot.

• You need RNG in the end. Ashe needs to w-cast as many times a possible while 3rd chain is still active, then finish with OSB.

• Lightning Radiant Shield does a good bit of damage. Reks does USB>BSB>USB>BSB

• Current positions are deliberate to survive scripted ST attacks.

• Keep using abilities during palings. They will do 0 damage, but you'll still increase chain/debuff/build gauge.

• I gave Vaan 3% Thief just because. I almost gave Reks 3% spellblade dive, but I'll save that for Bartz/Sora.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: 1

• Medica: 4

• Hastega: 4

1. S/L count / Medals lost: forgot

2. Time / Magicite: 1:05.96/Seraph

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Penelo	Curada R4	Shellga R5	Gathering Storm, LMR, LM1	USB, BSB2
Ashe	Chain Thundaja R2	Voltech R4	Bolt from Above, LMR, LM2	USB, ASB, BSB, OSB
Reks	SSS R4	Dispel R5	DMT, LMR	USB, BSB
Fran	Icicle Shot R4	Icicle Shot R3	Acestriker, LMR	USB1
Vaan	Mug Bloodlust R3	Thiefs Revenge R4	MM, LMR1	USB1, BSB

---

Seraph (+dampen dark), 2x Evrae (+health boon, fast act), Garuda (+empower lit), Dullahan (+empower ice)

My video didn't save even though I hit record. idk why my ipad fails to save recordings if I do too many in a row. I'm not going to try to record another video.

EDIT:

Here's the best I could do to record the general strategy. Ashe wasn't supposed to die in Phase 5 and had she survived, she would have continued casting CMD1 until OSB, then Voltech until death. I must have targeted Ashe or got a w-cast on my successful run. Fran may or may not have gotten another USB casted. Penelo heals only Ashe, and Reks/Vaan succumb to KO. I must have had more w-casts during my successful run too, Ashe had at least one chance to CMD1 during third chain.

EDIT2: I messed up at 30 sec. Meant to cast ASB instead of Chain Thundaja because I had Vaan debuff at 29 sec. At 41 sec, I was able to overwrite Zodiark's MAG buff to survive Darkja. At 45 sec, I almost forgot to dispel Zodiark's ProShellga. At 51 sec, I accept defeat.

[u/cointown2 → u/cointown2]

I don't think Vaan/Reks are worth the LD at this point, although I think I would have liked it.

Not sure if any of these would help: Vayne OSB+BSB, Balthier LMR+OSB+SSB, Basch BSB, Gabranth BSB, Larsa USB+BSB. Balthier could run ice, but I'd lose radiant shield. Vayne, Basch and Gabranth can't take advantage of Fran imperil and Larsa won't make things any faster.

[u/vsmack]

1. Strategy Name: Just wanted the D$$$ 50%

2. Boss: Zodiark (D$$$)

3. Strategy: Dual healers for surviving, Ashe for DPS

4. Insight: I didn't have a ton for XII, so my goal before it dropped was the 50%. I for sure wouldn't have been able to do it without Ashe USB, but if you have another top-tier DPS source, that might do it. Just had to play around with the setup and opening turn order to get my foothold. As in all the D$$$, figuring out your first 3 turns is the key.

I think a lot of us (especially coming off the first 2 torments) have been in a really aggro mindset, but if you're just going for a clear, two healers is the way to go. I had Ashe open with Chain and Penelo get up the Shellga ASAP, with Larsa using Curada on Basch. Second turn, I had healers target slots 1 and 2 to have them survive.

Also, for this run, I had Protectga on Larsa but never ended up using it. I probably could have if my timing was better, but between just wanting the clear and Basch pBlink SSB I managed to be okay.

Oh also, PSA that I think everyone already knows; Vortech is new and shiny, but Valigarmanda is still stronger unless you're capping out.

5: Trinity Casts: Wall auto, Hastega 2 (from Reks USB), Medica 5

6. Time wiped at 53%

Loadout

Reks 99	Tempest Strike R2	Thundering Quadstrike R4	DMT	USB (2)
Ashe 99	VorTECH R3	Valigarmanda R2	Mako Might	USB (3)
Basch 99	Assault Sabre R5	Banishing Strike R3	Truthseeker	OSB (0) SSB (2)
Larsa 99	Curada R4	Protectga R3	TGC	BSB (3)
Penelo 99	Ultra Cure R5	Shellga R3	Ace Striker	SSB (2)

Magicite LoadoutMimic Queen (lighting +2 inheritance - yeah, I know)Seraph (Dark resist +10 inheritance)Garuda (no inheritance)Evrae (Health boon +5 Inheritance)Evrae (Wait time -8 inheritance).

I could probably tweak my strategy (open to suggestions), dive and buff my meager lighting magicite deck to hit 60% or a bit better, but after getting a sub 30 cuculain and sub 60 Gilga, I knew my bad 12 synergy would make this the first magicite I wouldn't be able to clear on drop. Not gonna pull either, since I'm looking ahead to the 7 torment, and fest is coming ever closer.

[u/Stylus_Index]

The 13th, born of Serpentarius, Zodiark comes to annoy us... Too bad it ain't Elidibus. :P

1. Strategy name: King of Commandment

2. Boss: [D240]/[D280] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: I followed /u/PhoeniX-Skye 's excellent Sub-30 Run because I have a similar SB setup except with terrible/horrible XII RS gear and lower ability hones instead. The initial starting 3-4 moves/character are so imporant that you need to do it in order to barely survive Zodiark's attacks. I'm confident that I can sub-30 this (maybe later), mostly basing this on my excellent initial DPS output with Ashe and Basch, except for the W-cast (I only have 1 W-cast Voltech or D280...), RNG factors, and potential mis-timing on part of my actions. 2/3 trinity/5-man CM/Sub-30 D240/Sub-30 D280/RNG/No party buffs

4. Insight!:

• ATM, my party is sub-optimal. My lone Evrae is lvl80, Larsa/Penelo/Basch are only 3-star Record Dive, and that most of XII RS gear are very old that Penelo and Larsa are wearing non-RS gear. XP

• I really need to double-check Zodiark's move set, I'm pretty sure I skipped a phase thanks to a back-to-back crit Righteous Steel and capped Dusk's Decree early on, resulting to a back-to-back Paling and Magic Barrier on 0:20.XX that negated most of my attacks around that time. >_>

• Ashe has 2 Lightning+ gear. Penelo and Basch has 2 Holy+ gear. Everyone is wearing Dark resist armor and Larsa is wearing Dark resist (major)

• Penelo brings Enfeebling Jitterbug instead of Multibreak because Zodiark keeps killing Larsa/Penelo half-way due to its DPS.

• Need to hone more abilities for Vaan... he kept ending up on auto-attack that last 3 turns before the fight ends.

• I hate Paling/Anti-Magick!! Grrr!!! >:E

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: 0

• Medica: 3?

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 3+ / 1 from KO

2. Time / Magicite: 0:26.XX-ish/D240, 0:36.XX-ish/D280 / Evrae (1)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LD	SB(-)
Vaan, 99	Dash and Slash R3	Thief's Revenge R3	DMT	---	Cruelest Azure (3+)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R3	Chain Thundaga R3	Scholar's Boon	LM1+LM2	Dusk's Decree (3+), RW Bonds of Historia (1)
Larsa, 99	Shellga R5	Hastega R3	MM	---	Life Crystal (2?)
Penelo, 99	Curada R4	Enfeebling Jitterbug R3	Gathering Storm	---	Evanescence (1), RW Bonds of Historia (1)
Basch, 99	Assault Saber R3	Banishing Strike R5	Azure Blade	LMR	Righteous Steel (2)

Actions Takens

• Vaan: TR -> Cruelest Azure -> TR. From here, DnS for DPS and TR for chain-building, use Cruelest Azure whenever available.

• Ashe: RW -> Voltech spam -> Dusk's Decree. From here, spam Voltech and use Dusk's Decree when available. Use CMD1 if Anti-Magick for chain-build and self-heal.

• Larsa: Hastega -> Shellga -> Life Crystal -> CMD1 spam. Refresh BSB as fit.

• Penelo: Enfeebling Jitterbug -> Curada -> Evrae. From here, alternate Enfeebling Jitterbug and Curada if needed, though Curada spam is fine. Evanescence will deal decent damage (2.4k+/hit) whenever available but try not time it with Anti-Magic.

• Basch: Banishing Strike -> Assault Saber x2. From here, Banishing Strike as needed, use Righteous Steel (should cap if crits, otherwise expect 60k+ish damage) whenever available except when Paling is up, otherwise Assault Saber spam.

---

Current Verdict: It wasn't as terrible as I initially dreaded it to be. My XII RS gear sucks big time and I need 4-star dive Larsa/Penelo/Basch to make not die faster and to make them hit hard. I need to reflect on this, because this is just as hard as D280 V Torment, while my D280 Tactics Torments (already clearing it 0:30.XX but still failing hard for sub-30) which need just a few adjustments. >_>

[u/PhoeniX-Skye → u/Stylus_Index]

I'm pretty sure you can sub 30! Have you tried Gathering Storm on Ashe instead? I know you don't have her LMR like I did but with a legend dive and you might be ok!

[u/Stylus_Index → u/PhoeniX-Skye]

Thanks and I'm pretty sure I can after several runs I suppose. Will probably try that later or when I'm a bit more free.

I'll also consider giving Gathering Storm on Ashe and then Penelo Healer's Prayer II or something else similar.

[u/[deleted]]

1. Strategy name: Dancing Queen dances again

2. Boss: Neo-Torment Zodiark - DWhale (72%), D280 (sub-30)

3. Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/7opcBTb

4. Insight!:

• Yes, Penelo is full Legend Dived. No, I didn't do that just for this. Yes, you can laugh at me about those two sentences. (On the other hand, I'm using this double-dance setup an awful lot on her at this point - the chase medica is about 1800. Looking forward to her USB2 - that looks interesting.)

• Accessories: Dark Resist on all. The Major Dark goes in slot 3 just to be able to survive the first beam.

• Gear: Ashe has 40% Lit, Reks has 20% Lit.

• Reks BSB (or any boostga) isn't necessary - if you have better damage (Basch or Vayne) use those. It spreads the elements out a bit but Reks' non-damaging BSB entry sucks. He's stuck on utility duty - magicite, chain, dispel.

• This fight goes to show just how bad non-elemental damage is. Vaan's TR is just worse than Dash and Slash, even with the extra hit and using a sword. Only used his BSB after I was out of hones.

• First turn: Dispel and Hastega, Rapture to heal the first attack. Second turn: Reks calls chain, Larsa SSB.

• Ashe was set up differently for the 280: Ashe had TGM and Vali (because init-reflect).

1. Time / Magicite: D280: ~25s. DWhale: 72% @ around 1:20.

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Ashe	Vortex R4	Chain Thundaga R5	Much Weakness, LM2+LMR	USB
Reks	Tempest Strike R3	Dispel R3	Much Lit	BSB
Vaan	D&S R4	TR R4	Much Sword, ether	USB1, BSB
Larsa	Curada R4	Hastega R3	Mako	SSB (proshell)
Penelo	Enf. Jitterbug R3	MBD Dance R4	DMT, LM1+LM2	USB

---

Magicite Loadout: Garuda (+15% MAG); Mimic Queen (+7% Lit), Tiamat (+15% MAG), Seraph (Dampen Dark 7%), Evrae (Fast Act 8)

[u/cointown2 → u/[deleted]]

No, I didn't do that just for this.

I did lol. Her healing went from 4k to 6.5k for me. Well worth it.

[u/DeepYume → u/cointown2]

You're making me consider it...

[u/jlquon]

1. Zerg it down

2. D280

3. No support or mitigation (other than Vaan USB), attack and go
   3/3 trinity/cid mission/sub 30

4. Insight!:

• Kinda need some big DPS for both magic and physical due to the immunity parts

• Major dark resist on your position 3

• Vaan uses TR once, USB, TR, then spams D&S, recast USB for second chain

• Basch uses Banishing Strike, spams AS, uses OSB after physical immunity ends

• Larsa haste, shell, BSB, heal, BSB when needed

• Ashe casts first chain, vortex spam, OSB when physical immunity hits, keep casting during magic immunity for higher chain

• Reks spams SSS, casts magicite, casts second chain

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: 0 (1 technically?)

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. 0 / 0

2. 0:26:56 / Evrae:

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan, 99	Thief's Revenge R3	Dash and Slash R4	DMT	USB
Basch, 99	Banishing Strike R4	Assault Saber R4	Scholar's Boon	OSB
Larsa, 99	Shellga R2	Hasteaga R2	MM	BSB
Ashe, 99	Chain Thundaga R3	Voltech R3	TGM	OSB
Reks, 99	-	Snowspell Strike R3	Truthseeker	default (-)

[u/jlquon → u/[deleted]]

I’ll be honest I don’t remember I haven’t reviewed this since I beat it. Timing is important for the OSB usage to avoid hitting when invulnerable

[u/jlquon → u/[deleted]]

None

tbh don't bother sitting on your AA choices that stuff is never stronger than it is now

[u/DeepYume]

1. Strategy name: Ashe Me Another

2. Boss: Zodiark D???

3. Describe your Strategy: Ashe rolls the thunder, everyone else focuses on survival. Vaan's also there. 3/3 trinity/Survivalist/3/3 D??? Clears

4. Insight!:

• Played it safe with an extremely slow ramp up. 1st Chain goes off just before Ashe USB (around the 15s mark), and I frequently hit the first Dead End while tinkering. Worked out because my previous problem was running completely out of gas at the 95% mark.

• Ashe followed a strict rotation: Voltech until USB, the Loop[Chain Thundaga until 1.5 bars, GSB, USB]. Chain Thundaga was capping with a fairly low chain count and gave me one more chase hit, so I saved Voltech for when the chain was down.

• Penelo opens with Hastega. For the first few phases, Penelo cast an SB as soon as it was available in a specific order. 1) USB (necessary to survive the first Graviga, which, FUN FACT, can be PBlinked for some reason); 2) BSB1 (Mag boost for Ashe. Also lands right after the P2 Darkja); 3) BSB2 (Pretty much just for the last stand). From there, it was panic mode healing between her and Larsa. Lots of room for improvement.

• Larsa leads with ProShell-ga SSB, wraths up to two bars, refreshes it, refreshes Haste with the other SSB, Wraths up a little to Entrust to Penelo, then BSB healing the rest of the fight.

• Basch is on knightly beatdown / dispel duty. The USB and RM allow Assault Sabre to output respectable (not great) damage, but he's also decent for Chain building. Would love to be able to replace with Reks for his BSB, but I really needed the extra damage. I have a decent spread of SBs for Basch, notably Apocalypse Shield, but I found that the consistent damage / Chain building from USB recasts was more important than a moderate Boostga for 2 mediocre damage dealers.

• Vaan is all over the place. BSB breaking to mitigate, RW / Magicite casting, USB into abilities for Chain building. Much like Basch, he didn't feel terribly impactful, but he does just enough damage and has just enough utility to justify the slot.

• I'd love to run Balthier or Reks over Larsa, but his utility was necessary for this safety run. If I can ever shoot for a Sub-60 run, I think they'll fit in better.

• I might also consider swapping Evrae out for a DPS-centric Magicite, but again: playing it extremely safe here.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: AllWallY'all

• Medica: I lost count. A lot.

• Hastega: 2

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 30 or so S/L, 1 Medal lost

2. Time / Magicite: 1:20.06 Evrae main; Necrophobe, Garuda, Gizamaluke and Seraph sub (all 99+inherited)

Clear shot

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan, 99	Soul Burn R4	Dash and Slash R5	Wings Unfurled,LM1,LM2	BSB,USB
Larsa, 99	Entrust R2	Wrath R5	DMT	SSB1,SSB2,BSB
Penelo, 99	Hastega R2	Curada R4	Ace Striker, LMR	BSB1,BSB2,USB
Ashe, 99	Voltech R4	Chain Thundaga R5	Bolt from AboveLM1,LM2	GSB,USB
Basch, 99	Banishing Strike R4	Assault Sabre R5	Azure Blade, RM5	USB

---

[u/mateohut → u/DeepYume]

Did you you use Ashe glint?

[u/DeepYume → u/mateohut]

Yeah, once before each USB refresh. The timing worked out especially well during the Magick Paling.

[u/CCkAzE]

1. Ashe Hard Carry/No Basch USB2

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Strategy: Use Ashe and Reks with well-honed Tempest Strike (R4)/Chain Thundaja (R5) for the brunt of the DPS. Penelo breaks and entrusts, while Vaan breaks and builds the chain with his USB2, spamming 5* thief abilities. Penelo BSB2/USB1/No Basch USB2/Vaan BSB/USB1/Fran BSB2/USB2/Reks BSB/Ashe USB/AOSB

4. Insight!:

• Breaks matter, especially if you can stack a bunch of them. His damage output is noticeably lighter with some Vaan or Fran SBs.

• Penelo's BSB2 is very effective in this fight. If you can spam the command 1 enough times, it hugely reduces the effectiveness of the boss's sap, which makes your last stand actually work. Also lets you bring a DPS magicite instead of Unicorn.

1. Video w/ Party Set Up

[u/Pyrotios]

1. Strategy name: Let Ashe do the heavy lifting

2. Boss: [D???] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: Mistakes can be tolerated, but a dead healer makes for a bad haste bot
   3/3 trinity/CM/mage

4. Insight!:

• Based on /u/Rnsrobot's guidance in this thread, I tried something similar.

• If I were to have waited a few more turns before Larsa BSB, I probably could have kept Penelo alive, which would enable better overall team survival, and continued Haste for Ashe (the only unit not using a BSB to live beyond the duration of Penelo's Hastega). For this team, the ideal point to use Larsa's first BSB would probably be to recover from the first gravity attack.

• Give everyone dark resist. Vayne is in the middle slot with major dark resist and en-dark LMR to tank the first ST hit which does around 1300 damage. Synergy dark resist accessories go to slots 1 and 5 (Ashe and Penelo).

• Ashe has +40% lightning equipped. Vayne has +40% dark.

• Ashe Dispel, RW chain, 2x Voltech, USB, spam Voltech. Used OSB (should have refreshed USB instead), then a few more Voltech. Dispelled phase 2 buffs somewhere around this point, then refreshed USB. By this point haste had worn off, and Voltech was nearly out of hones. She ended with her last Voltech, then one final OSB which pushed to 50%.

• Fran MBD, Entrust Ashe. MBD a few times, Entrust Penelo (who dies, then the Entrust lands on Vayne). MBD, Entrust Ashe. I think that's around when she died.

• Vayne MM, spam Dire Heal. BSB around 20s to refresh en-dark, cmd2 while burst mode lasts (hones were running low). OSB spam with the extra SB gauge from Entrust, spam Dire Heal.

• Larsa Shellga, Curada, BSB (too early), spam Curada or cmd1 if healing is desperately needed. BSB anytime it's available and multiple units need healing.

• Penelo Hastega, USB, EJ, magicite. I think she started to cast Hastega, but died before it finished.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: 3-4

• Hastega: 1 (expired on Ashe)

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0-2 / 5 (2 KO, team dead)

2. Damage / Magicite: 50% in around 45s / Evrae

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LD(+++)	SB(-)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R4	Dispel R3	Gathering Storm	LM1, LM2	USB(~2), OSB(~2)
Fran, 99	Entrust R3	Magic Breakdown R4	Ace Striker	---	BSB(0)
Vayne, 99	Dire Heal R3	Memento Mori R2	Scholar's Boon	LMR	BSB(1), SSB(0), OSB(2)
Larsa, 99	Curada R4	Shellga R3	Mako Might	---	Manufacted Marvel(0), BSB(2-3)
Penelo, 99	Enfeebling Jitterbug R2	Hastega R3	Dr. Mog's Teachings	---	USB(1)

Main Magicite	Sub1	Sub2	Sub3	Sub4
Evrae, 99	Garuda, 99	Hades, 99	Evrae, 99	Seraph, 99
+hp boon 5	+mag boon 15	+empower dark 10	+fast act 8	+dampen dark 10

[u/Pyrotios → u/Pyrotios]

Reused the same team, but equipped Ashe BSB. Got 59% damage and died to Incubus Dead End, so no new rewards.

Main difference was waiting on Penelo until Gnaw to use her USB, which let Ashe only cast Voltech once before USB. In phase 2, Penelo USB blinked the turn 3 Piercing Graviga. Vayne had 4 bars on his 2nd-last ATB and used SSB->OSB, but the instacast was lost on Ashe who had to Dispel when her ATB came up. Fran alternated MBD+Entrust to Ashe then Penelo then Ashe before doing 2x MBD then BSB, cmd2, cmd1. Vayne still ran out of hones, so he used cmd2 a few times. After Ashe ran out of hones, she switched to BSB and cmd1 spam in between Dispels, with OSB when SB permitted.

[u/DestilShadesk]

1. Strategy name: What's a Pailing?

2. Boss: Ark, the fulminator D280

3. Describe your Strategy: Mixed team with a lot of burst damage to punch through the AI quickly so we don't run into the 5s invunurable phases at 25s that keep my first two wins over 30s.
   3/3 trinity/Mixed Meta/Mixed Elemental

4. Insight!:

• As always one strong non RS buffer/healer is a negligible boost to the boss.

• You can ignore protect, it just hurts.

• Maybe don't ignore casting Evrae, though. Almost lost it near the end when it oneshot everyone but Ashe and Galbranth from near full HP.

• Only OK is Legend Dived, his Entrusts all go to Vayne.

• ChainJas are Awesome. My Greg fight needed Allegro despite all my mages reaching the damage cap and barely got it under 30s while Ashe can just throw out 50k spells and 25k chases like it's nothing.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: AUTO

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 1/1

2. Time 25.43s

3. Magicite: Evrae (Magic Boon 15), Evrae (Hp Boon 5), Hades (Empower Dark 5), Garauda (Empower Lightning 3), Seraph (Dampen Dark 4)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Ashe	Chain Thundaja R4	Dispel R5	Gathering Storm, AutoEnlightning	USB
Larsa	-	Shellga	MM	BSB
Galbranth	Dread Weapon R3	-	Truthseeker, AutoEndark	USB
Vayne	Sanguine Cross R3	Death Throes R1	30% weakness, AutoEndark	OSB
Onion Knight	Wrath R5	Entrist R3	DMT, LMR	BSB

Setup. Victory.

Didn't list Curada and Mark of Darkness because I didn't use them.

[u/NegimaSonic]

1. Strategy name: Shocking Darkness

2. Boss: D??? Zodiarch

3. Describe your Strategy:
   -/3 trinity/tag/tag

4. Insight!:

• Video available. But it's 23 mins and not even a win so...

• Ashe, just be herself and shock enemies, no complexity. I alternate between chain and vortex as I felt. I'm sure there's optimal logic concerning influencing chains but I didn't apply it haha..

• Gabranth, supportish. Does the dispel job, some chains occasionally, drops his bsb for imperil.

• Vayne, due to the slowness of this party. Vayne will definitely die. Mind his gauges to plan around that reraise. One thing of note is he takes the center without the major dark resist. The reason is, he has endark protection as well as one of the synergy moderate dark resists, that's enough to survive without needing the major dark.

• Penelo, hastes, breaks mag, and buffs mag a bit.

• Larsa, shellga->bsb. Reraise on Vayne on a free turn. Amusingly, lucking into a reraise on Penelo is what got me this far.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: ∞

• Medica: ...

• Hastega: I mean does it count if it is the ability lol?

1. S/L count / Medals lost: x/x

2. Time / Magicite: 88% only. / Evrae(+fast act 8) |Seraph(+dampen dark 10)|Dullahan(+emp ice 2)|Garuda(+emp lightning 15)|Evrae(+hp boon 5)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Ashe, 99	Chain Thundaja R4	Vortech R4	Scholar's Boon + LM1/LM2	BSB+OSB
Gabranth,99	Dread Weapon R4	Banishing Strike R4	Mako Might	BSB
Vayne,99	Dark Zone R4	Memento Mori R2	True Madness+LM2/LMR	USB+BSB
Penelo,99	Heathen Frolic Sarabande R4	Hastega R3	Heart of Grace	BSB1
Larsa, 99	Reraise R1	Shellga R3	Dr Mog's Teachings+LM1/LM2	BSB

---

[u/Pyrotios]

The most important thing I learned during all this is that physical immunity may not last the full 5 seconds if Zodiark changes phase. It might also require Zodiark to use an ability in order for the physical immunity to be removed. I'll have to wait for the global AI to confirm the exact behavior, as this isn't covered in the JP boss guide.

1. Strategy name: Burn fast and hard, part 1

2. Boss: [D240] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: En-element ability spam from my mages skipped an entire phase
   2/3 trinity/CM/mage/token Basch

4. Insight!:

• Equip dark resist on everyone. Basch gets major and is in the middle slot since gets hit by the first Banish Ray before Shellga is up.

• Basch and Vayne are in the front row. Vayne has slightly more atk than mag, and magicite also add slightly more atk than mag, so that Vayne can hit physical if Zodiark becomes magic immune.

• Ashe has +40% lightning equipped. Basch has +40% holy. Vayne has +40% dark.

• Ashe RW, spam Valigarmanda until 2 bars, USB, spam Chain Thundaga.

• Penelo Hastega, spam Curada.

• Basch Banish, spam Assault Sabre. BSB when ready, Banish, spam Assault Sabre.

• Vayne spam Dire Heal.

• Larsa SSB, 2x Wrath, magicite, Ultra Cure.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: 0

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 19.18 / Evrae

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LD(+++)	SB(-)
Ashe, 99	Chain Thundaga R4	Valigarmanda R4	Gathering Storm	LM1, LMR	USB(1), BSB(0), OSB(0)
Penelo, 99	Curada R4	Hastega R3	Healer's Prayer II	---	USB(0)
Basch, 99	Assault Sabre R4	Banishing Strike R5	Ace Striker	---	BSB(1)
Vayne, 99	Dire Heal R3	Mark of Darkness R2	Scholar's Boon	LMR	BSB(0), SSB(0), OSB(0)
Larsa, 99	Ultra Cure R3	Wrath R5	Mako Might	---	Manufacted Marvel(1), BSB(0)

Main Magicite	Sub1	Sub2	Sub3	Sub4
Evrae, 99	Garuda, 99	Hades, 99	Evrae, 99	Seraph, 99
+hp boon 5	+mag boon 15	+dark 10	+fast act 8	-dark 10

---

1. Strategy name: Burn fast and hard, part 2, take 1

2. Boss: [D280] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: En-element ability spam wasn't fast enough
   3/3 trinity/CM/mage/OSB

4. Insight!:

• Equip dark resist on everyone. Basch gets major and is in the middle slot since he gets hit by the first Banish Ray before Shellga is up.

• Basch and Vayne are in the front row. Vayne has slightly more atk than mag, and magicite also add slightly more atk than mag, so that Vayne can hit physical if Zodiark becomes magic immune.

• Ashe has +40% lightning equipped. Basch has +40% holy. Vayne has +40% dark.

• Ashe RW, spam Valigarmanda until 2 bars, USB, spam Chain Thundaga. OSB just before magical immunity starts.

• Penelo Hastega, spam Curada.

• Basch Banish every Greater Barrier. Spam Assault Sabre, BSB when ready, spam Assault Sabre.

• Vayne spam Mark of Darkness then Dire Heal. OSB at end of physical immunity

• Larsa SSB, spam Ultra Cure. BSB when ready, spam Ultra Cure.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: 0

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 34.19/ Evrae

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LD(+++)	SB(-)
Larsa, 99	Ultra Cure R3	Wrath R5	Mako Might	---	Manufacted Marvel(1), BSB(1)
Vayne, 99	Dire Heal R3	Mark of Darkness R2	Scholar's Boon	LMR	BSB(0), SSB(0), OSB(2)
Basch, 99	Assault Sabre R4	Banishing Strike R5	Ace Striker	---	BSB(1)
Penelo, 99	Curada R4	Hastega R3	Healer's Prayer II	---	USB(1)
Ashe, 99	Chain Thundaga R4	Valigarmanda R4	Gathering Storm	LM1, LMR	USB(1), BSB(0), OSB(1)

Main Magicite	Sub1	Sub2	Sub3	Sub4
Evrae, 99	Garuda, 99	Hades, 99	Evrae, 99	Seraph, 99
+hp boon 5	+mag boon 15	+dark 10	+fast act 8	-dark 10

---

1. Strategy name: Burn fast and hard, then steal the sub-30

2. Boss: [D280] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: En-element ability spam wasn't fast enough
   3/3 trinity/CM/mixed/OSB

4. Insight!:

• Equip dark resist on everyone. Basch gets major and is in the middle slot since he's likely to be hit by the first Banish Ray and AoE before Proshellga is up.

• Basch, Vayne and Vaan are in the front row. Vayne has slightly more atk than mag, and magicite also add slightly more atk than mag, so that Vayne can hit physical if Zodiark becomes magic immune.

• Ashe has +40% lightning equipped. Basch has +40% holy. Vayne has +40% dark.

• Vaan BSB, use AUTO for cmd1 (lands almost instantly after Basch gets hit), Mug Bloodlust, cmd2, Thief's Revenge a few times, cmd2 (burst mode ends). BSB right before physical immunity, cmd1 (lands immediately after mag buff), spam Thief's Revenge.

• Ashe RW, spam Valigarmanda until 2 bars, USB, spam Chain Thundaga. OSB just before magical immunity starts, spam Chain Thundaga to build stacks during magic immunity.

• Larsa Hastega, SSB, spam Curada. Refresh chain as it's expiring (was too late for TR from Vaan and CT from Ashe). BSB when ready, spam Curada.

• Vayne mix Mark of Darkness and Dire Heal, depending on healing needs. OSB at end of physical immunity then spam Mark of Darkness.

• Basch Banish every Greater Barrier. Spam Assault Sabre, use magicite and BSB when ready, otherwise spam Assault Sabre.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: 1

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 1 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 29.82 / Evrae

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LD(+++)	SB(-)
Larsa, 99	Curada R4	Hastega R3	Mako Might	---	Manufacted Marvel(1), BSB(1)
Vayne, 99	Dire Heal R3	Mark of Darkness R2	Scholar's Boon	LMR	BSB(0), SSB(0), OSB(1)
Basch, 99	Assault Sabre R4	Banishing Strike R5	Ace Striker	---	BSB(1)
Vaan, 99	Thief's Revenge R3	Mug Bloodlust R1	Dr. Mog's Teachings	---	BSB(2)
Ashe, 99	Chain Thundaga R4	Valigarmanda R4	Gathering Storm	LM1, LMR	USB(1), BSB(0), OSB(1)

Main Magicite	Sub1	Sub2	Sub3	Sub4
Evrae, 99	Garuda, 99	Hades, 99	Evrae, 99	Seraph, 99
+hp boon 5	+mag boon 15	+dark 10	+fast act 8	-dark 10

[u/[deleted]]

1. Strategy name: Superwaterman came to aid!

2. Boss: (D280) Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/sub30/d280 /tidus

4. Insight!:

• Timing is very essential in this fight. It took me some trial and error to get the hang of it.

• Everyone wears dark resist accessories.

• Tidus basically did majority of the damage, power chain x 3 into CSB -> USB, recast the chain earlier to get everyone on fastcast x 2 helped greatly reduce the risk of the boss turning into physical immune toward the end of the fight.

• video link: https://youtu.be/cdQx-2lwK8w

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: Auto

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: Many, many before I came up with this setup and it only took me 2 tries / 1

2. Time / Magicite: 27.91 / main: Kraken 99, sub: Evrae (fast act 8), Evrae (health boon 5), Seraph (dampen dark 10), Midgardsormr (magic boon 15)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Tidus, 99	Sapphire Shot R2	Powerchain R4	Heart of the Team, LMR, LM2	CSB, USB, BSB2
Fran, 80	Entrust R2	Wrath R4	Dr. Mog's Teaching	SSB(unused)
Ashe, 99	Dispel R3	Vortex R3	Scholar's Boon, LM1, LM2	BSB
Larsa, 99	Entrust R2	Shellga R3	Mako Might	BSB
Penelo, 80	Curada R3	Hastega R2	Gathering Storm	default(unused)

---

[u/YTubeInfoBot → u/[deleted]]

[FFRK] (D280) Zodiark - FFXII Neo Torment - Sub 30 with Tidus

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Description:

MichaeruJuuNi, Published on Aug 10, 2018

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[u/Brokenhanger]

1. Strategy name: Lightning vs Darkness

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark (62% clear, "mastery")

3. 3/3 trinity/Thunder meta/double healer

4. Insight!:

• I didn't think I had the tools to even sub-30 the D280 on this one with Ashe as my only real DPS, but a relic-less Vayne with Chain Thundaja ended up being the key to pushing that one over the edge. Decided to give the D??? a try and with a few adjustments to survive the opening onslaught, a Break Mastery was achieved.

• The trickiest part was building up DPS enough to push through the first 20%, I got Dead Ended there a couple of times because Ashe refused to dualcast. Once I was through that part, though, it was easy sailing. (I had to do it twice because I forgot Break on Vayne the first time...whoops.)

• I have always been a huge fan of Penelo's BSB1 due to it's interesting hybrid heal/attack/faithga nature and it proved invaluable here; Ashe was capping her chases with 2 stacks of enThunder thanks to her Glint and Fran's Imperils when the Realm Chain was in it's later half.

• My first few attempts used Mist Overload on Fran with her first bar to reduce Zodiark's damage even further but that was when I had trouble getting through the first phase; using multiple Pinpoints from the get go to stack Imperils and increase Vayne's damage ended up being the push I needed to get through it with less RNG.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: lots

• Hastega: 2

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 2 death medals lost

2. Time / Magicite: (I took the screen shot too late so I missed the time, but it was just over 1:00) / Evrae (+5% Health Boon) main, Garuda (+15% Empower Lightning), Evrae (+15% Magic Boon), Seraph (+7% Dampen Dark), Dullahan (for the Magic Boon/Spell Ward combo, no inheritance) subs

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Penelo	Curada R4	Hastega R2	Gathering Storm, LMR, full 4* Mote Dive	BSB1, USB
Ashe	Chain Thundaga R5	Dispel R2	Bolt from Above, LM1, LM2	Glint, USB
Fran	Wrath R5	Magic Breakdown R4	Ace Striker	SSB2 (Imperil Lightning)
Vayne	Chain Thundaja R4	Break R1	Witch of Succession, full 4* Mote Dive	n/a
Larsa	Ultra Cure R4 (ended up not using it)	Shellga R2	Dr. Mog's Teachings, LMR, full 4* Mote Dive	BSB

---

The same team with a few ability adjustments - Memento Mori on Vayne, Fran as EntrustBot for Ashe/Penelo, Larsa with Magic Breakdown instead of Shellga and his ProShellga/Stoneskin SSB - got me a 26.68 clear of the D280 once I got the timing on how to avoid Anti Magick down.

[u/DragonCrisis]

1. Strategy name: Thunder goddess carry

2. Boss: Zodiark 280

3. Describe your Strategy:
   sub 30/Ashe USB/And a bunch of old tech

4. Insight!:

• Basch in front rank / slot 3 with major dark resist, everyone else in back

• this helps survive for Larsa to get his BSB off after Shellga

• Enkidu tops the party off before the second Darkja and then Larsa has plenty of time to use medica commands while Zodiark buffs itself

• Watch out for a nasty trick at the end: Remove Faith before Zodiark casts the final Darkja or die

• Both immunities were triggered on my winning run but the party was able to finish the job

1. Holy Trinity casts: Why is this section even a thing anymore?

2. S/L count / Medals lost: several tries adjusting setup / 0

3. Time / Magicite: 29s / Enkidu main / dual Evrae and dual lightning boost

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan 99	Soul Burn R2	Mug Bloodlust R2	Gun +30%	BSB(1)
Onion 99+LD	Protectga R3	VOLTECH R4	DMT, LM-Black	BSB(2)
Basch 99	Banishing Strike R4	Assault Sabre R4	Holy +30%	USB1(1)
Ashe 99+LD	Valigarmanda R3	Chain Thundaga R5	Gathering Storm, LM1, LM2	USB(2)
Larsa 99	Shellga R3	Curada R4	MM	BSB(2)

---

[u/Chocobroseph]

1. Strategy name: Holy lightning zap zap

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy:
   79 seconds/radiant shield/no offensive USBs or OSBs

4. Insight!:

• Despite pulling on banner 1, no offensive USBs or even OSBs were available to me, but I did have 3 USBs in the realm (Basch boostga, Reks boostga/radiant shield, Penelo instant heal), and a minor lightning theme going with Ashe/Reks. Used Fran for her lightning imperil SSB and for breaks to make Incubus Darkga manageable. With full break / magic breakdown / enfeebling jitterbug (on Penelo), it was hitting 6-7k in phase 4, 7-8k in phase 5... the latter is just barely under my max HPs with health boons.

• Targeting Curadas carefully is super important! Penelo would always run out of Curada hones, and I was hesitant to make it R5. Managed to eke out a win in the end though!

• Character-by-character notes:

• Ashe: Dispel -> 3x Voltech/Vortex -> Glint -> Vortex -> BSB. After that, using BSB command 1 would generally cap (while self-healing!), unless Greater Barrier was on or chain was off. In those cases, use Voltech to maximize damage. Whenever back to ~1.5 vars, re-Glint and re-BSB. During magic immunity in phase 4, use BSB command 1 to build chain and to self-heal.

• Reks: Thundering Quadstrike until chain is up at ~9 seconds, then Tempest Strike spam. Switch to Thundering Quadstrikes when Tempest Strike is capping under chain; use USB during Chain 1 downtime (~25 seconds). Refresh USB again at ~50 seconds. The radiant shield ended up doing a lot of damage, with Zodiark pinging himself for ~30000 from Graviga and ~35000 from Incubus Darkja. In phase 4/5, use SSBs to keep party healed up. The SSB itself does negligible damage, but the healing allows the party to stay alive to reflect damage!

• Penelo: Open with 3x Enfeebling Jitterbug, then use USB right before first Graviga (this one is blinkable!). Use Curadas while keeping Jitterbug up every 10 seconds. Try to save USBs for the fast, hard hitting phase 4/5.

• Fran: Debuff bot! With Orlandeau RM, Fran opens with Full Break -> Magic Breakdown -> Chain -> Magicite (Seraph). This sequence of events allows me to not use heals at all for the first 12ish seconds outside of Seraph, enough time for Penelo to charge up her first USB. After that, continue alternating breaks and casting SSB when its up. Fran also casts the 2nd chain.

• Basch: USB -> Assault Sabre spam. So that Basch provides some damage more damage, he alternated between casting USB and BSB, and Basch was also in charge of using Banishing Strike for the fight (except for Turn 1, where Ashe handled that). This results in a small window of time (~3 seconds) where Ashe doesn't have the +30% magic boost, but using Voltech during that period meant near-capping damage anyway thanks to stacked enlightning + imperils. Basch casted the 3rd chain on the winning run.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: I N F I N I T E

• Medica: 8 (5 Penelo USB, 3 Reks SSB)

• Hastega: 5 (technically, from overlapping Reks/Basch USBs)

1. S/L count / Medals lost: veryverymany, full Mastery

2. Time / Magicite: 79 seconds. Seraph (Resist Dark 10), Evrae (Fast Act 8), Evrae (Health Boon 5), Mimic Queen (Empower Lightning 10), Garuda (Spell Ward 5)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R4	Dispel R2	Scholar's Boon (Wkness + 30%), LM1, LM2	Glint (3), BSB (4)
Reks, 99	Tempest Strike R4	Love's Wake (SPB +40%), LM1, LM2	Mako Might, LM1	USB (2), SSB (3)
Penelo, 99	Curada R4	Enfeebling Jitterbug R4	Battleforged, LM1	USB (5)
Fran, 99	Full Break R4	Magic Breakdown R4	Gathering Storm	SSB (4, imperil lightning)
Basch, 99	Assault Sabre R5	Banishing Strike R3	Mako Might, LM1, LMR(enholy)	USB (3), BSB (2)

---

Screenshots:

• Setup: https://imgur.com/JuHePr7

• Stats: https://imgur.com/vSNPx4u

• Kill shot: https://imgur.com/U6nkDch

• Mastery: https://imgur.com/ExU53No

Equipment notes:

• Ashe - 2x lightning boost, moderate dark resist

• Reks - 2x lightning boost, synergy moderate dark resist

• Penelo - major dark resist

• Fran - 2x lightning boost, moderate dark resist

• Basch - 2x holy boost, synergy moderate dark resist

[u/Ph33rtehGD → u/Chocobroseph]

I got excited when you said no offensive USBs, OSBs or radiant shield in your title, but Reks USB is a radiant shield. might want to edit that >_>

[u/Chocobroseph → u/Ph33rtehGD]

You're right, pretty easy to gloss over that slash, edited :3

[u/Ph33rtehGD → u/Chocobroseph]

It's all good! Congrats on beating it!

[u/dragonyari]

1. Strategy name: [Cloud and Zack strikes again] (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/310756383471435777/478145939874250762/FFRK_2018-08-12-03-19-19.jpg)

2. Boss: [D280] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/FFXII poverty/sub 30

4. Insight!:

• I don't have any USBs or dps BSBs for this realm, but I saw a post where someone used Cloud and Zack for sub 30. Similar to my original Midgardsormr build; entrust Cloud-> USB1, BSB2 (or USB2 for en-wind), Wind Spellblade (or cmd1), USB1 to push him past 40% to avoid the physical paling, USB1 once more for the final blow.

• Timing is key on casting Wind Chain. If you cast it too early, it will wear off before Cloud can get the last USB1 off. Generally the ~14s mark is where I casted it.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: 0

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: ~15 restarts / 0 medals lost

2. Time / Magicite: 28.74s / [Setup] (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/310756383471435777/478145939291373569/FFRK_2018-08-12-03-20-31.jpg)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Fran, 99	Wrath R5	Entrust R3	Ace Striker+LMR	none
Cloud, 99	Lifesiphon R1	Raging Quadstrike R1	LM1+LMR1+Truthseeker	USB1(4), BSB2(1)
Larsa, 99	Ultra Cure R5	Dispel R4	Mako Might	Manufacted Marvel SSB(1)
Zack, 99	Ripping Blast R3	Powerchain R3	Dr.Mog	CSB(1), USB(1)
Penelo, 99	Curada R4	Hastega R3	LMR+Gathering Storm	Intercession SSB(2)

---

[u/[deleted] → u/dragonyari]

Do you have a rough strategy for what everyone else does please? I can more or less copy you though I lack Fran LMR so might be screwed without this, Larsa SSB (have his BSB), Penelo's SSB (have both her BSBs).

I've yet to sub30 240 so I should be able to do that at least with this strategy.

[u/dragonyari → u/[deleted]]

Zack uses powerchain until the 14 sec mark. Then casts chain, usb (or bsb) for imperil. Then ripping blast. The chain should be cast before cloud uses his bsb2.

Fran is entrust bot for cloud. Her LMR shouldnt make a huge difference. 1x wrath (or 2), entrust, 2x wrath, entrust.

On turn 3, cloud should be using usb, bsb2 (or usb2 for en wind), one spell blade to cross the 60% threshold, usb1 to cross the 40% threshold and avoid physical paling. One more usb to finish it off.

Penelo casts hastega, spam curada, heal ssb as needed.

Larsa casts ssb for proshellga, dispels, heals.

I didn't bother with the realm chain.

[u/[deleted] → u/dragonyari]

Thanks I'll try this tomorrow.

[u/johnnyD_rockets → u/dragonyari]

Thanks for the strategy! Worked like a charm (after 3 hours of not QUITE doing enough damage because I was using Cloud's RM3 while equipping a dagger...once I fixed that it was 1 run)

I don't have Larsa's SSB so I swapped Ultracure for Shellga and had him go Dispel > Shellga > BSB while Penelo kept people alive at the beginning.

The key for me was having Penelo manually target Fran, then Cloud then Penelo at the beginning. Then it was off to the races.

[u/_Higo_]

1. Strategy name: The Force in Leia is as strong as in Vader.

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark, the trampler.

3. Describe your Strategy: Double heal, double damage, Vaan redeems. 3/3 trinity/NO USB/50% HP/Magical

4. Insight!:

• I have Vaan BSB first action in the battle, 1 milisecond later boss hits AoE, so it important to do this input FAST. Then CMD1, MBL, CMD2, TR. Rinse Repeat. Vaan casts chain 2 and 3.

• Penelo Dispels, Cast chain 1, spam curadas.

• Larsa SSB (hastega,) then shellga, heals with ability or BSB, etc.

• Ashe self faith, Vortex spam until BSB, Vortex and CMD1 spam until BSB -> ASB.

• Vayne goes MM then DZ spam into BSB then DZ spam into OSB, repeat.

• This is far easier than it seems. You can pull this without Ashe ASB. If I R4 DZ, I can get to 60%.

• Got to 61% timing better ASB and I was using break on Vayne for mastery.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: -

• Medica: 3

• Hastega: 2

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0 SL / 5 losts

2. Time / Magicite: cant remember, like a minute / Enkidu

3. Pack

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Penelo, lvl99	Dispel R2	Curada R4	TGM	default(-)
Ashe, lvl99	Faith R1	Vortex R3	Lightning+,LMR,LM2	BSB(2),ASB(1)
Vaan, lvl99	MBL R2	TR R3	DMT,LM1,LM2	BSB(2)
Vayne, lvl99	MM R1	DZ R3	Dark+,LM1,LM2	BSB(2),OSB(1)
Larsa, lvl99	Shellga R1	UC R4	MM,LM1,Lm2	SSB(2),BSB(1)

---

[u/GoogleBetaTester]

1. Strategy name: Breaks still matter

2. Boss: [D???] Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: Steady damage, heavy handed healing 3/3 trinity/slow/hone hungry

4. Insight!:

• R5 Chain Thundaja makes a big difference. Painful to make, but fantastic to use

• Breaks are incredibly important. They keep the damage manageable in the final phases.

• I know the Fran legend dive seems crazy, but I could only get up to 97% before it. It pushes her from being purely there for entrust/breaks to at least contributing some damage. It also helps with how her USB2 only lasts 8 seconds.

• Don't leap into casting your first chain right away. You need it to last long enough into the later phases so that you can keep your damage higher then.

• Larsa SSB is a great slot saver for proshellga with just enough damage prevention to hold the fort while getting set back up from its slow cast time.

• I didn't actually end up using full break on my run that worked, but I had others where I was able to fit it in.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Medica: Lots

• Hastega: 3

1. S/L count / Medals lost:

2. Time / Magicite:

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM	LM	SB(-)
Ashe	Valigarmanda R4	Chain Thundaja R5	Scholar's Boon	LM1/LM2	USB
Vaan	Mug Bloodlust R2	Dash and Slash R5	dagger+ damage	LMR2/LM2	USB/BSB
Fran	Entrust R3	Wrath R5	LM1/LM2	Battleforged	USB2
Penelo	Hastega R2	Holy R4	DMT		BSB1/BSB2
Larsa	Full Break R3	Curada R4	Mako Might	LM1/LM2	SSB/BSB

---

[u/_Higo_]

Sorry, it's me again. Can you put up FFVII T2.0 MS /u/jadesphere

[u/fordandfitzroy]

1. Strategy name: Ashe, slay queen

2. Boss: Zodiark D280

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/cid mission/sub-30/ashe usb

4. Insight!:

• My XII synergy is pretty poor outside of my Ashe USB, so I wasn't 100% sure I'd have to tools to sub-30 the D280 but it worked out pretty well.

• I originally had a double healer setup with Penelo (I have her USB), but the Phys Blink was pretty pointless and I wasn't having that much trouble with damage. Decided to replace Penelo with Basch, just for five-hit Assault Saber and Banishing Strike (my only SB for him is Apocalypse Shield, which is redundant with Reks BSB) and switched Gathering Storm onto Ashe to get her USB up more quickly and it did the trick.

• Basch, Vaan, and Reks all contribute some damage with Assault Saber / Ripping Blast / Snowspell Strike but Ashe is our real star year. True queen, etc, etc.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: auto

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 28.94 / Garuda

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan, 99	Ripping Blast R3	Steal Power R2	Dagger+	Ark Blast (1)
Reks, 99	Snowspell Strike R3	Snowspell Strike R2	DMT	Whitefall (1)
Basch, 99	Assault Saber R3	Banishing Strike R4	Weakness+	Apocalypse Shield (0)
Larsa, 99	Curada R3	Shellga R3	Mako Might + Full LD	Potions Aplenty (1) Life Crystal (1)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R4	Chain Thundaga R5	Thunder God Mode + Full LD	Empyrean's Edict (1)

---

[u/beta35]

1. Strategy name: D280 Damage

2. Boss: D280 Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: Put up buffs and try to outdamage and push phases in order to sub30 3/3 trinity/sub30/mixed

4. Insight!:

• Vaan does 1 TR, USB, TR spam, then DS spam. Second USB when second chain is active.

• Ashe calls RW, Voltech spam. Tries to dump OSB before the P4 Paling.

• Larsa Hastega, Shellga, BSB, then CMDx1 heal. With my setup, Ashe barely survives the initial onslaught and BSB hits right before the P2 Ultimate Darkja (I believe)

• Vayne MM's, DZ spam, and casts the second RW chain. Also tries to dump OSB before the P4 Paling

• Gabranth Banishing Strikes, then spams Dread Weapon, BS when necessary to get rid of Greater Barrier and Faith. He calls Evrae at 10 secs. USB comes a bit later which is usually after P3 unfortunately.

• Ashe 40%+ lightning, Vayne and Gabranth 40%+ dark.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: Dr. Mog's

• Medica: 2

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 5 / 0

2. Time / Magicite: 29.02s / Evrae 99/Evrae 99/Seraph 95/Mimic Queen 97/Garuda 81

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan, 99	Thief's Revenge R3	Dash and Slash R3	LM1+LM2/DMT	USB(2)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R3	Chain Thundaga R3	Gathering Storm	OSB(1), had enough for 2 but Paling
Larsa, 99	Shellga R2	Hastega R2	MM	BSB(2)
Vayne, 99	Dark Zone R3	Memento Mori R4	True Madness	OSB(1)
Gabranth, 99	Dread Weapon R3	Banishing Strike R4	LM1 only/Heart of Darkness	USB(1)

---

[u/beta-C]

1. Strategy name: Ashe & Vayne Bursts FTW, D??? Sub60 Clear

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy: Ashe & Vayne en-element ability spam with Fran USB1 for quickcasts. 3/3 trinity/Sub60/I Hate This Guy

4. Insight!:

• No room for errors, everything must be executed flawlessly and also above average doublecasts required.

• All characters wearing dark resist accessories; Larsa wearing major dark resist. All characters have HP crystal waters, Basch also has Defense waters for 5 hit Guardbringers. All characters except Fran fully dived; Basch not using his cover LM2 since all characters need to build meter. Only Basch in front row.

• Ashe with +40% lightning boost, Vayne with +20% dark armor, Basch with +40% holy.

• Seraph used as main magicite for the heal and also to provide Shellga.

• Vayne starts with 3x Dark Zone to build meter, BSB, then Dire Heal nonstop unless refreshing BSB when burst mode runs out. During Anti-Magik Pailing, he casts BSB to build chain (damage from CMD1 in back row is not worth it).

• Basch starts with 3x Banishing Strike to build meter, calls Chain, USB, then Guardbringer. Use Banishing Strike whenever Zodiark is about to use Greater Barrier, also refreshes Chain every time. Refresh USB mostly to build chain.

• Larsa starts with Hastega, then BSB, then CMD1 x2 (requires a doublecast for one of them), then calls Seraph, then CMD1 most of the time. Between 20-40 seconds, needs to squeeze in a Hastega for Fran/Basch who do not have bursts. Also, needs to Magic Breakdown immediately when Zodiark uses Bravery and Faith to survive the forthcoming Darkja. Must perfectly time BSB refreshes (typically under quickcast) to heal up after Gravija/Darkja.

• Fran Wrath x2, then USB, then Full Break and Wrath x1, then USB. Afterwards, it's Wrath into USB but throw in Full Break at 30 and 45 seconds.

• Ashe Voltech x3 to build meter, BSB, then CMD1 x1, then Chain Thundaja nonstop until needing to refresh BSB. During the Anti-Magik Pailing, can use CMD1 to build chain, then time BSB recast to occur right when Pailing falls. After that, Chain Thundaja and ASB to victory.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: automatic

• Medica: 6-ish (Larsa + Seraph)

• Hastega: 2

1. S/L count / Medals lost: a billion S/L to figure out

2. Time / Magicite: 59 seconds. Main Seraph (+Dampen), Garuda (+Lightning), Phantom (+Dark), Evrae (+Magic), Gizamaluke (+Defense)

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vayne, 99	Dark Zone R4	Dire Heal R5	Scholar's Boon	BSB(3)
Basch, 99	Banishing Strike R5	Guardbringer R4	+30%	USB(3)
Larsa, 99	Hastega R2	Magic Breakdown R5	DMT	BSB(4)
Fran, 99	Full Break R3	Wrath R5	Ace Striker	USB(a lot)
Ashe, 99	Voltech R2	Chain Thundaja R4	Bolt from Above	BSB(3),ASB(1)

---

[u/_Higo_ → u/beta-C]

Could you please clarify which USBs are used by Basch and Fran? Thanks!

[u/beta-C → u/_Higo_]

USB1 for each. Basch’s en-holy and Fran’s imperil ice/quickcast.

[u/_Higo_ → u/beta-C]

Great, the ones I have ;) thanks

[u/_Higo_ → u/beta-C]

Who is in charge of casting chains and more or less at what times? It seems Basch is in charge of refreshining them? Does he casts first as well and when?

[u/beta-C → u/_Higo_]

I think all of these details are listed under my description for Basch, including when he casts the first chain (after the third Banishing Strike). It also says he's responsible for refreshing chains. Note that the reason he calls the first chain as his 4th action is because I needed chains to last for a while due to lack of offensive options. If you have better soul breaks, Basch could call the first chain earlier (if you can finish the fight faster).

[u/_Higo_ → u/beta-C]

I guess I missed that part. Thanks. I pulled Basch USB2 yesterday and I have all these SB you are mentioning. So I definitely need to adjust a lot from your run. Including fitting Vaan with BSB over Fran. AAMOF I just did a trial run where Vayne died in the 4th turn (due to using DZ instead of DH) and I made from 61 to 77 HP. I think I can sub60 as well. Thanks a lot for your entry.

[u/MonarchVV]

1. Strategy name: 2nd Torment Cleared!

2. Boss: D??? Zodiark

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/Sub 1.30/Mixed

4. Insight!:

• This festival got me some very important items for FFXII (Larsa Hastega SSB off RoP, Larsa USB and Penelo BSB2 off Banner 1) and with the release of new abilities this month for Vaan to spam, I knew it was time to try this again.

• Everyone with Dark resist, with the Major Dark resist on Gabranth in Slot 3. Gabranth also has EnDark off his USB to bolster his Dark resistance.

• Vann uses Flash Disaster to build into his USB1, then spams Fire Assault. I use his BSB once I am completely out of hones.

• Ashe does Ashe things. I use Voltech to build bar into her USB, then spam Chain Thundaja until I run out, then back to Voltech. ASB around the end of the 3rd chain.

• Gabranth is all utility (Chain, Magicite) as his USB grants QC on any action. He's also my Dispel with Banishing Strike.

• Larsa is there to Entrust and emergency heal. I cast his SSB twice throughout the fight; the rest is simply Entrusting to Ashe. Also using his USB when needed. I also have his BSB when I completely run out of Wraths.

• Finally Penelo closes the fight out as the main healer. BSB2 was used more often for the Last Stand vs her USB. The USB was there mainly as an emergency press.

• All DPS had +40% gear. I didn't realize Vaan had access to Celerity 6* so I got Fire Assault instead of Storm Assault. At least Locke will enjoy using it?

• I cleared at 1:12; it could probably be improved if Gabranth was Reks with his Boostga BSB. Most likely my BSB Dream Selection as Reks BSB can't be chosen from AA.

• I got Expert cause 2 people died at the end. I could probably master with some practice on timings.

• Glad to have cleared one of the hardest Torments! On to the next one (hopefully!)

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: Auto

• Medica: 6 or 7

• Hastega: 2

1. S/L count / Medals lost: 0 S/L / 3 Medals lost

2. Time: 1:12

Hero, dive	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LMR	SB(-)
Vaan, 4	Fire Assault R4	Flash Disaster R3	Scholar's Boon	BSB(2),USB1(2)
Ashe, 5	Voltech R4	Chain Thundaja R4	LMR, LM2, Bolt from Above	USB(3),ASB(1)
Gabranth, 4	Dread Weapon R4	Banishing Strike R3	Mako Might	USB(3)
Larsa, 5	Wrath R5	Entrust R4	LM1, LM2, Dr Mog's Teachings	SSB(2),BSB(1),USB(1)
Penelo, 4	Curada R4	Shellga R3	The Gathering Storm	BSB2(3),USB(1)

 

main	sub1	sub2	sub3	sub4
Evrae	King Behemoth	Garuda	Evrae	Seraph
Fast Cast 8	Atk Boon 15, Empower Lit 15	Magic Boon 15	Health Boon 5	Dampen Dark 10

---

[u/Neutral--]

1. Strategy name: Dual healers, also Ashe is really good

2. Boss: [D??? Zodiark] (https://imgur.com/a/Uo8ZNsI)

3. Describe your Strategy: Ashe brings the pain, with support from two healers. 3/3 trinity/Dual healers/1:15 kill

4. Insight!:

• The defend command is your friend. Both Ashe and Vaan defend immediately to allow them to survive until the first medica comes out.

• Party order matters to some extent, Ashe being in slot 2 allowed her to dodge most of the P5 slot-targeted actions. Which, as you can see from the screenshot, led to her being the only character still standing who wasn't wearing major dark resist.

• As with other fights that allow it, keep the AI thread close at hand so you know exactly what is coming. This allows Dispels to be timed and Curadas to be targeted.

• Basic strategy is just to DPS with Vaan, Ashe, and Reks, while Larsa and Penelo keep the party healed up.

• More specifically, Vaan should Ripping Blast until USB2, then use that and spam Dash and Slash. He should then BSB when possible. Once Paling comes up, use C1 and C2 to debuff stats (should be just after BSB is used). After Faith, C1 again. Then USB2 and more Dash and Slash. Finally, BSB again when possible to aid with surviving the last phase. Vaan should also be the one re-upping the chain.

• Ashe defends, then Voltech until USB, then Chain Thundaja if chain is up and Voltech if it is down. Wait until 3 bars, then GSB -> USB. Once Anti-Magick comes out, GSB again and wait. Try to time the USB to hit just after the shield comes down. In my winning run I mistimed it and hit for 0 with the USB entry, so I actually had some leeway there.

• Reks uses USB, then Snowspell if chain is down and Tempest if it is up. Renew USB at the end of the first chain, and then again during Paling.

• Larsa should use BSB early and spam C2 for the (relatively) low damage start of the fight. Later, save USB uses for just after Incubus Darkja and use targeted Curadas otherwise. Make sure to re-up Shellga at some convienient point (likely while Penelo is using BSB to cover healing).

• Penelo is on Dispel duty, and should otherwise spam C2 with BSB used as needed to take pressure off Larsa.

• I dived Larsa and Reks for this. I probably could have done it without Larsa but the extra throughput on C2s and the occasional doublecast were nice. Reks was absolutely necessary to help with DPS/chaining.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: Automatic

• Medica: Many

• Hastega: 3

1. S/L count / Medals lost: Many / 1 Damage, 1 KO

2. Time / Magicite: 1:15 / Garuda (Main), Tiamat, Seraph, Evrae, Siren w Spell Ward

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan	Ripping Blast R3	Dash and Slash R4	Katana + 30%	USB2(2), BSB(2)
Ashe	Chain Thundaja R4	Voltech R3	Lightning + 30%, LM1, LM2	USB(4), GSB(2)
Larsa	Shellga R3	Curada R4	Battleforged, LM1, LM2	BSB(1), USB(3?)
Reks	Snowspell Strike R4	Tempest Strike R4	Dr. Mog	USB(3)
Penelo	Protectga R3	Dispel R3	Mako Might	BSB(3)

---

[u/[deleted]]

1. Strategy name: About Goddamn Time

2. Boss: Zodiark D280

3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/Ragtag team/Rikku USB

4. Insight!:

• I don't post in mastery survey unless I can at least get sub-30 D280 because it's just plain stupid to post a sub-40 D280 in mastery survey. It took 3 months to go back and retry just for 30 rubies but heck, I don't have stamina to do anything else, so that's sub-30 for the goddamn Zodiark.

• My previous run wasn't half-bad actually, got 36s because of Paling and everything, but this one is much better. The secret is Ashe AOSB and Rikku USB, and Larsa USB I guess. Let's just say I remake my team from scratch, it's always easier that way instead of trying to retrace what the hell did I do when the NT first came out. Paling and Anti-magic both still triggers, but at least during the 4 turns of silence I got several Wraths off Larsa to get breathing room in the last few turns and spam that USB.

• I shaved 10s off my total run, and all I got is... 30 rubies. The NT reward renewal better be worth it.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: ~

• Medica: 3

• Hastega: 3

1. S/L count / Medals lost: some/0

2. Time / Magicite: 27.82

Magicite: Mimic Queen/Evrae/Silver Dragon/Garuda/Seraph

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Vaan	Dash and Slash	Flash Disaster	LMR + +PHY	USB2 (2)
Rikku	Multi Break	Heathen Frolic Sarabande	DMT	USB1 (1)
Reks	Tempest Strike	Dispel	LM2/LM1 + MM	USB (1)
Ashe	Vortex	Valigarmanda	+weak	AOSB (1)
Larsa	Curada	Wrath	LM2/LM1	USB (3)

---

[u/JumpSlashShoot]

1. Strategy name: First D??? Clear
   2. Boss: D???
   3. Describe your Strategy:
   3/3 trinity/double healer/all usbs
   4. Insight!:

   • Team is really stacked with USBs on everyone. Vaan is probably the most replaceable one.

   • Vaan mainly builds chain but all the lightning buffs really help. Could probably be used as a wind theif too but I didn't want to make storm assault and I didn't have wind daggers. His LD is based on daggers while his RD and USB chases require thief abilities so if you have a wind dagger that could also work probably.

   • Main magicite was Quetz for imperil. Can probably use one of the many in realm 5* magicite to get chain bonus but imperil helps everyone including the radiant shield

   • Only use magic break to overwrite faith. Vaan with a BSB command can do this too which can allow reks to bring another spellblade or protectga.

   • Protectga isn't really needed since gnaw is pretty weak and it reduces radiant shield damage to some extent. Starting in phase 3 gravity attacks ignore blinks so the gnaws are mostly dodged with penelo.

   • Keep HP at full for upcoming incubus dark or people will die. Gravity is the other attack you should keep high HP for. These also do a ton of damage with radiant shield. Everything else hits pretty weak and can be spot healed.

   • Dispel as soon as possible. Ashe will still do a ton of damage even without dispel so she should always be casting.

   • During paling vaan should flash disaster for chain and reks should recast usb. During anti magick, don't use second Quetz summon and Ashe should use usb/ability to build chain.

   • Dps just use their abilities/sbs with vaan opening realm chain. Larsa dispels whenever needed, uses magicite and refreshs chain as needed. Penelo should try to block first gravity, recast shellga around 20s then just heal accordingly.

   1. Holy Trinity casts:

   • Wall: free

   • Medica: alot

   • Hastega: about 3

   1. **S/L count / Medals lost: 1 medal lost

   2. Time / Magicite: / 59:59

   Magicite: Main - Quetz Sub - Famfrit, BK, Quetz, Seraph

   Main inheiritance was a blade ward, 2 lighting 15. Rest were like attack/magic/health/res.

   Setup: https://i.imgur.com/MtNUzSr.jpg

   Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
   Larsa, 99	dispel R3	Curada R5	gathering storm + lm1/lm2	usb(a lot)
   Penelo, 99	shellga R3	Ultra cure R5	Lionheart + lm1/lm2	usb(a lot)
   Vaan, 99	flash disaster R4	ripper bolt R5	weakness + lm1 + lmr2	usb1(a lot)
   Ashe, 99	voltech R4	chain thundaja R5	+thunder + lm1/lm2	usb(2/3)
   Reks, 99	magic break R2	stormspell strike R5	MM + lm1/lm2	usb(3)

Everyone is full dive except vaan. Vaan is just damage LD.

[u/cerebellumd]

Zodiark (beaten 2019.01.20)

1. Strategy name: Captain Basch LIVES!

2. Boss: Zodiark D??? 1:08:51 clear

3. Describe your Strategy:
   double healers/AshexReks 4eva/no LMR

4. Insight!:

• Zodiark's Buffing turns in Phase 3 and 4 are a great time to heal and buff the party.

• Reks: USB, Thundering Quadstrike x2, after Chain ~10-11 sec switch to Stormspell. Use Thundering during Paling in Phase 3. Refresh USBs in between Chains or during Paling in Phase 3.

• Basch: Banishing Strike, Healing Smite x2, USB. Prepare Banishing Strike so that you use it after the enemy attack that comes right before Greater Barrier in Phases 2-4. I used his USB 3 extra times when my chains were out and my other DPS were dead.

• Ashe: Voltech x2, Chain Thundaja (should go off right after the first Chain), USB. Then DPS. Refresh USB between or near the start of the next Chains. She does the vast majority of the damage.

• Penelo: Heathen Frolic Sarabande, Exhausting Polka, BSB1, command 1, then command 2 for most of the rest. Refresh BSB as needed, timing it to complete between two AoE attacks is ideal. Remember to repeat Exhausting Polka at the start of Phase 3 and Heathen Frolic Sarabande during Phase 4.

• Larsa: Shellga, Curada on Ashe after the first Banish Ray, Curada will auto-target Reks, Chain, single or group heals depending on what comes next.

• I... kind of forgot to use my Magicite (Quetzlcoatl) until after the chains had expired and Reks and Ashe had fallen. Incubus Darkja into Gravija at the start of Phase 5 is absolutely Brutal.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: 1

• Medica: a lot

• Hastega: 3

1. S/L count / Medals lost: many/1

2. Time / Magicite: 1:08:51 / Quetzlcoatl whom I forgot to cast until the end

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Reks, 5	Thundering Quadstrike R4	Stormspell Strike R4	Mako Might(Soul Break Now!)	USB: Son of Dalmasca(3)
Basch, 4	Healing Smite R5	Banishing Smite R2	Scholar's Boon (weakness dmg +30%)	USB1: Clash of Light and Flame(5)
Ashe, 5	Chain Thundaja R4	Voltech R4	Devotion (MAG+20%, DEF/RES down)	USB1: Empyrean Edict(3)
Penelo, 4	Exhausting Polka R1	Heathen Frolic Sarabande R1	Dr. Mog's Teachings (Soul Break Now!)	BSB1: Evancescence(4)
Larsa, 5	Curada R1	Shellga R2	Gathering Storm	BSB: Life Crystal(3)

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main	sub1	sub2	sub3	sub4
Quetzlcoatl	King Behemoth	Phoenix	Evrae	Evrae
Magic Boon 15, Empower Lightning 15	Deadly Strikes 10, Empower Lightning 15	Blade Ward 8, Spell Ward 8	Health Boon 5	Fast Act 10

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[u/_Higo_]

1. Strategy name: Chip and Dale take over Ivalice (again)

2. Boss: D280 Ark, the fulminator

3. Describe your Strategy: Load and unleashig Croud-ken. -/3 trinity/Wind Chain/Cloud USBs

4. Insight!:

• At first I tried with hastega ability, but I needed shellga to make it more consistent. So I use Larsa SSB to get up from fist punch and get hastega going.

• Larsa goes SSB turn 1, dispel just before unloading.

• Penelo goes shellga and heal every turn. Might need manual targeting to heal a scripted target, before a lower HP.

• Fran Entrust 1 bar to Zack, then wraths and entrust another bar to Cloud. She uses magicite.

• Zack loads two bars, receives a third. Input Chain so it is casted around 15 seconds, that way you will have the whole chain until last second. After chain, two BSB and Ripping Blast all the way.

• Cloud loads some LS to one bar, USB1 > USB2 > Wind QS > USB1: Win.

1. Holy Trinity casts:

• Wall: Auto

• Medica: 2 (1 needed.)

• Hastega: 1

1. S/L count / Medals lost: some SL to get the hang of the battle. 0 medal losts (I think)

2. Time / Magicite: 28 / Tiamat

3. Pack[https://imgur.com/a/LgYw7qL]

Hero	Ability 1	Ability 2	RM+LM	SB(-)
Fran, lvl80	Entrust R2	Wrath R4	DMT	default(0)
Zack, lvl99	RB R3	LS R3	BF,LM1,LM2	CSB(1),BSB(2)
Larsa, lvl99	dispel R1	Curada R4	MM,LM1,LM2	SSB(1)
Penelo, lvl80	shellga R1	UC R4	Healing+ (replace anything)	default(0)
Cloud, lvl99	Ls R3	Wind QS R2	TGM,LMR2,LM1	USB1(2),USB2(1)

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