What triggers Tarf to change equipment?

[Arthandas]

So apparently, Tarf can carry one of the following items: Cactus, Chelnie's Hair Band, Red Pepper, Chicken, Pebble and Flonne's Garment.

I'm trying to find out how to make him carry anything other than the Cactus. It doesn't seem to be random as I reloaded the game (even re-entered the area just to be on the safe side) around 30 times before saving him and he's always carrying the cactus.

Any ideas?

[Korzic]

Him holding the Pebble is just the result of getting him to level 2, as that's when he can start throwing rocks at enemies.

As far as the other ones, I've no idea what determines what item he's carrying, but it does seem to be somehow set in stone for the playthrough. That, or there's some other variable at work, but I've no idea what that might be.

Also, a Japanese site lists the Chicken and Chelnie's Hair Band in yellow text, so that may be an indication that those particular items are dummied out. EDIT: Or not. Just loaded up a Japanese file on Nightmare difficulty, saw Chelnie's Hair Band. At this point, I think the Chicken is the only one I've never seen him carry.

[Arthandas]

Originally posted by Korzic:

Him holding the Pebble is just the result of getting him to level 2, as that's when he can start throwing rocks at enemies.

He doesn't equip the pebble even when he reaches the 25th level. At least not in Chronicles+.

As far as the other ones, I've no idea what determines what item he's carrying, but it does seem to be somehow set in stone for the playthrough. That, or there's some other variable at work, but I've no idea what that might be.

Maybe you need to re-enter Burnedbless, not just the room to "re-roll" the cactus. I'll check it later.
EDIT: Nope, doesn't matter. I wonder at what point his equipment is determined. Start of a new game? Entering Burnedbless for the first time?

Also, a Japanese site lists the Chicken and Chelnie's Hair Band in yellow text, so that may be an indication that those particular items are dummied out. EDIT: Or not. Just loaded up a Japanese file on Nightmare difficulty, saw Chelnie's Hair Band. At this point, I think the Chicken is the only one I've never seen him carry.

Those in yellow text were listed as "uncomfirmed". If you open the .exe in notepad, all six items are indeed listed one after another.
It's hard to find any info on this easter egg, apart from ysutopia.net, I found no mention of it on English sites :/

[Korzic]

Originally posted by Arthandas:

Originally posted by Korzic:

Him holding the Pebble is just the result of getting him to level 2, as that's when he can start throwing rocks at enemies.

He doesn't equip the pebble even when he reaches the 25th level. At least not in Chronicles+.

Strange, he definitely equips it right away when he hits level 2 in the Japanese Complete version. I wonder if it's something that got changed when they ported it to the PSP or something.

Also, you said you were doing a guide for obscure things in the Ys series? In that case, have you looked into the Roo that mentions the Seven Habits of Highly Successful Gentlemen? I've only been able to find 6 (well, 5 different dialogues, 6 habits mentioned), all of them listed here (might need to refresh the page if it's giving an error):

http://teilv.ojaru.jp/themeplay_of/ys2/event/gentleman.html

The last one in particular seems out of place, as it happens right after Maria's supposed death, but talking to the Roo in question at that point notes that you're in good spirits, which should definitely not be the case. Makes me think that perhaps one may have been omitted by mistake or something.

[Arthandas]

After Maria's death? I don't remember his dialog at that point of the story but the "in good spirits" bit happens when you talk to him after Ys returns to the surface. He'll also tell you the last habit.

Btw, I see you're also invested in the Ys series. I've read your guide and you already mention like 99% of secrets/easter eggs I've collected for Ys I and II so far (and few I didn't even know about like talking to Gelaldy's genes - something I would never discover as I play only on nightmare). Some things you didn't mention:

* The ending cutscenes differ depending on which display mode you've chosen (complete or chronicles). Not only are there completely different artworks (complete mode has even more of them) but there are also changes in animations of celebrating characters. For example chronicles mode doesn't show Sada leaving flowers at the tombstone or Dogi messing with Adol.
* I don't know if you noticed this but after entering the final gate of Ys' core, all characters turn towards Adol except for Feena who closes her eyes and starts praying. Fun little detail.
* Another fun little thing is using the Evil Bell inside the Roos' Nest. All of them will react by rising their ears - even Droozy will rise one:)

Also, Chun-Lilia is not exclusive to Steam, it can be obtained in the GOG version, and I don't think the Humble Bundle version is any different.

[Korzic]

Originally posted by Arthandas:

After Maria's death? I don't remember his dialog at that point of the story but the "in good spirits" bit happens when you talk to him after Ys returns to the surface. He'll also tell you the last habit.

That dialogue appears after Maria's supposed death, and lasts until the end of the game. I know he specifically mentions the last habit, but when you count them up, there's only 6 that I know of that he mentions:

- Composure - trying to enter poison corridor without Roda Leaf, I think
- Wisdom - taking Roda Leaf
- Kindness and Courage - mentioned at the same time, I think after rescuing Tarf
- Appearance - talk to Brooce after being transformed into a demon, then again once the curse is lifted
- Moxie - from Maria's supposed death to the end of the game

Btw, I see you're also invested in the Ys series. I've read your guide and you already mention like 99% of secrets/easter eggs I've collected for Ys I and II so far (and few I didn't even know about like talking to Gelaldy's genes - something I would never discover as I play only on nightmare). Some things you didn't mention:

* The ending cutscenes differ depending on which display mode you've chosen (complete or chronicles). Not only are there completely different artworks (complete mode has even more of them) but there are also changes in animations of celebrating characters. For example chronicles mode doesn't show Sada leaving flowers at the tombstone or Dogi messing with Adol.
* I don't know if you noticed this but after entering the final gate of Ys' core, all characters turn towards Adol except for Feena who closes her eyes and starts praying. Fun little detail.
* Another fun little thing is using the Evil Bell inside the Roos' Nest. All of them will react by rising their ears - even Droozy will rise one:)

Ah, thanks for these. I knew about them (except maybe the 2nd one, not sure) but apparently forgot to mention them. If I ever get around to updating the guide, I'll give you due credit.

Also, Chun-Lilia is not exclusive to Steam, it can be obtained in the GOG version, and I don't think the Humble Bundle version is any different.

Noted, thank you.