Hobbies And Interests
What Does Tension Do?
Tension is a stat that can be built up using the Psyche Up command during a battle. The value of Tension is five, 20, 50 or 100 depending on how many times the command is used. The total amount of Tension adds to stats related to attack, damage and spell effectiveness. The stat boosts cause attacks and most skills to either damage or heal for a greater amount. The Tension value resets to zero at the end of each battle.
Can All Five Skills for Each Character Be Increased to 100?
It is possible to reach the skill cap for every skill for all four characters in "Dragon Quest VIII." Characters only get a total of 350 skill points by reaching level 99, which is not enough to maximize each skill. An item called the Seed of Skill grants an extra five skill points to the character that uses it. It is possible, but fairly slow and tedious, to get enough Seeds of Skill to give each character the remaining 150 skill points to maximize every skill. Seeds of Skill can be stolen from Dragovonians using Yangus' Steal Sickle or Stainless Steal Sickle.
Does the Fisticuffs Evasion Boost Work if a Weapon Is Equipped?
No weapon skill boosts remain in effect unless the weapon skill is equipped. In the case of Fisticuffs, this requires the character not have a weapon equipped to work. If a weapon is equipped, all Fisticuffs bonuses, including the evasion boost, no longer are in effect. Weapons can be equipped or unequipped in combat using the menu. If you unequip your weapon in combat, the Fisticuffs evasion bonus goes into effect.
What Negative Status Effects Remain in Effect After a Battle?
Most status effects in "Dragon Quest VIII" are removed at the end of each battle. A character that dies in combat still is dead at the end of combat. A resurrection item, resurrection spell or visiting a church is required to return the character to life. Poisoned and envenomated also remain in effect after combat. In addition, both status effects cause damage to the character for every step taken outside of combat. These effects are removed with any items or spells that remove poisons or all status effects. Buying a church purification also removes the effects.
Do You Need a Staff Equipped to Use Staff Spells?
Jessica and Angelo both have the Staff skill, which grants them a number of different spells. Leveling the Staff skill is the only way for both characters to get certain spells. Both characters naturally get many spells based on their levels, but any spell linked to the Staff skill only is learned by raising the skill. Jessica and Angelo do not need to have a Staff equipped to use the spells, but the Staff skills and bonuses are only in effect when they use a Staff. A more spell-focused player likely will want to have the Staff equipped for the extra MP so he can cast more spells during battles.