Creator Guide
Posted: November 10th, 2007, 6:06 am
I thought it would be nice if I posted a copy of my Creator guide which I posted on LRO forums. Naturally I will update it as I update it on the LRO forums ;D
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE CREATOR CLASS
INTRODUCTION
Hello and welcome to my Creator Guide. Just before we begin, I would like to say a few things. I have tried to make this guide as informative as possible, to the extent of putting information that can easily be obtained from RO Databases. But my line of thinking was, you will not need to continually refer to a database while reading this. I have had a decent amount of experience in playing a Creator, although it may not be as much as many of the players here. Therefore, if you see any mistakes, or something that I have said of which you have a better alternative, please feel free to tell me and I will include it, citing my source.
That's it for the introduction, let's get on with the guide!
UPDATES
This is just a section of keeping track of all the edits I do.
31 October, 2007 : Posted guide.
2 November, 2007 : Edited the wording and added a little more about Alchemist leveling, since it semeed to be giving a wrong message, instead of the one I originally intended to give. (Thanks to Sachi for pointing this out.)
10 November, 2007 : Added general information about each homunculus and a little advice on which homunculus to choose. (Thanks to [GM] Ryu for the advice.)
THE PROS AND CONS OF A CREATOR
This is probably the first question anyone asks oneself when deciding to start a class - what are the pros and cons of my class? Below is a list of all the Pros and Cons of playing a Creator.
PROS
1. You would probably have one of the highest damage potentials in all classes.
2. You can be one of the highest damage dealers during MvPing (however its harder now, since MvPs have been given 30 VIT by an official nerf).
3. You have a homunculus which adds a new dimension to the game.
4. Your cart acts like an extended inventory.
5. You can break armors and weapons.
6. You can protect your equipment from breaking or getting divested.
CONS
1. It takes time to play a Creator to its fullest extent since you will need to use time to collect many ingredients for various potions.
2. Acid Demonstration is highly dependant on your opponent's VIT.
3. A Creator is probably one of the hardest classes to lvl during the Alchemist and Merchant stages.
4. A Melee Creator will probably be weaker than the Whitesmith counterpart.
5. Most skills need some item or another to be used, therefore you cannot attack effectively without using up some item.
NOTE: There has always been confusion between the names of skills in both iRO and kRO. In this guide, I have tried to use whatever names appear on this server, which I believe is mostly kRO names with a few skills having iRO names.
THE MERCHANT
"Born in a wealthy merchant family, he/she was taught that everything in life is about money. Thinking that an easy fortune is awaiting, he/she decides to join the other adventurers gathered by King Tristan 3rd.
He/she has many different skills to utilize in selling items, as well as the ability to carry more items in the cart. There is also the skill Mammonite, which uses precious money and does damage that well meets the value of the money being used."
THE SKILLS
Enlarge Weight Limit
Required For: Discount (L3), Pushcart (L5).
Effect: Increases maximum carrying capacity by 200*SkillLV.
Max Level: 10
Comments: A nice to skill to get, even max. Unfortunately you probably wont have the skill points to max it. My advice is to definitely get it to 5 so you can learn Pushcart and you can add more based on how many skill points you have.
1 : +200 weight.
2 : +400 weight.
3 : +600 weight.
4 : +800 weight.
5 : +1000 weight.
6 : +1200 weight.
7 : +1400 weight.
8 : +1600 weight.
9 : +1800 weight.
10 : +2000 weight.
Discount
Requirements: Enlarge Weight Limit Level 3
Required For: Overcharge (L3)
Effect: Allows buying items at reduced prices from NPC shops. Deals, vending shops, and chat-selling NPCs (e.g. Upgrade stone NPC) are not affected. The final price is always rounded down and has a minimum value of 1z.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Really nice skill to have. Usually most people either choose discount or overcharge at the Merchant stage. At Merchant High stage you will probably have enough skill points to max both.
1 : -7% total.
2 : -9% total.
3 : -11% total.
4 : -13% total.
5 : -15% total.
6 : -17% total.
7 : -19% total.
8 : -21% total.
9 : -23% total.
10 : -24% total.
Overcharge
Requirements: Discount Level 3
Effect: Allows selling items at increased prices to NPC shops. Deals are not affected. The final price is always rounded down and has a minimum value of 0z.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Awesome "money making" skill. Get this as soon as you can to increase the money you get from loots.
1 : +7% total.
2 : +9% total.
3 : +11% total.
4 : +13% total.
5 : +15% total.
6 : +17% total.
7 : +19% total.
8 : +21% total.
9 : +23% total.
10 : +24% total.
Pushcart
Requirements: Enlarge Weight Limit Level 5
Required For: Vending (L3), Cart Boost (L5 Whitesmith).
Effect: Allows the character to equip and use a pushcart. Movement speed with a Pushcart equipped is 50%+5%*SkillLV (yes, you move much slower at the beginning). The pushcart can hold 8000 Weight and a maximum of 100 distinct items(some items stack, so count as only 1 distinct item). Pushcarts must be bought from a Kafra Employee and there is at least one present in every town and some may be found in other locations. Cost varies depending on which Kafra Employee you go to. If the pushcart is removed, it disappears and a new one must be bought. Any items in the pushcart at the time it is removed are not lost, but cannot be retrieved until you buy a new cart. To access the cart directly use Alt+W
Max Level: 10
Comments: Max it. There is no reason not to.
1 : 55% walking speed.
2 : 60% walking speed.
3 : 65% walking speed.
4 : 70% walking speed.
5 : 75% walking speed.
6 : 80% walking speed.
7 : 85% walking speed.
8 : 90% walking speed.
9 : 95% walking speed.
10 : 100% walking speed.
Item Appraisal
SP Cost: 9
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Effect: Identifies an unidentified item. Unidentified item must be in inventory (not cart). A Magnifier duplicates the effect of this skill.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Get it if you have an extra point to throw, otherwise magnifiers are cheap and easily available anyway.
Vending
Requirements: Pushcart Level 3
SP Cost: 30
Target: Self
Duration: Until shop closes
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Allows the character to set up a shop at his current location. The items you want to sell must be in the characters pushcart, and the character must have his pushcart equipped. Be very careful to set the correct price! The limit on distinct items that can be sold at one time is 2 + SkillLV. Players cannot sell items to a vending shop, and the Discount skill does not apply. It will close automatically if all items are sold or if the character is killed.
Max Level: 10
Comments: If you would like your Creator to do a bit of vending now and again, get a few levels of this. Maxing this isn't really required, although you can get it if you have the points, it will only help you.
1 : Vend up to 3 items.
2 : Vend up to 4 items.
3 : Vend up to 5 items.
4 : Vend up to 6 items.
5 : Vend up to 7 items.
6 : Vend up to 8 items.
7 : Vend up to 9 items.
8 : Vend up to 10 items.
9 : Vend up to 11 items.
10 : Vend up to 12 items.
Mammonite
SP Cost: 5
Target: 1 Enemy
Range: 1 cell
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: ASPD
Zeny Cost: 100 zeny * Level
Effect: Uses 100z*SkillLV to increase ATK to 100%+50%*SkillLV for the next attack.
Max Level: 10
Comments: An all-or-nothing skill. Max it if you have STR in your build, even medium amounts, otherwise dont bother with it.
1 : 150% attack, 100z.
2 : 200% attack, 200z.
3 : 250% attack, 300z.
4 : 300% attack, 400z.
5 : 350% attack, 500z.
6 : 400% attack, 600z.
7 : 450% attack, 700z.
8 : 500% attack, 800z.
9 : 550% attack, 900z.
10 : 600% attack, 1000z.
PLATINUM SKILLS
Cart Revolution
SP Cost: 12
Target: 1 Enemy
Range: 1 cell
Attack Type: [Splash Damage, 1 cells]
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: ASPD
Knockback: 2 cells (Except during Guild War Siege)
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Does ATK*150% neutral-property damage to 3x3 area around your target. Enemies hit by the attack are pushed back 2 cells. The appearance is just like Magnum Break, except you also see your cart go flying over your head and hitting the ground in front of you. Putting items in your cart increases the damage by up to 100% more (1% per 80 weight as it has 8000 weight max). So the total you could do is 250% damage.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
Change Cart
SP Cost: 40
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Lets you change the appearance of your cart. A "for fun" skill, but because the appearances you can pick is restricted by the characters base level, you can tell a high level merchant or blacksmith just by looking at their cart.
Level 1-40: Normal cart only.
Level 41-65: A Wooden cart.
Level 66-80: Covered cart with flowers and ferns on it.
Level 81-90: Wooden cart with a Panda doll on the back.
Level 91-99: The normal cart, but with bigger wheels, a roof and a banner on the back.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
Crazy Uproar
SP Cost: 8
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Duration: 300 sec
Effect: Adds +4 STR.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
LEVELING
A Merchant is one of the hardest of the First jobs to level. They don't have the health of a Swordsman or the flee of a Thief. Therefore, they tend to rely on pots a lot more than other melee classes during these stages.
A nice place to start your leveling would be Culverts. Immediately when you become Merchant, move to Culvert level 1 and start by killing the few monsters found here while making your way to level 2. Remember to get stocked up on pots. The Novice pots you get as a Novice is enough at this stage. In case you want more, make a new novice and put the pots in storage .
In Culverts level 2, I usually tend to ignore the Plankton and Spores found here since their HP/EXP ratio isn't really worth it. Target the Tarous when you have reached a high enough level. Target all Thief Bugs found here but be careful, since they assist, do not provoke a big mob since your Merchant will not be able to handle it.
Make your way through the dungeon and rake up as many levels as you can. When you feel the Experience is getting slow, it is time to move on.
There are usually two places I go to after Culverts. One is Orc Dungeon and the other is Metallings (North of Lightalzen). Orcs are harder but give lower experience, however there are many Orcs found there. Metallings are found far away from each other in the map, yet there is a decent number of them. If you are going to Metallings, be sure to carry Red Potions, in addition to Novice Potions as well as Fly Wings, to find the Metallings faster.
I went to Job level 40 in Metallings/Orcs. Most people can do the same thing. However, if you are planning to go further than Job 40, I would say that a leech is the way to go, a Mage or Archer at Geographers. I know many people who have become bored to death by this stage and quit their Merchants because of this. However, if you still feel like leveling on your own, you could try Porcellios too. Another option for you is Leaf Cats, they give AWESOME Job exp, however you will wind up a Weaker Alchemist since their Base Experience is quite bad.
The leveling stays the same for a Merchant High, except for 1 thing.
I recommend stopping at Job level 40 as a Merchant. As a Merchant High, I encourage you to go all the way to 50.
THE ALCHEMIST
"Active in fields from ancient biotechnology to combining and creating mixtures, he/she joins the adventurers recruited by King Tristan III to perfect his/her biotechnology, and in the end, to successfully summon a Homunculus."
The potions he/she makes have much better effects than those sold in stores.
The advanced biotechnology also allows summonning of monsters that will help you.
He/She continuously gathers materials and researches up to this day, amongst the many adventurers, in order to create biotechnology's greatest advantages, homunculus."
THE SKILLS
Axe Mastery
Effect: Raises Attack Power that ignores Def by +3 per SkillLV when using Axe type weapons. This damage ignores modification from Armor and VIT defense, but not from Elemental and Card modifiers and applies to all hits for multi hit attacks.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Not so good a skill. Axes are not a good idea unless you have a constant Blacksmith partner during leveling. However, if you do choose an Axe as your weapon, this is decent skill to shoot for. Don't get it first though, there are better skill at first.
1 : +3 attack.
2 : +6 attack.
3 : +9 attack.
4 : +12 attack.
5 : +15 attack.
6 : +18 attack.
7 : +21 attack.
8 : +24 attack.
9 : +27 attack.
10 : +30 attack.
Learning Potion
Required For: Pharmacy (L5)
Effect: Increases effectiveness of healing items by 5% per SkillLV and potion creation chance by 1% per SkillLV.
Max level: 10
Comments: A really nice skill to have. Get it to level 5 immediately and try to max it after getting other important skills. A Brewer definitely needs to max this skill.
1 : 5% more potent, 1% increase in success rates.
2 : 10% more potent, 2% increase in success rates.
3 : 15% more potent, 3% increase in success rates.
4 : 20% more potent, 4% increase in success rates.
5 : 25% more potent, 5% increase in success rates.
6 : 30% more potent, 6% increase in success rates.
7 : 35% more potent, 7% increase in success rates.
8 : 40% more potent, 8% increase in success rates.
9 : 45% more potent, 9% increase in success rates.
10 : 50% more potent, 10% increase in success rates.
Pharmacy
Requirements: Learning Potion Level 5
Required For: Sphere Mine (L2), Potion Pitcher (L3), Demonstration (L4), Acid Terror (L5), Bio Cannibalize (L6), Chemical Protection Helm (L2), Twilight Pharmacy I (L10 - Soul Linked), Twilight Pharmacy II (L10 - Soul Linked), Twilight Pharmacy III (L10 - Soul Linked).
SP Cost: 5
Target: Self
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 40 + SkillLV sec
Item Required: 1 Medicine Bowl
Effect: Allows the creation of potions. Requires a Product Manual and uses up a Medicine Bowl and different ingredients for each potion to be made. Increases the chance of a successful creation by +3% per SkillLV.
Max Level: 10
Comments: You need this skill at various levels for certain other skills. Therefore, if you are not a Brewer, get it to level 5 or 6 depending whether you want Bio Cannibalize or not. Any Brewer must max this skill.
1 : 3% increase in success rates.
2 : 6% increase in success rates.
3 : 9% increase in success rates.
4 : 12% increase in success rates.
5 : 15% increase in success rates.
6 : 18% increase in success rates.
7 : 21% increase in success rates.
8 : 24% increase in success rates.
9 : 27% increase in success rates.
10 : 30% increase in success rates.
Demonstration
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 4
Required For: Acid Demonstration (L5 Creator).
SP Cost: 10
Target: 1 cell
Range: 9 cells
Attack Type: Fire Property
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 40 + SkillLV sec
Item Required: 1 Bottle Grenade
Effect: Throws a Bottle Grenade, setting a 3x3 area ablaze. Has a SkillLV% chance to damage the targets Weapon. Can not be cast directly under an enemy or directly next to yourself. Damage is 100%+20%*SkillLV ATK which is not increased via +% cards, +ATK cards however, do help. Status inflicting cards have no effect. It can't be placed next to other Bombs or stacked on top of another Bomb.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Very useful as a precast in WoE to break your opponent's weapon. You need level 5 for Acid demonstration anyway, so max it. Under usual circumstances, the item required for this skill is too painful to make for frequent usage of this skill. In any case its not very useful outside PvP and WoE.
1 : 120% damage, 1% chance of breaking a weapon, 40 second duration.
2 : 140% damage, 2% chance of breaking a weapon, 45 second duration.
3 : 160% damage, 3% chance of breaking a weapon, 50 second duration.
4 : 180% damage, 4% chance of breaking a weapon, 55 second duration.
5 : 200% damage, 5% chance of breaking a weapon, 60 second duration.
Acid Terror
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 5
Required For: Acid Demonstration (L5 Creator).
SP Cost: 10
Target: Enemy
Range: 9 cells
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Item Required: 1 Acid Bottle
Effect: Throw an Acid Bottle at your opponent with a small chance to break their armor, and inflict the external bleeding status. This skill ignores armor defense, and hits regardless of Flee. VIT defense is calculated in, however. While the damage can be blocked by Pneuma, the chance to break armor remains. Kyrie, however, blocks both the damage and the chance of breaking armor, as well as a Crusader with Auto Guard. Just like Bomb, the damage is increased via +ATK cards, and status and +% cards have no effect. It's also unaffected by elements. The Acid Bottle is consumed at the beginning of the cast, as opposed to the end like the other potion skills. This means that if you are interrupted whilst casting, the bottle is lost with nothing to show for it. Damage is 100%+40%*SkillLV ATK.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Quite a useful skill in both PvP and WoE situations. Not very useful against monsters and MvPs. The item needed for this skill isn't that hard to make either. I suggest maxing it, you need it at level 5 for Acid Demonstration anyway.
1 : 140% damage, 3% chance of breaking armor, 3% chance of bleeding.
2 : 180% damage, 7% chance of breaking armor, 6% chance of bleeding.
3 : 220% damage, 10% chance of breaking armor, 9% chance of bleeding.
4 : 260% damage, 12% chance of breaking armor, 12% chance of bleeding.
5 : 300% damage, 13% chance of breaking armor, 15% chance of bleeding.
Potion Pitcher
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 3
Required For: Slim Potion Pitcher (L5 Creator)
SP Cost: 1
Target: Player/Homunculus
Range: 9 cells
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Effect: Allows you to throw a potion at yourself, another party or guild member with increased healing efficiency. Higher skill levels allow the use of more potent potions and the selected level determines the potion type that is used. Learned SkillLV also increases the impact potency by 10% per SkillLV which stacks with existing bonuses like Learning Potion, VIT and INT, Increase HP Recovery and Increase SP Recovery (yes, with maxed Increase HP Recovery the healed amount is doubled). It uses up one Potion of the thrown type. It will not damage Undead when you use a healing potion on them.
Max Level: 5
Comments: An awesome skill to have. I recommmend maxing this skill as soon as possible.
1 : +10% Heal, Red Potion.
2 : +20% Heal, Orange Potion.
3 : +30% Heal, Yellow Potion.
4 : +40% Heal, White Potion.
5 : +50% Heal, Blue Potion.
Bio Cannibalize
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 6
SP Cost: 20
Target: Cell
Range: 4 cells
Cast Time: 2 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 35 + 5*SkillLV sec (only 60 sec at LV 5 confirmed)
Item Required: 1 Plant Bottle
Effect: Summon various plants to attack monsters or players. The level you have determines the HP of the plant, while the level you use determines the type of plant summoned, the duration, and the amount of Plant Bottles consumed. The HP formula is 2230+200*Possessed SkillLV per plant, all other stats remain the same. If you have less than the total amount of bottles required for the Skill Level you used, it will take the rest of the bottles, and summon that many plants. When used in WoE, the defense value of the castle the plants are in raises the defense of the plants themselves. Their attacks are considered extensions of your own when it comes to a single thing: auto-cast spells granted by weapons or cards. Status effects and damage increasing cards do not carry over to the plants. You can only summon more plants once your first plants have died, or gone through their duration time. So long as you remain on screen with them, you will get the experience for their kills. The attacks of your plants are of neutral element with the occasional elemental attack corresponding to the plants element.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Quite a useful skill. Since Alchemists are not strong on their own and rely on their Homunculus/Summons for damage, this skill is needed. Making the item for this skill is also easy. You may not want to max this skill, but just get as high as the summon you want.
1 : 5 Mandragoras, 5 Plant Bottle.
2 : 4 Hydras, 4 Plant Bottle.
3 : 3 Floras, 3 Plant Bottle.
4 : 2 Parasites, 2 Plant Bottle.
5 : 1 Geographer, 1 Plant Bottle.
Sphere Mine
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 2
SP Cost: 10
Target: Cell
Range: 1 cells
Cast Time: 5 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 30 + 10*SkillLV
Item Required: 1 Marine Sphere Bottle
Effect: Summons a Marine Sphere with twice the normal HP. After being hit, it starts a 5 second countdown and moves away from the attacker. When the countdown reaches 0 it explodes and inflicts damage to anyone (party members, enemies and guild members) equal to its remaining HP. You can not summon more than 3 in a 9x9 area. The Spheres Maximum HP is based on your skill level (2000+400*SkillLV HP). When used in WoE, the defense value of the castle the Sphere is in will raise the defense of the Sphere itself.
Max level: 5
Comments: An interesting, useful skill to have. Only in certain situations does this skill become useable. Making the item for this skill isn't easy. Its an all-or-nothing skill. Either max it, or skip it.
1 : 2,400 hp, lasts 40 seconds.
2 : 2,800 hp, lasts 50 seconds.
3 : 3,200 hp, lasts 60 seconds.
4 : 3,600 hp, lasts 70 seconds.
5 : 4,000 hp, lasts 80 seconds.
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE CREATOR CLASS
INTRODUCTION
Hello and welcome to my Creator Guide. Just before we begin, I would like to say a few things. I have tried to make this guide as informative as possible, to the extent of putting information that can easily be obtained from RO Databases. But my line of thinking was, you will not need to continually refer to a database while reading this. I have had a decent amount of experience in playing a Creator, although it may not be as much as many of the players here. Therefore, if you see any mistakes, or something that I have said of which you have a better alternative, please feel free to tell me and I will include it, citing my source.
That's it for the introduction, let's get on with the guide!
UPDATES
This is just a section of keeping track of all the edits I do.
31 October, 2007 : Posted guide.
2 November, 2007 : Edited the wording and added a little more about Alchemist leveling, since it semeed to be giving a wrong message, instead of the one I originally intended to give. (Thanks to Sachi for pointing this out.)
10 November, 2007 : Added general information about each homunculus and a little advice on which homunculus to choose. (Thanks to [GM] Ryu for the advice.)
THE PROS AND CONS OF A CREATOR
This is probably the first question anyone asks oneself when deciding to start a class - what are the pros and cons of my class? Below is a list of all the Pros and Cons of playing a Creator.
PROS
1. You would probably have one of the highest damage potentials in all classes.
2. You can be one of the highest damage dealers during MvPing (however its harder now, since MvPs have been given 30 VIT by an official nerf).
3. You have a homunculus which adds a new dimension to the game.
4. Your cart acts like an extended inventory.
5. You can break armors and weapons.
6. You can protect your equipment from breaking or getting divested.
CONS
1. It takes time to play a Creator to its fullest extent since you will need to use time to collect many ingredients for various potions.
2. Acid Demonstration is highly dependant on your opponent's VIT.
3. A Creator is probably one of the hardest classes to lvl during the Alchemist and Merchant stages.
4. A Melee Creator will probably be weaker than the Whitesmith counterpart.
5. Most skills need some item or another to be used, therefore you cannot attack effectively without using up some item.
NOTE: There has always been confusion between the names of skills in both iRO and kRO. In this guide, I have tried to use whatever names appear on this server, which I believe is mostly kRO names with a few skills having iRO names.
THE MERCHANT
"Born in a wealthy merchant family, he/she was taught that everything in life is about money. Thinking that an easy fortune is awaiting, he/she decides to join the other adventurers gathered by King Tristan 3rd.
He/she has many different skills to utilize in selling items, as well as the ability to carry more items in the cart. There is also the skill Mammonite, which uses precious money and does damage that well meets the value of the money being used."
THE SKILLS
Enlarge Weight Limit
Required For: Discount (L3), Pushcart (L5).
Effect: Increases maximum carrying capacity by 200*SkillLV.
Max Level: 10
Comments: A nice to skill to get, even max. Unfortunately you probably wont have the skill points to max it. My advice is to definitely get it to 5 so you can learn Pushcart and you can add more based on how many skill points you have.
1 : +200 weight.
2 : +400 weight.
3 : +600 weight.
4 : +800 weight.
5 : +1000 weight.
6 : +1200 weight.
7 : +1400 weight.
8 : +1600 weight.
9 : +1800 weight.
10 : +2000 weight.
Discount
Requirements: Enlarge Weight Limit Level 3
Required For: Overcharge (L3)
Effect: Allows buying items at reduced prices from NPC shops. Deals, vending shops, and chat-selling NPCs (e.g. Upgrade stone NPC) are not affected. The final price is always rounded down and has a minimum value of 1z.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Really nice skill to have. Usually most people either choose discount or overcharge at the Merchant stage. At Merchant High stage you will probably have enough skill points to max both.
1 : -7% total.
2 : -9% total.
3 : -11% total.
4 : -13% total.
5 : -15% total.
6 : -17% total.
7 : -19% total.
8 : -21% total.
9 : -23% total.
10 : -24% total.
Overcharge
Requirements: Discount Level 3
Effect: Allows selling items at increased prices to NPC shops. Deals are not affected. The final price is always rounded down and has a minimum value of 0z.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Awesome "money making" skill. Get this as soon as you can to increase the money you get from loots.
1 : +7% total.
2 : +9% total.
3 : +11% total.
4 : +13% total.
5 : +15% total.
6 : +17% total.
7 : +19% total.
8 : +21% total.
9 : +23% total.
10 : +24% total.
Pushcart
Requirements: Enlarge Weight Limit Level 5
Required For: Vending (L3), Cart Boost (L5 Whitesmith).
Effect: Allows the character to equip and use a pushcart. Movement speed with a Pushcart equipped is 50%+5%*SkillLV (yes, you move much slower at the beginning). The pushcart can hold 8000 Weight and a maximum of 100 distinct items(some items stack, so count as only 1 distinct item). Pushcarts must be bought from a Kafra Employee and there is at least one present in every town and some may be found in other locations. Cost varies depending on which Kafra Employee you go to. If the pushcart is removed, it disappears and a new one must be bought. Any items in the pushcart at the time it is removed are not lost, but cannot be retrieved until you buy a new cart. To access the cart directly use Alt+W
Max Level: 10
Comments: Max it. There is no reason not to.
1 : 55% walking speed.
2 : 60% walking speed.
3 : 65% walking speed.
4 : 70% walking speed.
5 : 75% walking speed.
6 : 80% walking speed.
7 : 85% walking speed.
8 : 90% walking speed.
9 : 95% walking speed.
10 : 100% walking speed.
Item Appraisal
SP Cost: 9
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Effect: Identifies an unidentified item. Unidentified item must be in inventory (not cart). A Magnifier duplicates the effect of this skill.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Get it if you have an extra point to throw, otherwise magnifiers are cheap and easily available anyway.
Vending
Requirements: Pushcart Level 3
SP Cost: 30
Target: Self
Duration: Until shop closes
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Allows the character to set up a shop at his current location. The items you want to sell must be in the characters pushcart, and the character must have his pushcart equipped. Be very careful to set the correct price! The limit on distinct items that can be sold at one time is 2 + SkillLV. Players cannot sell items to a vending shop, and the Discount skill does not apply. It will close automatically if all items are sold or if the character is killed.
Max Level: 10
Comments: If you would like your Creator to do a bit of vending now and again, get a few levels of this. Maxing this isn't really required, although you can get it if you have the points, it will only help you.
1 : Vend up to 3 items.
2 : Vend up to 4 items.
3 : Vend up to 5 items.
4 : Vend up to 6 items.
5 : Vend up to 7 items.
6 : Vend up to 8 items.
7 : Vend up to 9 items.
8 : Vend up to 10 items.
9 : Vend up to 11 items.
10 : Vend up to 12 items.
Mammonite
SP Cost: 5
Target: 1 Enemy
Range: 1 cell
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: ASPD
Zeny Cost: 100 zeny * Level
Effect: Uses 100z*SkillLV to increase ATK to 100%+50%*SkillLV for the next attack.
Max Level: 10
Comments: An all-or-nothing skill. Max it if you have STR in your build, even medium amounts, otherwise dont bother with it.
1 : 150% attack, 100z.
2 : 200% attack, 200z.
3 : 250% attack, 300z.
4 : 300% attack, 400z.
5 : 350% attack, 500z.
6 : 400% attack, 600z.
7 : 450% attack, 700z.
8 : 500% attack, 800z.
9 : 550% attack, 900z.
10 : 600% attack, 1000z.
PLATINUM SKILLS
Cart Revolution
SP Cost: 12
Target: 1 Enemy
Range: 1 cell
Attack Type: [Splash Damage, 1 cells]
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: ASPD
Knockback: 2 cells (Except during Guild War Siege)
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Does ATK*150% neutral-property damage to 3x3 area around your target. Enemies hit by the attack are pushed back 2 cells. The appearance is just like Magnum Break, except you also see your cart go flying over your head and hitting the ground in front of you. Putting items in your cart increases the damage by up to 100% more (1% per 80 weight as it has 8000 weight max). So the total you could do is 250% damage.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
Change Cart
SP Cost: 40
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Required State: Requires a Pushcart
Effect: Lets you change the appearance of your cart. A "for fun" skill, but because the appearances you can pick is restricted by the characters base level, you can tell a high level merchant or blacksmith just by looking at their cart.
Level 1-40: Normal cart only.
Level 41-65: A Wooden cart.
Level 66-80: Covered cart with flowers and ferns on it.
Level 81-90: Wooden cart with a Panda doll on the back.
Level 91-99: The normal cart, but with bigger wheels, a roof and a banner on the back.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
Crazy Uproar
SP Cost: 8
Target: Self
Cast Time: Instant
Duration: 300 sec
Effect: Adds +4 STR.
Max Level: 1
Comments: Just talk to the Platinum skill NPC and get this.
LEVELING
A Merchant is one of the hardest of the First jobs to level. They don't have the health of a Swordsman or the flee of a Thief. Therefore, they tend to rely on pots a lot more than other melee classes during these stages.
A nice place to start your leveling would be Culverts. Immediately when you become Merchant, move to Culvert level 1 and start by killing the few monsters found here while making your way to level 2. Remember to get stocked up on pots. The Novice pots you get as a Novice is enough at this stage. In case you want more, make a new novice and put the pots in storage .
In Culverts level 2, I usually tend to ignore the Plankton and Spores found here since their HP/EXP ratio isn't really worth it. Target the Tarous when you have reached a high enough level. Target all Thief Bugs found here but be careful, since they assist, do not provoke a big mob since your Merchant will not be able to handle it.
Make your way through the dungeon and rake up as many levels as you can. When you feel the Experience is getting slow, it is time to move on.
There are usually two places I go to after Culverts. One is Orc Dungeon and the other is Metallings (North of Lightalzen). Orcs are harder but give lower experience, however there are many Orcs found there. Metallings are found far away from each other in the map, yet there is a decent number of them. If you are going to Metallings, be sure to carry Red Potions, in addition to Novice Potions as well as Fly Wings, to find the Metallings faster.
I went to Job level 40 in Metallings/Orcs. Most people can do the same thing. However, if you are planning to go further than Job 40, I would say that a leech is the way to go, a Mage or Archer at Geographers. I know many people who have become bored to death by this stage and quit their Merchants because of this. However, if you still feel like leveling on your own, you could try Porcellios too. Another option for you is Leaf Cats, they give AWESOME Job exp, however you will wind up a Weaker Alchemist since their Base Experience is quite bad.
The leveling stays the same for a Merchant High, except for 1 thing.
I recommend stopping at Job level 40 as a Merchant. As a Merchant High, I encourage you to go all the way to 50.
THE ALCHEMIST
"Active in fields from ancient biotechnology to combining and creating mixtures, he/she joins the adventurers recruited by King Tristan III to perfect his/her biotechnology, and in the end, to successfully summon a Homunculus."
The potions he/she makes have much better effects than those sold in stores.
The advanced biotechnology also allows summonning of monsters that will help you.
He/She continuously gathers materials and researches up to this day, amongst the many adventurers, in order to create biotechnology's greatest advantages, homunculus."
THE SKILLS
Axe Mastery
Effect: Raises Attack Power that ignores Def by +3 per SkillLV when using Axe type weapons. This damage ignores modification from Armor and VIT defense, but not from Elemental and Card modifiers and applies to all hits for multi hit attacks.
Max Level: 10
Comments: Not so good a skill. Axes are not a good idea unless you have a constant Blacksmith partner during leveling. However, if you do choose an Axe as your weapon, this is decent skill to shoot for. Don't get it first though, there are better skill at first.
1 : +3 attack.
2 : +6 attack.
3 : +9 attack.
4 : +12 attack.
5 : +15 attack.
6 : +18 attack.
7 : +21 attack.
8 : +24 attack.
9 : +27 attack.
10 : +30 attack.
Learning Potion
Required For: Pharmacy (L5)
Effect: Increases effectiveness of healing items by 5% per SkillLV and potion creation chance by 1% per SkillLV.
Max level: 10
Comments: A really nice skill to have. Get it to level 5 immediately and try to max it after getting other important skills. A Brewer definitely needs to max this skill.
1 : 5% more potent, 1% increase in success rates.
2 : 10% more potent, 2% increase in success rates.
3 : 15% more potent, 3% increase in success rates.
4 : 20% more potent, 4% increase in success rates.
5 : 25% more potent, 5% increase in success rates.
6 : 30% more potent, 6% increase in success rates.
7 : 35% more potent, 7% increase in success rates.
8 : 40% more potent, 8% increase in success rates.
9 : 45% more potent, 9% increase in success rates.
10 : 50% more potent, 10% increase in success rates.
Pharmacy
Requirements: Learning Potion Level 5
Required For: Sphere Mine (L2), Potion Pitcher (L3), Demonstration (L4), Acid Terror (L5), Bio Cannibalize (L6), Chemical Protection Helm (L2), Twilight Pharmacy I (L10 - Soul Linked), Twilight Pharmacy II (L10 - Soul Linked), Twilight Pharmacy III (L10 - Soul Linked).
SP Cost: 5
Target: Self
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 40 + SkillLV sec
Item Required: 1 Medicine Bowl
Effect: Allows the creation of potions. Requires a Product Manual and uses up a Medicine Bowl and different ingredients for each potion to be made. Increases the chance of a successful creation by +3% per SkillLV.
Max Level: 10
Comments: You need this skill at various levels for certain other skills. Therefore, if you are not a Brewer, get it to level 5 or 6 depending whether you want Bio Cannibalize or not. Any Brewer must max this skill.
1 : 3% increase in success rates.
2 : 6% increase in success rates.
3 : 9% increase in success rates.
4 : 12% increase in success rates.
5 : 15% increase in success rates.
6 : 18% increase in success rates.
7 : 21% increase in success rates.
8 : 24% increase in success rates.
9 : 27% increase in success rates.
10 : 30% increase in success rates.
Demonstration
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 4
Required For: Acid Demonstration (L5 Creator).
SP Cost: 10
Target: 1 cell
Range: 9 cells
Attack Type: Fire Property
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 40 + SkillLV sec
Item Required: 1 Bottle Grenade
Effect: Throws a Bottle Grenade, setting a 3x3 area ablaze. Has a SkillLV% chance to damage the targets Weapon. Can not be cast directly under an enemy or directly next to yourself. Damage is 100%+20%*SkillLV ATK which is not increased via +% cards, +ATK cards however, do help. Status inflicting cards have no effect. It can't be placed next to other Bombs or stacked on top of another Bomb.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Very useful as a precast in WoE to break your opponent's weapon. You need level 5 for Acid demonstration anyway, so max it. Under usual circumstances, the item required for this skill is too painful to make for frequent usage of this skill. In any case its not very useful outside PvP and WoE.
1 : 120% damage, 1% chance of breaking a weapon, 40 second duration.
2 : 140% damage, 2% chance of breaking a weapon, 45 second duration.
3 : 160% damage, 3% chance of breaking a weapon, 50 second duration.
4 : 180% damage, 4% chance of breaking a weapon, 55 second duration.
5 : 200% damage, 5% chance of breaking a weapon, 60 second duration.
Acid Terror
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 5
Required For: Acid Demonstration (L5 Creator).
SP Cost: 10
Target: Enemy
Range: 9 cells
Cast Time: 1 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Item Required: 1 Acid Bottle
Effect: Throw an Acid Bottle at your opponent with a small chance to break their armor, and inflict the external bleeding status. This skill ignores armor defense, and hits regardless of Flee. VIT defense is calculated in, however. While the damage can be blocked by Pneuma, the chance to break armor remains. Kyrie, however, blocks both the damage and the chance of breaking armor, as well as a Crusader with Auto Guard. Just like Bomb, the damage is increased via +ATK cards, and status and +% cards have no effect. It's also unaffected by elements. The Acid Bottle is consumed at the beginning of the cast, as opposed to the end like the other potion skills. This means that if you are interrupted whilst casting, the bottle is lost with nothing to show for it. Damage is 100%+40%*SkillLV ATK.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Quite a useful skill in both PvP and WoE situations. Not very useful against monsters and MvPs. The item needed for this skill isn't that hard to make either. I suggest maxing it, you need it at level 5 for Acid Demonstration anyway.
1 : 140% damage, 3% chance of breaking armor, 3% chance of bleeding.
2 : 180% damage, 7% chance of breaking armor, 6% chance of bleeding.
3 : 220% damage, 10% chance of breaking armor, 9% chance of bleeding.
4 : 260% damage, 12% chance of breaking armor, 12% chance of bleeding.
5 : 300% damage, 13% chance of breaking armor, 15% chance of bleeding.
Potion Pitcher
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 3
Required For: Slim Potion Pitcher (L5 Creator)
SP Cost: 1
Target: Player/Homunculus
Range: 9 cells
Cast Time: Instant
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Effect: Allows you to throw a potion at yourself, another party or guild member with increased healing efficiency. Higher skill levels allow the use of more potent potions and the selected level determines the potion type that is used. Learned SkillLV also increases the impact potency by 10% per SkillLV which stacks with existing bonuses like Learning Potion, VIT and INT, Increase HP Recovery and Increase SP Recovery (yes, with maxed Increase HP Recovery the healed amount is doubled). It uses up one Potion of the thrown type. It will not damage Undead when you use a healing potion on them.
Max Level: 5
Comments: An awesome skill to have. I recommmend maxing this skill as soon as possible.
1 : +10% Heal, Red Potion.
2 : +20% Heal, Orange Potion.
3 : +30% Heal, Yellow Potion.
4 : +40% Heal, White Potion.
5 : +50% Heal, Blue Potion.
Bio Cannibalize
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 6
SP Cost: 20
Target: Cell
Range: 4 cells
Cast Time: 2 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 35 + 5*SkillLV sec (only 60 sec at LV 5 confirmed)
Item Required: 1 Plant Bottle
Effect: Summon various plants to attack monsters or players. The level you have determines the HP of the plant, while the level you use determines the type of plant summoned, the duration, and the amount of Plant Bottles consumed. The HP formula is 2230+200*Possessed SkillLV per plant, all other stats remain the same. If you have less than the total amount of bottles required for the Skill Level you used, it will take the rest of the bottles, and summon that many plants. When used in WoE, the defense value of the castle the plants are in raises the defense of the plants themselves. Their attacks are considered extensions of your own when it comes to a single thing: auto-cast spells granted by weapons or cards. Status effects and damage increasing cards do not carry over to the plants. You can only summon more plants once your first plants have died, or gone through their duration time. So long as you remain on screen with them, you will get the experience for their kills. The attacks of your plants are of neutral element with the occasional elemental attack corresponding to the plants element.
Max Level: 5
Comments: Quite a useful skill. Since Alchemists are not strong on their own and rely on their Homunculus/Summons for damage, this skill is needed. Making the item for this skill is also easy. You may not want to max this skill, but just get as high as the summon you want.
1 : 5 Mandragoras, 5 Plant Bottle.
2 : 4 Hydras, 4 Plant Bottle.
3 : 3 Floras, 3 Plant Bottle.
4 : 2 Parasites, 2 Plant Bottle.
5 : 1 Geographer, 1 Plant Bottle.
Sphere Mine
Requirements: Pharmacy Level 2
SP Cost: 10
Target: Cell
Range: 1 cells
Cast Time: 5 sec
After Cast Delay: 0.5 sec
Duration: 30 + 10*SkillLV
Item Required: 1 Marine Sphere Bottle
Effect: Summons a Marine Sphere with twice the normal HP. After being hit, it starts a 5 second countdown and moves away from the attacker. When the countdown reaches 0 it explodes and inflicts damage to anyone (party members, enemies and guild members) equal to its remaining HP. You can not summon more than 3 in a 9x9 area. The Spheres Maximum HP is based on your skill level (2000+400*SkillLV HP). When used in WoE, the defense value of the castle the Sphere is in will raise the defense of the Sphere itself.
Max level: 5
Comments: An interesting, useful skill to have. Only in certain situations does this skill become useable. Making the item for this skill isn't easy. Its an all-or-nothing skill. Either max it, or skip it.
1 : 2,400 hp, lasts 40 seconds.
2 : 2,800 hp, lasts 50 seconds.
3 : 3,200 hp, lasts 60 seconds.
4 : 3,600 hp, lasts 70 seconds.
5 : 4,000 hp, lasts 80 seconds.