There won't be anymore sneak attacks by Shadar this time, so sail to Autumnia and land. As usual, there are plenty of new creatures to fight, but it might be wise to wait until you get to Hamelin and get some new equipment before charging into battles.
When you first enter Hamelin, Swaine will leave your party and go on his own. There are a few things you can do inside the city in the meantime. If you've found and answered Horace's riddles in the previous towns, he can be found just ahead looking over the terrace, and his answer this time is "5" or "Five." There are also plenty of new Errands and Bounties to do, but hold off on the Bounties for now and try to do some of the Errands if you can.
You can't get to the area to the left just yet, so go towards the star marker. When you get to the bottom section of the town, a cutscene will occur and Swaine will rejoin your party. Head forward to the next area and try to get into the palace, only to be denied. You will now be allowed in the area that was blocked off before at the beginning of the town, which is the Black Market area. Head inside the building there to get some suits of armor for disguises.
| NOTE |
| It might be helpful to get a magic-based Familiar for the upcoming boss battle, particularly one with storm-based attacks. |
Go back and talk to the guards who wouldn't let you in before, and you are now allowed inside. Once inside, you cannot be spotted at all by any of the guards. Listen to what Drippy says and use your map to locate all five of the guards' positions.
Where you begin, wait for the guard to the north to turn his back, then run and hide in the nook on the west side. When that guard passes you, run north and then east, avoiding the guard walking around the center area. Make your way to the easternmost path and hide in the nook when the guards aren't looking. When the eastern guard passes you, it's free to go to the exit in the north. Save your game, then enter the manhole to watch a scene that will lead to a boss!
| BOSS: PORCO GROSSO |
| Porco Grosso is very resistant to physical attacks, which is why you should have brought some magic-based Familiars with you (specifically ones with storm-based Tricks). It has a ramming attack called Road Hog (can hit multiple targets), a multiple shot attack in Porco Salvo (single target), and a flamethrower attack that hits directly in front of it called Hog Roast (can hit multiple targets). His ultimate attack, Gammon Cannon, while only being able to target one person/Familiar, deals massive damage and should be defended/evaded. |
After the battle, take the exit to the east and a cutscene will follow. You'll meet the Prince, but he seems to be brokenhearted. When you gain control, start toward the other exit only to have another cutscene occur. Exit the room with the Emperor and take the west exit. Take the next exit and then leave the city (feel free to rest at the inn to heal).
Head to the marked tunnel to find the two princes there, trying to fight a monster. It doesn't seem to be working their way, so your party steps in to fight the Earth Ogrrr. It's a pretty easy battle, so nothing to worry about. Head back to Hamelin and to the palace. The Emperor mentions that to get back to your own time, you need to find the Mornstar in Tombstone Trail and then you'll be able to use the Breach Time spell. Exit the town and head for Tombstone Trail.
