Update #4!

Itch is not letting me upload images to the blog post, so I'll add them below.

I have provided two save files in this latest upload. The first is after boss #1, and the second is after boss #2. This is because some of the changes will not take place until you start a new game. You can use one of those save files I made so that you don't have to start over from scratch :)

Blacksmith/Extract Essence

To spice up the weapon/armor shops, I've decided to add some functionality to them. Apart from offering weapons/armor for sale, there are two new options when you enter the shop.

• Extract Essence: There are 4 enchanted weapons (Splendor, Ice Dancer, Mystic Cutter,  Death Dealer) in the demo. There will be 30 in the entire game. Blacksmiths can extract an essence from these weapons, offering skills to the weapon's holder. Each character has access to 5 Essence Skills in the full game, and can have 2 Essence Skills equipped at any given time. Note: Extracting the essence from an enchanted weapon will not destroy the weapon.
• Loiter:  For a fee, you can hang around the blacksmith. There is a chance that a traveler will walk in and offer to trade you items at a heavy discount, and even offers unique items not seen in shops! The fee will increase each time you loiter unsuccessfully, and the fee can be reduced by winning battles. 

Interaction Icon

Anything that can be interacted with will now have an icon floating above it. This way, I can avoid the "blue sparkles" on the map, which I feel are off putting. There are some cases where I left the sparkles, as it may not be obvious you can interact with it (jumping off a cliff point, for example).

Scenarios

There are 4 short scenarios in the demo, which give you the opportunity to see banter between characters. Each scenario has a permanent stat boost as a reward, and two scenarios have dialogue choices that affect what stat is received or who gets it.  There are many more planned for full release.

Focus Point Rework

Focus Points have been reworked.

Before

1 Focus Point Per Turn

5 Focus Points Maximum

Once all 4 characters have Focus Points, a Power can be unleashed while draining the party's FP.

Now

1 Focus Point each time you attack an exposed target with the corresponding element (1 FP for attacking an ice exposed target with an ice attack).

1 Focus Point for removing an expose with Guard or Brace.

10 Focus Points Maximum

Each character has their own, unlinked Power. Once they hit 10 FP, they can unleash their power without draining the party's FP.

This change ties FP into the element system for better synergy  (at least, that's the goal).

Misc. Changes

• First boss has an adaptive tutorial added. If you are hit with Expose Weapon active, you'll get a gentle reminder to guard.
• Second boss has its ability rotation altered slightly. Expect more lightning.
• Second boss's buff from eating crystal has been buffed.
• Random typo/bug fixes.
• Another pass through to find those cut off dialogue boxes caused by software updates. If you see any more, please point them out. I think I got them all.
• Guard/Brace change. They will now just remove exposes, and no longer activate 3 turns of resist. In exchange, they will now restore 10% max MP instead of a flat 10 MP. Additionally (as said above), removing an expose now grants 1 FP.
• Text file strategy guide added. It doesn't have a walkthrough at this time, but has sections for boss strategies and battle mechanics.
• Some scenes slightly rewritten.
• WASD key support for movement added.

Upcoming Changes (Expected Date: 2-3 weeks)

• A commissioned world map added to inventory to help players understand the world's locations better.
• Delefon Manor, where players can access an additional side quest and explore for treasure.
• Dusty Tunnels, which will have some explorable areas.
• Number adjustments to Aggravate Element status effects.

After that, I'm ready to get started on part 2. Please don't hesitate to reach out with feedback, good or bad. Thank you for downloading my game ^_^.