==Copyright Issues==
This FAQ is written by M. Rendi D. a.k.a Hinokun on Gamefaqs.  Use it only for
personal use. Restrict yourself for selling any information provided in this
FAQ and if you buy any of these information that means you already being
tricked.

This FAQ is merely a compilation of idea that summarized through Zaraf’s skill
simulator (in the http://www.intothelabyrinth.net/etrianodyssey3/skillsim/ )
and the board of Etrian Odyssey III so credits are given to those who submit
their creativity.

If you want to add it up to site please write an email for me (my email:
ren5th421@yahoo.com). Correction and suggestion upon any content will surely
credited. If you want to claim a synergy (getting credited) please tell me and
provide the facts. Almost all of the materials here are compilation earned from
the topic “Synergy”. (Its on:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/981313-etrian-odyssey-iii-the-drowned-city/56722872 ).
If you want to use email please don't forget to add "ETRIAN ODYSSEY III SYNERGY
FAQ"<< Caps Lock it so I’ll notice it, okay? And no spam mail please as I would
just toss it to trash bin whenever I see it ^^

==Introduction==
Etrian Odyssey III introduces a lot of new system that improve its gameplay.
Limit and sub classing are one of its new features. Sub classing especially
improves the gameplay that make the mechanics of the teamwork even more
complicated yet far more interesting than its predecessor. Sub-classing makes
various build, exploration became wider and thus enacting various own unique
style play.

This FAQ aims to compile synergies of skills that works (and even not work or
failed) ranging from own class skills synergies, limit, sub-classing, and
teamwork. Hopefully, when you read this, you understand what is good, what
works, and hopefully even makes your creativities shine improving your teammate
to advance through the dungeon.

This is my first FAQ and solely created for dedicated player of Etrian Odyssey
III.

==Version==
0.01 10th Nov 2010. Just starting up the FAQ. Planning to add full explanation
on each Synergy. Still rough in the edge and really needs suggestion,
correction, and any other positive influence or thingy to make this FAQ better.
0.3 yeah i skip the 0.2 explanation because it merely minor update.
0.4 adding Regal Radiance synergy and decent synergy. Repairing some typo and
changing a little bit content. Adding legend and separating the Failed Synergy
section into more detailed one.
0.5 correcting mistakes on Data Mining Synergy. Erasing all synergy that says
it related to skill damage and changed it into normal damage. updating Synergy.
Correcting typo of 'Aesthetic' with 'Ascetic'. thanks to Crimsol for reminding
me :D
0.6 Adding some synergy and minor correction. I miss most of my time due to new
activity. But i will complete this FAQ ASAP until it get 1.0 so... still 4
steps more eh ^^
0.7 some minor update again. Been busy. Almost forget that i’ve to update this
FAQ.
0.8 some update. Thanks to new contributor that raises some new idea. For real,
i’m almost give up to update this FAQ but all of your idea is nice to be
compiled on this FAQ. Thanks again :D


==Contents==
SUCCESSFUL SYNERGY
.Through Sub Class
.Through Limit
.Through Equipment
.Through Own Class
.Through Teamwork

FAILED SYNERGY
.Through Sub Class
.Through Limit
.Through Equipment
.Through Own Class
.Through Team Work

== Legend ==
{} bracket: this bracket tells that anything inside it is done in one
character. Since we’ll play a lot of mix-up skills that even comes from
sub-class and teamwork so it is not wonder you might seen this a lot;
especially on ==through Teamwork== section. So if you see something like
{Berserker Vow [Gladiator] + Charge [Gladiator] + Nine Smash [Gladiator]} it
basically tells that only one Gladiator do the skill. This bracket is
non-existent in ==Through Sub Class== section.
() bracket: this bracket tells you that anything inside it is optional and
might not be included yet the synergy still works. Yet, it can be said too that
anything inside it is a way to make it more effective. And second, this bracket
tells you who has the original idea and those who get credits.

[] bracket: this bracket tells you that anything inside it is a class that has
the skill. So if you see: Singularity [Zodiac] it means Singularity belongs to
Zodiac Class. This bracket will tell you who’s main and sub in the ==Through
Sub Class== section.

/ slash: it denotes who’s the main and sub on sub classing. The first is the
main class while the latter is the sub. Example: [Zodiac/Shogun] the main is
Zodiac and the Sub is Shogun while [Shogun/Zodiac] is the reverse. / slash can
be used as substitution on some category skills like Freeze/Volt/Fire from
Prince elemental Arms buff or Protect/Rally/Prevent/Guard/Attack from Prince
Buff Order. And lastly it separates the issues between Prince and Princess
gender by having them named [Prince/ss].

SUCCESSFUL SYNERGY
==Through Sub Class==
Brief Description: the Synergy stated in here is synergy that available on a
single character when you get Sub-classes. Partially Sub classing means you
take skills that available on other class while keeping the main status and
your unique skills of your main class. The unique skill of main class is the
uppermost or the first skill written on skill slot (on Custom Skill screen).
. Well, how about Swashbuckling + Lady Luck + Night Vision + Limit Boost, I
guess. (credits to: IggyKoopa)
.Royal Veil [Prince/ss] + Braveheart [Farmer]. [Prince/ss/Farmer] or
[Farmer/Prince/ss]
Explanation: HP and TP recover when your HP are full. Need to be in front row
though since Brave Heart only activates when you’re in front.

. Recuperate [Hoplite] + Parry [Hoplite] + Magic Parry [Hoplite] + Royal Veil
[Prince]. [Prince/Hoplite] or [Hoplite/Prince]. (Credits to mogexpress1)
Explanation: mogexpress1 said "gives Royal Veil more stability and creates a
defensive powerhouse with some lasting power with HP gain stuff."

.Protect Order [Prince/ss] + Form Qi [Monk]. [Monk/Prince/ss].
Explanation: The only skills in Prince/ss skill tree that affected by Form Qi
from Monk. This synergy is the one that make Monk/Prince/ss has upper hand on
healing rather than [Prince/ss/Monk]

.Keburi no Sue [Ninja] + Double Crop level 1 [Farmer]. [Ninja/Farmer]. (Credits
to Kjorteo)
Explanation: cutting the expense Double crop TP usage by Keburi no Sue. And
basically Keburi no sue cuts all the exploration TP. The originator said that
it may requires mashing the A button.
Lboksha has good comment about this synergy:
“Hm. Well, after thinking about it for a while longer... it's not such a great
idea. It does let you farm as much as you have TP, but at level 1 the skill
only gives one extra chance to collect for every time it's cast, so to fill
your farming charges back up, you have to cast the skill as many times as you
have slots. Say you're sending your Ninja/Farmer by themselves (to prevent keen
nose from interfering with collecting non-rare items) you'd have to cast the
skill 55 times before you have a full bag! My thumb is hurting just from
thinking about that.

That is not to say the idea is completely without merit since knocking off 9 TP
off of all the farmer's exploration skills is still quite a nice thing to have
(arguably a better skill than anything else you could couple a farming farmer
with), but leaving second cropping at level 1 is just too much of hassle.”

. Keburi no Sue [Ninja] + Full Heal [Monk]. [Ninja/Monk]
Explanation: a way to shut a little hefty TP usage on Full Heal. Since it does
not require Form Qi, the thing you need is way to reduce its TP usage or
*cough* Amritas...

.Keburi no Sue [Ninja] + Dark Ether [Zodiac]. [Ninja/Zodiac]. (Credits to:
VorpalSeraph)
Explanation: Keburi No sue makes Dark Ether cost only 1 TP. since Dark Ether
effects are cost-free TP on a row then this synergy makes the Best TP battery
in EO III.

. Night vision [Arbalist] + Infravision [Yggdroid]. [Yggdroid/Arbalist].
Explanation: hit rate, evasion, and critical rate improvement on night. Have
40% on hit, critical and evasion. A night crawler on the groove.

.Night Vision [Arbalist] + Proper Form [Arbalist] + Bolt Mastery [Arbalist] +
Infravision [Yggdroid] + Data Mining [Yggdroid] + Overheat [Yggdroid].
[Yggdroid/Arbalist].
Explanation: extensive usage of night attacker. Have 40% on hit, critical and
evasion. +35% accuracy with Proper Form and with Data Mining you gain + 90%
attack power and 10% more critical (on normal attack). And overheat (put just
at level 3 or at your safety level) + Bolt Mastery will increase your damage
for about 11%+. Abuse this on your normal attack.

. Infravision [Yggdroid] + Data Mining [Yggdroid] + Rapier/Gun Mastery
[Buccaneer] + Lady Luck [Buccaneer] + SwashBuckling [Buccaneer].
[Yggdroid/Buccaneer]
Explanation: you have... 70% critical, 90% damage (on critical hits) and 40%
hit and evasion on night on normal attack + 11% damage on mastery. And with
Swashbuckling, you can abuse this synergy. Be wary though, when you put
Overheat... Swashbuckling activates Overheat each hit. If you want more damage
you can put Overheat but keep in mind that you’ll lose life faster than this
standard setup.
. Data mining [Yggdroid] + Etheric Return [Zodiac]. [Yggdroid/Zodiac]. (Credits
to the void)

Explanation: here’s the founder said “I noticed that when my zodiac killed
something with a crit that he'd regain 7 tp instead of 5. The tp restoration is
for some reason treated as damage and gets scaled up if the attack was a crit.
So I rested my yggdroid and made her a zodiac. With data mining and etheric
return, if she kills something with a crit she gets 9 tp back instead of 5.
More of a novelty glitch than something you can make use of, but there's a
synergy there!” and far better, Scy046 said that it work too with Extend
[Arbalist].

. Proper Form [Arbalist] + Nine Smash [Gladiator]. [Gladiator/Arbalist or
Arbalist/Gladiator].
Explanation: decent synergy on getting higher accuracy with Nine Smash. Since
Nine Smash has decreased accuracy each levels, the Proper Form is there to
bandage the loss. But still, you might have to take a little “HIT” forges to
makes the accuracy penalty “not that hurt”.

. Fire/Ice/volt Star [Zodiac] + (Ether Mastery [Zodiac] + Etheric Charge
[Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac]) + Double Action [Arbalist]. [Zodiac/Arbalist]
Explanation: two timing single spell attack with Zodiac elemental attack.

.Giant Kill [Arbalist] + Any Magic [Zodiac]. [Arbalist/Zodiac]. (Credits to
LBoksha)
Explanation: Uber_H0lyFlar3 said “This should go into the Synergy FAQ as a
simple Giant Kill + Magic, "Yes, it works.", as a thumbs up.” And that explains
everything. In comparison, if you can get Arbalist TEC to 99 then see what
happens. Of course, other skill tree such as Singularity and Etheric Charge is
best option to top-up the damage.

. Etheric Charge [Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac] + Dual elemental attack. [Any
class/Zodiac]. (Credits to: VorpalSeraph)
Explanation: Increasing damage by twice time weaknesses with Singularity since
it aims for more damage on enemy weakness (Physical or elemental). The Etheric
Charge purpose is to increase next elemental damage. Versatility comes in
[Arbalist] class since [Arbalist] has all three elements attack skill. Yet,
some classes have better damage but only wield one type of element. Since
Singularity affects on physical, Charge can be used to abuse Singularity. The
only problem is, there is no skill that has diverse physical option.

. Giant Kill [Arbalist] + Bolt Mastery [Arbalist] + Night Vision [Arbalist]+
Swashbuckling [Buckaneer] + Limit Boost [Buckaneer] + Lady Luck [Buckaneer].
[Arbalist/Buckaneer]. (credits to IggyKoopa).
Explanation: decent combo of normal attack that goes better in night time. Not
that useful but at least can be used as better damage input than standard
Buckaneer Swashbuckling due to Giant Kill, initial status of Arbalist, and
Cross Bow damage compared to gun. However, that just it. No skill or fancy
stuff that can be used...

. Charge [Gladiator] + Meteor [Zodiac]. [Zodiac/Gladiator]
Explanation: Meteor gains benefit from Charge because charge increase next
damage comes from slash/blunt/pierce. It’s costy but the damage you gain
deserves to see. It is said as the best damage deal that you can gain in this
game. Be wary though, you don’t gain benefit from Berserkers Vow however, you
gain benefit from Charge Tactic limit as it increases general damage.

. Charge [Gladiator] + (Endless Battle [Gladiator]) + Meteor [Zodiac].
[Gladiator/Zodiac]
Explanation: The same as above. But this build has the upper hand on damage
because of Endless Battle. However, since the damage of Meteor comes from TEC
(Its TEC*4 = base damage), then all you have to do is rising the TEC into
–extremely said- 99. Same as above, Berserker’s Vow doesn’t add damage since
the buff add damage for physical damage from wATK while Meteor comes from TEC.

. Ether Mastery [Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac] + Warrior Might [Shogun].
[Zodiac/Shogun]. (Credits to Scy046)
Explanation: Scy046 said “Zodiac/Shogun (and by extension, Zodiac/Monk) are
end-game builds that require full out book farming. At 99 STR, Zodiac is
basically the ideal class to be doing anything requiring elements but based off
of STR (i.e., Monk's Breakfire Fist, Shogun's Warrior's Might w/ 8x Elemental
Forges).”

. Triumphant Cry [Prince] + Bunshin [Ninja]. [Prince/Ninja] or [Ninja/Prince].
(Credits to the void]
Explanation: the founder said “The triumphant cry is applied before the clones
are recombined. Since each clone is healed before being recombined the net
effect with one clone is that the prince himself gets quadruple healing and the
rest of the party gets double. With two clones the party gets triple healing
and the prince himself gets nine times the healing when the battle ends, etc.”
And here’s the research:
“I had my prince get into a fight solo and make one clone. I let him get hurt a
bit and then ended the fight. At the end of the last turn #1 was at 10/425 hp
and #2 was at 210/425. After the fight he was at full health.

What happens is triumphant cry triggers on clone #1 and heals both for 60 each,
then triggers on clone #2 and heals both for another 60. Now they are at 130
and 330 hp, and recombine to 460, which gets reduced down to his max of 425.”

. Ether Mastery [Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac] + Etheric charge [Zodiac] +
Breakfire Fist [Monk]. [Zodiac/Monk]. (Credits to Scy046)
Explanation: same as Zodiac/Shogun explanation with difference skill setup. The
only drawback is the less option on elemental.

. Nikudan [Ninja] + Ether Mastery [Zodiac] + Fire Mastery [Zodiac] +
Singularity [Zodiac] + Otori [Ninja]. [Zodiac/Ninja].(Credits to Khundes)
Explanation: Khundes said "Throw around the most explosive bombs around. Works
best when main char is in back row and there's an open slot in front row to
truly make the front row clone EXPLODE.

Alternatively, this works with the Fore Honor + Nikudan combo with a Shogun
elsewhere in the party. Anything weak to fire will just self-destruct poking
this character's clones too."

. Second Sword [Shogun] + Fist Mastery [Monk]. [Shogun/Monk]
Explanation:  a way to increase off hand damage. Leave the first armor slot
empty so it checks as Fist. Since off hand damage is based on STR damage and
Fist damage requires STR. Moreover, at level 10 Second Sword, it gives 50%
increased damage so it can be great. This synergy works well on normal attack
but I think personally that just it. No skill can benefit over this synergy.
Yet, since you use Fist, you may access Fist skill like Breakfire fist or
Darkness Fist if you want.

. Morale Boost [Shogun] + Ascetic Rewards [Monk]. [Shogun/Monk] or
[Monk/Shogun].
Explanation: you can guess, you die you heal everyone by Ascetic Rewards. You
resurrected, you heal everyone with Morale Boost. Not that good synergy by far.
The thin connection is you have dead status gained and nullified. This synergy
is hindered by Endure but of course dead should not be option and avoiding it
is best solution.

.Second Sword [Shogun] + X Weapon Mastery + X Weapon Skill + Y High Attack
Power weapon. [Shogun/any class] (Credits to: VorpalSeraph)
Explanation: a way to increase damage with low damage weapon skill (ex:
dagger). The off-hand slot is the 2nd slot or the 1st armor slot. Equip the
off-hand weapon after you acquire Second Sword.

Here's the better and specific explanation from the contributor:
"Kinda confusing, but let me explain. Let's take Shogun/Ninja for a moment.
Izuna at max has a 235% power modifier, but needs a dagger to use so the damage
is usually low. The solution? Equip the strongest Katana you have in the
main-hand and the Dagger in the off-hand. When you use Izuna it will take the
attack power of the main-hand weapon, regardless of weapon type so long as you
have the appropriate weapon in the off-hand"

Blutzucker added some information that "No point doing this except you want to
use a skill that required a weak weapon, though."
Or unless you want to use its glitch

Glitch: the Glitch works out not only with Second Sword, but also with Fist
Mastery. Equip Strongest Club in your main hand and leave it empty for 1st
Armor. Voila, you can have Fist attack such as Breakfire Fist with stronger
weapon. It seems that the programmer also took the 1st Armor slot as off-hand
slot (which actually have to be activated with Second Sword before you can
equip any weapon).

. Second Sword [Shogun] + Singularity [Zodiac] + Elemental Forged Weapon.
[Shogun/Zodiac]. (Credits to: _Dagger_)
Explanation: dual element attack with your equip. You can choose either go dual
element pair. Or just stroll with one elemental making it double-timed.
Here’s the explanation from the idea originator “Dual wield, Singularity, both
katanas forged with different elements. It's pretty cool, and obviously you'd
want two katanas with the same element if you were specifically targeting a
certain weakness, but dual element is just for random encounters.

I tried to make a team based around elemental damage, but outside this and a
Zodiac, there's not much for support for elements, seeing as I didn't
particularly want to use chasers or bots.”

.Second Sword [Shogun] + Swashbuckling [Buccaneer]. [Shogun/Buccaneer].
(Credits to: Ravage_MK2)
Explanation: normal attack may become 2-10 hits. Swashbuckling add 2-5 hits
while Second Sword doubles it amounts. Each of those attacks can be chased by
other Shogun's Ikkitousen/Warrior's Might or the Buccaneer chasers.

.Cloud Buster [Arbalist] + Warrior Might [Shogun]. [Arbalist/Shogun or
Shogun/Arbalist]. (Credits to: CMoon (for testing and initial idea) and
Blutzucker)
Explanation: 2nd turn own skill chasing. On turn 1 use Cloud Buster. On 2nd
turn unleash the Warrior Might and it will add additional hits since Cloud
Buster pours down on mid-to-late. This synergy can be done in teamwork too
since it requires two turn set up. Arbalist/Shogun craves the best result as
Giant Kill potentially gives greater damage and Second Sword isn’t included in
Warrior Might.

. Cloud Buster [Arbalist] + Charge [Gladiator] (or Berserker Vow [Gladiator]).
[Arbalist/Gladiator or Gladiator/Arbalist]. (Credits to: CMoon (for testing and
initial idea) and Blutzucker)
Explanation: quite kinky synergy. On turn 1, unleash your Cloud Buster and on
turn 2 Charge. The Cloud Buster damage will go up like being charged. Kinky
because it reverses the order of charge so you have better insurance over
damage: you always end up damaging even though you not charge due to
circumstances (status ailments, dead, forget, etc). If Charge goes the first,
then you got stunned, your Charge is WASTED.

.Bunshin [Ninja] + Royal Lineage [Prince/ss] + Nobility Proof [Prince/ss] +
Reinforce [Prince/ss] + Prevent/Attack/Guard/Protect Order [Prince/ss].
[Prince(ss)/Ninja]. (Credits to: DHTrio)
Explanation: Double Protection or you can give Double Buffing to your main
Prince to make their TP refreshed (even though Clone cut HP and TP of caster to
half). Remember though that the buff slot is only 3.

.Bunshin [Ninja] + Nikudan [Ninja] + Otori[Ninja] + Ascetic Reward [Monk] (+
Blood Return [Monk]). [Ninja/Monk or Monk/Ninja]. (Credits to killbot357).
Explanation: Heal your party and hurt the enemy! A good synergy since it
activates a lot of "When you dies" skill. It hurts enemy and heal yourself when
your clone is dead. However, remember that Ascetic Rewards and Nikudan only
activate once (so it almost close to failed synergy). It Might be a little
useless on FOE or Boss Battle. Both build are the same since Form Qi from monk
does not increase healing effect from Ascetic Reward so basically Ninja has the
upperhand on low TP waste. Nox_Caelum said to add Blood Return on the Synergy
as it actually best to increase the benefit of the Dead Clone.

.EM Barrier [Yggdroid] + Provoke [Hoplite] + Parry [Hoplite] + Magic parry
[Hoplite] + (Shield Mastery [Hoplite]). [Yggdroid/Hoplite]. (Credits to Rekua).
Explanation: EM barrier is a passive Counter so it does not depends on your
speed. This synergy provides you with one of the best defense. Its nullifying
damage properties of this synergy will somehow make this synergy into
ready-to-take damage (by parry and Magic Parry). Hoplite became Sub is better
for defensive properties since they have Shield Mastery so even if you get
damaged, the damage might not goes deep (unless its elemental).

. Bodyguard [Hoplite] + Parry [Hoplite] + Magic Parry [Hoplite] (+ Guardian
[Hoplite] + Shield Mastery [Hoplite]) + Senpuku [Ninja]. [Hoplite/Ninja]
Explanation: one of the best Hoplite build since it covers for safety
bodyguarding by having parry and evasion both. And better, you could actually
Bunshin to attack or to use any of Anti for elemental protection. Of course,
Guardian and Shield mastery are just defensive precaution if the damage aren’t
nullified. Khundes, One of denizens of Gamefaqs board end the game by solo
playing with this build.
. Bodyguard + Ascetic Deeds [Hoplite/Monk] or [Monk/Hoplite]. (credits to
Vinci4)
Explanation: a decent way to increase your HP before taking damage or more like
patching wound before taking another one. The founder said “but this is meant
specifically for maintaining a bodyguard over a longer period of time.”

.Daifuhensha [Shogun] + Bunshin [Ninja] + Nikudan [Ninja]. [Shogun/Ninja or
Ninja/Shogun]
Explanation: A better synergy if you only aim for Nikudan. It fairly replaces
Otori since Daifuhensha makes you targeted. The Attack addition is nice but the
defense addition might issue you a bit in the effort to kill your own clone.
This synergy might not work sometimes since "Endure" will stop your Clone from
dead. Adding Bloody Lance might be better since if it activate, it will
increase your clone Nikudan damage [need some testing].

.Bunshin [Ninja] + (Otori [Ninja] + Nikudan [Ninja]) + Kubikiri [Shogun]
+Kaishaku [Shogun] + Bloody Lance [Shogun]. [Ninja/Shogun or Shogun/Ninja].
(Credits to FlameSparkZ)
Explanation: the synergy serves as two purposes: two timing hit with bunshin
and Kaishaku it (mob or your clone) when its HP drops enough to attain Bloody
Lance and therefore, second, incite the Nikudan when you Kaishaku your Clone.
Kubikiri then is just a general accelerator for Bloody Lance or it should be
said like second door to Bloody Lance. Kaishaku might kill both of you and mob
but Kubikiri is always safe-chance to kill mob (unless confusion hits you). The
synergy said to use Clone so by far it is two-chance of 20% of instant kill.
And the cool part is, even if the original were killed, the bunshin will became
original thus Bloody Lance is still effect. Cloning on Low HP might be nice to
trigger Kaishaku so remember not to abuse it much or otherwise you end up dead.
If you want just maxing Bloody Lance with a little safe method, then you can
goes with
Kagerou [Ninja] + Bloody Lance [Shogun] + Kaishaku [Shogun].
Since Kagerou too can activate Bloody Lance. Just hope that your Kagerou can
survive with a little HP so Kaishaku can kill it.

Note: I personally think Kubikiri might not really needed but FlameSparkZ said
"Well, the use for Kubikiri is against minor monsters, like those summoned by
bosses."
Careful though, the synergy might be obstructed by “Endure”. So you might want
to work it with Teamwork by separating the Shogun and Ninja rather than
sub-class. This build already effective on 44 with level 3 Endure and 10 Bloody
Lance and 10 Nikudan (yet otori is 3)[note: no retire condition]. However, sub
classing it might offer you with Daifuhensha if you want to speed kill your
Clone without Otori. Your call for this.

. Daifuhensha [Shogun] + EM barrier [Yggdroid] + (Rocket Jump [Yggdroid]).
[Yggdroid/Shogun].
Explanation: Daifuhensha have ‘Provoke’ Attribute so actually it can makes
Yggdroid became target man and thus activating EM barrier that counter with
volt. Better, Daifuhensha has ATK and DEF up buff so it greatly increases your
durability and attack power of your counter. Rocket Jump is just for safety
precaution if your life is endangered by the provoke attribute. The bad part is
this sub class is not available on first run.

.Kubikiri (Ninja) + Swashbuckling (Buccaneer). [Ninja/ Buccaneer or
Buccaneer/Ninja] (Credits to Rathje).
Explanation: 64% chance of getting 2-5 hit with 20% chances of instant death
each hit. Great for random encounters. The cons is that it requires quite luck
since swashbuckling has rounded down activation.

Note: this is a mechanics about swashbuckling. Credits to Terence and taken
from
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/981313-etrian-odyssey-iii-the-drowned-city/57024259

“And after crunching those numbers, the chances of each hit (including main and
offhand hits) with either 1 or 2 weapons equipped should be:

One Weapon
1 Hit: 64.00%
2 Hits: 23.04%
3 Hits: 8.29%
4 Hits: 4.67%
Average of 1.536 Hits

Two Weapons
2 Hits: 40.96%
3 Hits: 29.49%
4 Hits: 15.93%
5 Hits: 7.64%
6 Hits: 3.44%
7 Hits: 1.49%
8 Hits: 0.62%
9 Hits: 0.43%
Average of 3.122 Hits”

Note: Scy046 has a note for Kubikiri in this synergy:
“4 hits of 20% is not an 80% chance. Each hit is still only 20%,
pre-resistances, and you don't just add them up. Quick head math puts it at
around a 59% chance to succeed I believe.”
Furthermore, IggyKoopa has a math comparison this synergy. If you add
Swashbuckling chance into factors, you’ll get:
Shogun with Second Sword and Kubikiri:
Attack 1: 20% death. If it doesn't die (80%)...
Attack 2: 16%

So in total, there's a 36% chance a Shogun/Ninja kills after it moves.

Ninja/Buccaneer with Swashbuckling and Kubikiri:
Attack 1: 20% death. If it doesn't die (80%), it can attack again (64%) or do
nothing (36%).
Attack 2: 1.6384%
Attack 3: 0.41943%
Attack 4: 0.107374%

Which comes out to 22.165205%.

So if my calculations are correct, there is really no reason to run N/B over
S/N.
Also, note with a 4 Death, 4 Petrify Katana, it's 64% and 44.330409% for S/N
and N/B respectively, I think.”

.Second Sword [Shogun] + Kubikiri [Ninja]. [Shogun/Ninja](credits to
BloodTyrant9154).
Explanation: an alternative of Ninja/Buccaneer or Buccaneer/Ninja. The pros is
that it require less skill points for this synergy and it always deal 2 hits
with 20% chance of Instant kill. The con is of course, it has less hit than
swashbuckling and less total chance of instant kill. However, IggyKoopa said
that “If you're really going to use Kubikiri, it's probably going to be better
to go Shogun/Ninja with Second Sword. That way, you can have two weapons with
Petrify/Death forged onto it (potentially 16 slots total if you want to defeat
Abyssal God 18 times, I guess).”

.Pincushion [Buccaneer] + AGI of Ninja. [Ninja/Buccaneer](credits to reizhander)
Explanation: Pincushion has an “altered with AGI” mods. 3% per-AGI. Thus, since
Ninja is the one that have the superior Agility then it damage potential may
swoosh up.
Note: Scy046 has a calculation comparison on three skills:
Warrior's Might:
Berserker's Vow (190%), Warrior's Might (165%), 8x Forged (180% if Neutral
Physical/Elemental) = 564.3% per chase, one turn set-up (282.15% per chase per
turn)

Pincushion:
Berserker's Vow (190%), Charge (260%), 99 AGI (442%/hit) = 2183.48% per hit,
two turn set-up (727.82% per hit per turn)

5-Ring Sword:
Berserker's Vow (190%), Charge (260%), 5-Ring Sword (90%/hit) = 444.6% per hit,
two turn set-up (148.2% per hit per turn).
And, of course, this is all a bit misleading since they all have varying wATKs.
And do not forget that Pincushion hits random.

.HP cannon [Yggdroid] + Double Action [Arbalist]. [Yggdroid]/Arbalist].
(Credits to: BloodTyrant9154)
Explanation: Two timing HP-Cannon. Great synergy in order to exploit HP cannon
damage. But remember, double action is a passive chance skill so it sometimes
does not kick-in. Best used for FOE and boss

.HP cannon [Yggdroid] + Wild Swings [Gladiator]. [Yggdroid/Gladiator]
Explanation: the same as above but more effective on large crowd (generally
random encounter).

.Overheat [Yggdroid] + Lullaby [Farmer]. [Yggdroid/Farmer]. (Credits to:
Khundes).
Explanation: a way to shut down Overheat and one attempt to sleep enemy. The
con is that you are vulnerable. But remember that you take twice damage when in
sleep condition.

.Second Sword [Shogun] + Swashbuckling [Buccaneer] + Lady Luck [Buccaneer] +
limit Boost [Buccaneer]. [Shogun/Buccaneer]. (Credits to Scy046)
Explanation: A far advance way of abusing the Second Sword + Swashbuckling. The
far benefit is the critical rate provided from Lady Luck and significant boost
for Limit Activation from Limit Boost.

.HP Reducing Buff [any class] + Ascetic Deeds [Monk]. [Any class/Monk or vice
versa]. (Credits to the_coci and Khundes)
Explanation: A safety bandage for HP reducing buff such as: Berserker Vow,
Selflessness, and Kumogakure and even Bunshin.

.Infravision [Yggdroid] + Senpuku [Ninja] (+ Kumogakure [Ninja] + Karuwaza
[Ninja]). [Yggdroid/Ninja]
Explanation: the ultimate evasive time. During the night, this synergy gives
you laughing stock of evasion. Karuwaza might work best during this setup.

==Through Limit==
Brief Description: the synergy stated in here is synergy that available on
using Limit as a method. If Limit were taken away, then the synergy is not
working or might end up failed. If the Limit is not really that matters, then
the synergy could just goes to other department.

. Any Tactic Limit + Royal Lineage [Prince/ss] + (Nobility Proof [Prince])
Explanation: decent way to increase your Prince TP... free. Nobility Proof
might needed or not, since tactic last for 5 turns... and usually battles
doesn’t goes that long except for bosses or FOE.

.Etheric Charge [Zodiac] + The elemental Limit (ex: Hellfire). (Credits to:
VorpalSeraph)
Explanation: 1 turn usage of Etheric Charge.S Elemental Limit always executed
at the end of turn, Etheric Charge can increase it damage on the turn it is
used. However, prepare some protection though since if any of your character's
combination is dead/petrified/sleep/confuse then this synergy broke apart...
even though your etheric Charge is still ready for next turn. Remember to use
this synergy with high TEC class such as Zodiac or Ninja.

.Charge [Gladiator] + Lucky Hammer [Limit] + (Berserker's Vow [Gladiator]).
(Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: Lucky Hammer is an attack that, if it scores the killing blow,
automatically satisfies conditional drop requirements in the same manner as
using Formaldehyde on the last round of combat. It basically works the same as
Elemental Limit but with physical attributes. So Charge is your best beef for
this.

.Regroup Tactic [Limit] + Wildling Lion Summon. (Credits to: chanwk3)
Explanation: since Regroup tactic dispels bad status for five turns, it
basically a way to wake-up your lion every turn.

. {Rear Guard [Shogun]} + {Lullaby [Farmer]} + Regroup Tactic [Limit].
Explanation: the basic is to let lullaby from farmer act the last while regroup
tactic makes next turn status ailment disappear albeit saving you from
vulnerability of getting whipped

.Bunshin [Ninja] + 2 Person Limit
Explanation: using 2 persons Limit on one character. Since bunshin copies your
limit, you can additionally co-operate with your bunshin to do the limit.
Example: put your ninja in one of either “guard/charge/lethal” tactic alone (no
other person takes the same Limit as your ninja). Uses Bunshin when your limit
is full then you can unleash your prepared limit. This synergy can save one
slot of character limit.
Note: one cool synergy is to use Shogun/buccaneer with Second Sword +
Swashbuckling + Limit Boost and prepare Mumyouken on him/her. Then the Ninja
follows with one slot of Mumyouken. Leave one empty slot for your Clone [no
other character takes it besides your Shogun/Buccaneer and Ninja]. Then voila
“almost 2 turn ready for Mumyouken”. We can say that the Ninja is only a slave
for triggering Limit anyway.

. Kumogakure [Ninja] + Senpuku [Ninja] + Wind Tactic [Limit]. (Credits to:
Ranoa)
Explanation: Evasion time! With this Limit, you almost make yourself
invincible! Add Bunshin, Karuwaza, and Otori if you want to replenish your TP.
Cool things again, If you’re using [Yggdroid/Ninja] then on night, you have
additional evasion which makes you barely imbalance!

==Through Equipment==
Basic Description: as it says, the synergy here is gained through equipment;
forges, bonus stat, etc.

.Second Sword [Shogun] + Stun Attack [Gladiator] + Stun Dagger [Weapon].
[Shogun/Gladiator]. (Credits to Ranoa)
Explanation: use the Stun Dagger on off hand and leave Second Sword skill at
level 1 just to learn it. Stun Attack is one of passive skill that have the
better chance (55%) compared to Kubikiri (20%). Stun Dagger is weapon that has
8 slots filled with Stun status. Stun forged is 8% (for first slot) + 6%
(second slot of the same) + 4% (for the rest). So it gives: 8 + 6 + (4*6) = 14
+ 24 = 38%. Add that with Stun Attack and you got 92%. And since your first
attack brings stun chances too, that means 1st hit = 55% chance and 2nd hit =
92% chance. With this set-up you don’t lose damage calculation as your biggest
damage always comes from main weapon.

.Blitz Command [Shogun] + forged elemental + (Elemental Masteries [Zodiac] +
Singularity [Zodiac]). (Credits to SielCiel)
Explanation: Blitz Command damage can be altered by elemental and its
corresponding elemental related passive skills (Elemental masteries and
Singularity). Statuses/binds however, will not take any attempt to effect
enemies on Blitz Command forced attack.

. Warrior Might [Shogun] + forged Elemental + (Any Elemental Masteries [Zodiac]
+ Singularity [Zodiac]). [Shogun/Zodiac]
Explanation: the same as Blitz Command, Forged elemental on Warrior Might Chase
are affecting the damage calculation.

==Through Team Work==
Brief Description: in my opinion, this is the most extensive part of synergy of
this game. This section offers you with lots of possible set-up or attack that
works best with each other.

. {Royal Veil [Prince/ss] + Braveheart [Farmer]. [Prince/ss/Farmer] or
[Farmer/Prince/ss]} + Bodyguard [Hoplite].
Explanation: decent way to protect your HP recover-all to your party. With
Braveheart, it means TP recover to your Prince. Pretty much already known.

. {Vigilance [Hoplite]} + {Monarch March [Prince/ss]}
Explanation: decreasing encounter rate so Monarch March might heal your
character to full HP. Not really used anyway since Monarch March lv 5 to 10
already suffice enough for recovering HP in normal encounter.

. {Guard Order [Prince/ss]} + {Guard Tactic [Limit]} + {Line Guard [Hoplite]}
(or {Selflessness [Hoplite]} or {Daifuhensha [Shogun]}).
Explanation: basically all defensive buff you can offer to your party. Actually
Daifuhensha should not be taken in but the ‘provoke’ addition might be useful
and it’s an option though. Selflessness too is basically a defensive maneuver
for chugging defense up. And addition, Line Guard does not considered a buff so
you can add more defenses by using item like Stonard.

. {Eagle Eye [Buccaneer]} + {Wolf Howl [Gladiator]} + {Primal Drums [Wildling]}.
Explanation: The Defense down debuff trio. Rough up 80% defense down or 120% on
status ailment. Definitely FOE and BOSS Killer for three turn. And you can joke
on about how the Drums mediate between the Wolf and Eagle.

. {Fire/Shock/Freeze Arms [Prince/ss]} or {any elemental Oil} + {Regal Radiance
[Prince/ss]}
Explanation: decent Combo of getting one kind of elemental attack that targets
all with Regal Radiance.

. {Fire/Shock/Freeze Arms [Prince/ss]} or {any Elemental Oil} + {Royal Lineage
[Prince] + Nobility Proof [Prince]} + {Regal Radiance [Prince]}.
Explanation: one/two turn TP recovery for your main Prince. It can cap your TP
with 10+. But it basically trades the caster TP with another prince/ss. The
order goes: arms/oil to designated prince/ss then on next turn (or still in
that turn if you have another prince/ss) cast regal radiance. Voila TP for
oiled prince/ss!

. {Fire/Shock/Freeze Arms [Prince/ss]} or {any Elemental Oil} + {Etheric Charge
[Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac]} or {Charge [Gladiator] + (Endless Battle
[Gladiator] + Sword/Club Mastery [Gladiator] + Berserker Vow [Gladiator])} +
{Regal Radiance [Prince/ss]}.
Explanation: Basically a way to increase Regal Radiance damage. Charge works to
increase physical damage while Etheric Charge increases its elemental damage.
Basically Any class/Zodiac has upper hand on term of harassing weakness by
using Singularity and the percentage of damage addition via Etheric Charge is
greater than Charge (Etheric Charge is 300% while Charge is 250%). But,
Gladiator has its way on increasing its rough physical damage via Berserker’s
Vow + Sword/Club Mastery + Endless Battle. For physical, you can choose
Arbalist since they have Giant Kill and Bolt Mastery for damage. Your choice
for this. For your information, Regal Radiance damage comes from wATK (weapon
Attack) while dealing Elemental damage on enemies.

. {Fire/Shock/Freeze Arms} or {any Elemental Oil} + {(Berserker Vow [Gladiator]
+ Endless Battle [Gladiator] + Sword/Club Mastery [Gladiator]) + Etheric Charge
[Zodiac] + Singularity [Zodiac]. Gladiator/Zodiac} + {Regal Radiance
[Prince/ss]}. (Credits to Nox_Caelum)
Explanation: a way to best up the damage from Regal Radiances. Since Gladiator
has both wATK needed for base damage of Regal Radiance and of course has
Endless battle. This synergy wraps up everything for damage. The second best
synergy goes with Arbalist Giant Kill. The Gladiator wins at two parts: first
is the Berserkers Vow Buff that gives you another 90% Attack damage and the
Club (+its masteries) as the highest wATK weapon all over class. Yet, doing
Berserker Vow needs more turn and sometimes risky in the middle of battle. So
it’s your choice then. The reverse; Zodiac/Gladiator or Zodiac/Arbalist is a
no-no for damage.

Here’s the explanation on how to do it (from Nox_Caelum):

I used to have a Regal Radiance team and it worked like this:

requires:
1. "the Emitter"
Anyone with a high physical damage buff, or class skill that significantly
boosts physical attack, subbing zordiac with Singularity and Eth.Charge... I
would recommend using Eth.Charge over Charge since it gives a bigger boost....
So pretty much Glad/Zor with Endless Battle + Berserker's Vow + Eth.Charge +
Singularity will be the best fuel for Regal Radiance
Second best... I think is Arb/Zor with Giant kill + Eth.Charge + Singularity

2. "The buffer/Regal Radiance user"
pretty much just buff your emitter with the correct elemental arm for weakness,
then use regal radiance to release it on the whole group...
I would recommend using Nin/Prin... 1 tp arms buff, and 3 tp Regal radiance...
secondly, you can bushin and be able to do arms > radiance all by yourself in
one turn (arms have higher priority than Radiance... so it will always fire)

With arb/Zor, it takes 1 turn to set up to do regal radiance every turn after
that:
turn1:
Arb/Zor: Eth.Charge
Ninja: Bushin

Turn 2 and on:
Arb/Zor: Eth.Charge
Ninja1: Arms
Ninja2: Regal radiance

With glad/Zor, it takes 2 turn to set up to do significantly more damage... but
needs to re-set up every 3turns (seriously though... stuff wont live that long,
and RR is not exactly the most efficient against FOE's that WOULD live that
long)
Turn1:
Glad/Zor: Berserker's Vow
Ninja: Bushin

Turn2:
Glad/Zor: Eth.Charge
Ninja1: attack order
Ninja2: any other buff (rest of the party)

Turn3:
Glad/Zor: Eth.Charge
Ninja1: Arms
Ninja2: Regal Radiance

Hopefully this explanation will enlighten you :D

. {Front Mortar [Arbalist]} + {Switch Stab [Hoplite]}. (Credits to the void and
Vinci4)
Explanation:  a row playing attack with Hoplite as core initiator. Put Hoplite
in front and Arbalist in the back. If your Hoplite is fast enough then he/she
can switch row with Arbalist to utilize max damage of Front Mortar.
Extended usage:
Turn 1
put Hoplite in the front. do anything
Arbalist/Gladiator on the back. Charge

turn 2
Hoplite. Switch Stab
Arbalist: Front Mortar

turn 3
Hoplite. Switch Stab
Arbalist. Charge

turn 4 repeat the turn 2 then turn 3

. {Second Sword [Shogun] + Swashbuckling [Buccaneer]. [Shogun/Buccaneer]} +
{Chaser skills [Buccaneer or Shogun]}. (Credits to: Ravage_MK2)
Explanation: Second Sword + Swashbuckling might caps you with 10 hits at max
and that can be chased with chaser skills (Use Warrior Might for best output).

.{Target All Skills [any class]} + {Warrior Might [Shogun] + Kaishaku [Shogun]
+ Bloody Lance [Shogun]}.
Explanation: basically a way to add extra hits to all target to shut them in.
this synergy only works with Warrior Might since it chase all skill (there’s
exception though). Kaishaku and Bloody Lance added for fueling the next Chase
damage. This synergy goes best with large low-life mob. Not that good with FOE
or single boss. Some of the target all skills that worth to be told: Gladiator
Rampage, Zodiac “Elemental” binary, Arbalist “Elemental” Barrage. And if you
are thinking of Bloody Lance and Kaishaku, don’t do Charge or Etheric Charge on
your damage dealer (chasers don’t get benefit from Charge) otherwise you might
end up overkill them.

. {Cloud Buster [Arbalist] + Charge [Gladiator]. [Arbalist/Gladi] or vice
versa} + {Blitz Command [Shogun]} + (Any Chase [Buccanerr] or [Shogun]).
Explanation: Almost all of the time you use Charge, you sometimes think that
the charge will be ‘eaten’ by Blitz Command thus negating top-up damage you
aim. And of course, you have to buff or change strategy a little to wait
‘charged’ party unleash their skills. With Cloud Buster + Charge strategy
you’ll have no worries. Blitz Command has higher priority thus always comes
early in turn (especially if you use Ninja/Shogun). Charge and Cloud Buster on
other hand has lower priority with Charge as the first and Cloud Buster as the
second. Of course that means right when you Charge it will be used up right
away when Cloud Buster pouring down. Thus, this can make you spam Blitz Command
on every turn without worrying damage loss. Additionally, you might include a
chaser to add more hits on 2nd turn)
Simulation:
Turn 1:
Shogun: Blitz Command
Arbalist/Gladiator: Cloud Buster
Chaser: buffing damage (Berserker Vow, Bravant, etc)


Turn 2:
Shogun: Blitz Command
Arbalist/Gladiator: Charge
Chaser: Chase!

Turn 3: repeat the turn 1
The chaser might not chase Blitz Command ordered attack but still... you gain
the benefit of every turn Blitz Command.

. {Pop Flares [Arbalist]}+ {Nine Smash [Gladiator] (+Charge [Gladiator])}.
(Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: Probably the only reliable way to make Nine Smash works. Blade
Rave seems superior in most situations. It is a substitution (or even addition)
of Proper Form + Nine Smash [Arbalist/Gladiator or Gladiator/Arbalist] but Pop
Flares gives better accuracuy (50% at max) than Passive Proper Form (35% at
Max). Yet, Pop Flares takes up 1 buff slot so this one is your call. To add it
up, Nine Smash level 10 rough your accuracy down to 45% per hit.

. {Kagerou level 1 [Ninja] + (Otori [Ninja])} + {Blood Return (Monk) or Avenger
(Gladiator) or {Bloody Lance (Shogun) + Kaishaku [Shogun]}. (Credits to CMoon)
Explanation: the Death of Kagerou actually activates 'if your ally death'
skills so it has synergy with skills stated above. Yet, Bloody Lance can only
be activated if you kill it with your own hand (via Kaishaku).

.{Otori [ninja]} + {Any wildling summons [Wildling] or Ambush Stance [Shogun]
or Counter [monk]}. (Credits to ViewtifulGene)
Explanation: the standard one turns to make your ready-countering-ally smacks
your enemies or changing targets to more HP loaded allies. Best summon to use
is of course the Lion to wake it up.

. {Ambush Stance [Shogun]} + {Makibishi [Ninja]}. (credits to: mp443556)
Explanation: mp443556 said "the ninja's counter with the shogun's counter works
for 2 attacks if one character gets hit, 4 if the entire row gets hit".

. {Makibishi [Ninja]} + {Counter/Retaliate [Monk]}. (credits to: mp443556)
Explanation: mp443556 said "the ninjas counter works with the monk's counter
for two attacks"

. {Dark Ether [Zodiac]} + {Dismiss Beast [Wildling]}. (Credits to Ogetsu)
Explanation: Have someone use Dark Ether when your wildling summons a monster
then Dismiss beast on second turn to gain TP. Dismiss Beast still recovers the
full cost of the summon, so you gain a good wad of TP from it. And best, your
summoned beast still makes an attack on the first turn.

.{Fire/Shock/Freeze Arms [Prince(ss)]} + {Chase (Element) [Buccaneer]}.
(Credits to Sir Fuzzi)
Explanation: best used on early games. Exploit weakness and adding extra damage.

. {Fore Honor [Shogun]} + {Bunshin [Ninja] + Nikudan [Ninja] + (Otori [Ninja])}.
Explanation: synergy to make your Ninja clone targeted, being attacked, and
hopefully dies so Nikudan will activate. Fore Honour reduces your defense so
it's best to wear down your Ninja Clone. Yet, you gained attack which is good
for your Nikudan damage. The 1st turn properties might come in handy too.

.{Fore Honor [Shogun]} + {Counter/Retaliate [monk]} + {Otori [Ninja]}.
Explanation: a way to increase monk activation Counter with speeding it up
(*cough* Hoplite/Monk *cough*). Otori is almost a sure fire to make Monk get
attacked. Just hope you'll not miss on guessing element or physical... or in
best term, best used on
you-already-know-that-it-doesn't-have-two-kind-of-attack.

.{Strange Seeds [Farmer]} + {Sharpshooter [Arbalist]}
Explanation: standard bind + skill attacking synergy. I put this out here since
Sharpshooter has the lowest priority so it will wait until strange seeds done
(and hopefully binds one part so it will take damage). Strange seeds might bind
3 parts and therefore is most reliable bind-infliction-status in EO III...yet,
binding and ailments is a pale comparison to debuff especially to bosses and
FOE. However, this synergy is good for normal encounter and cheap TP usage.

. {Summon Owl [Wildling]} + {Suikyo [Ninja]}. (Credits: the_rowan)
Explanation: good way to spread status. Let’s just hope that the Suikyo Caster
is slower than Wildling. And hopefully your target goes to sleep and not
disturbed before you transfer the status with Suikyo. Please remember that
Suikyo level 10 equals to 100% transfer status. Might need two turns for better
usage with the first turn just beefing up your party and attempt to ailment
enemy while second turn unleashing the Suikyo.

.{Summon Cow/Elephant [Wildling]} + {Suikyo [Ninja]} + {Snipe [Arbalist]}.
(Credits: the_rowan)
Explanation: now, this is way to harass status and better yet, utilizing Snipe
from Arbalist. Since cow giving paralysis (and elephant confusion) that means
it should be at least two turn effect. Thus it is easier to use rather than
owl. Or otherwise, of course, you can just cast Suikyo for your own convenience.

==Through own class==
Basic Description: you gain this synergy in your own class and without having
to sub-class.

.Brave Heart [Farmer] + Play Possum [Farmer].
Explanation: a kinky way for farmer to obtain TP. Brave Heart activates when
your HP are full thus you mustn’t get attacked so Play Possum (lowering your
chance getting attacked) is the key. It’s quite funny how brave you are when
you play dead ;). The synergy more effective if there’s another party member in
front row who has bulk HP. Just like Royal Veil, this synergy breaks against
enemies who has target all type of attack.

. Overheat [Yggdroid] + Switch
Explanation: Overheat does not activate on changing position. Sadly, Switch
Stab does not have effect on this synergy so we can’t abuse this synergy. In
other words, this is merely almost a preventive-useless way to waste turn.

. Royal Lineage [Prince] + Nobility Proof [Prince] + Prevent Order [Prince].
Explanation: Prevent Order add your TP since it’s a buff. Prevent Order is
considered end after nullified any status ailment so it’s a good way to
increase TP through Nobility Proof. The higher the level of Prevent Order =
less TP consumption. The higher the level of Nobility Proof = more TP gained
through buff ended.

. Royal Veil [Prince] + Reinforce [Prince] + Any Any buff (Arms or Order)
[Prince] + Royal Lineage [Prince] + (Nobility Proof [Prince].
Explanation: decent ways of keeping the HP in full check by buffing. Might be
good on early games but the benefit degrades as you advance further due to
inferior healing of Royal Veil and Reinforce. Has additional function to add TP
with Nobility proof since its based around buffing.

.Summon Lion + anything that wakes it up. (Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: surely you can wake-your own lion with item or luck.

.Trickster [Buccaneer] + Quick Draw/Hanging [Buccaneer]. [main Buccaneer only].
(Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: basically TP recharge, makes Trickster maxed and let Quick
Draw/Hanging at level 1. When you’re in low TP just use this skill to add TP.</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
Best used after Heavy TP usage skills such as Pincushion or as battery for
chaser skills.

. Swashbuckling [Buccaneer] + Lady Luck [Buccaneer] + Limit Boost [Buccaneer].
Explanation: each hit adds your limit and since Swashbuckling is normal attack
then Lady Luck which improves critical is best companion.

. {Bunshin [Ninja] + Otori [Ninja]} + Sarutobi level 5 [Ninja]
Explanation: a quick strategic way to evade/nullify attack using bunshin as
decoy. give Otori to your Clone and let your Clone spam Sarutobi.

. Provoke [Hoplite] or Bodyguard [Hoplite] + Parry/Magic Parry [Hoplite]
Explanation: Standard Hoplite way to nullify damage while taking enemy attack.
You might already know this... but I stated here just to make sure nothing is
left.

FAILED SYNERGY
==Through Sub Classing==
Brief Description: the synergy stated here are the one you should keep in mind
while sub classing because it conflict with each others.

.Rocket Jump [Yggdroid] + Spear Skills [Hoplite]. [Yggdroid/Hoplite]. (Credits
to Lourde Incarnadine).
Explanation: Rocket Jump binds leg so it will render any Spear skill useless.
This synergy can be extended into other Yggdroid skills like Rocket Punch + any
other skill that use arms. However, since Yggdroid has Sleep Mode that gain TP
via bind then this synergy is a borderline between failed and success. Failed
as: render skills and having additional turn to recover bind. Success: has a
way to recover bind and recover TP.

Bunshin [Ninja] + Summon Bots [Yggdroid]. [Yggdroid Ninja]. (Credits to
OverlordXantt)
Explanation: the founder of the synergy said ”If you have a Yggdroid/Ninja with
bunshin and the bots.
If you make your clone(s) summon the robots and it dies (Or is Tagen Battou'd
away) the bots disappear. So you can't make clones summons the bots and then
Taggen Battou then Shoot the next turn because the majority of the bots will
have disappeared.”

. Night Vision [Arbalist] + Magatoki [Shogun]. [Arbalist/Shogun or
Shogun/Arbalist].
Explanation: Critical does not affects Skills. So night vision does not improve
anything in Magatoki even at night.

.Kagerou [Ninja] + Ascetic Rewards [Monk]. [Ninja/Monk or Monk/Ninja].
Explanation: Ascetic Rewards only activate once in a battle. Almost close to
non-failed one if you aim for random encounter only.

. Overheat [Yggdroid] + Swashbucklig [Buccaneer]. [Yggdroid/Buccaneer].
(Credits to: Khundes)
Explanation: Overheat triggers basically every time the Yggdroid takes an
action. This includes: Using a Limit, Defending, every single attack round and
using a skill. Swashbuckling counts as many attack rounds, so Overheat triggers
every time. Basically this wears down your Yggdroid FAST. This is similar on:
Blitz Command and Ambush Stance. Forced attack from Blitz Command made Overheat
active and vice versa for Ambush Stance.

.Tagen Battou + Trickster + Clone [Buccaneer/Ninja]
Explanation: the idea revolves on restoring TP loss through cloning with all
clones activates the Trickster [Buccaneer]. However, Scy046 said “As far as
Tagen Battou is concerned here, it's only triggered once per use; you don't get
as many triggers as you have clones that get eaten by it. They both do trigger
with each Clone use, though, but Trickster really won't net any TP gain, just
offset the cost. That said, it's not like you need it since most Tagen Battou
set ups are relying on the one use killing things.”

.Tagen Battou [Ninja] + Ascetic Deeds [Monk] + Bunshin [Ninja]. [Ninja/Monk] or
[Monk/Ninja]. (credits to Vinci4 for idea and Scy046 for telling where the
wrong part is):
Explanation: the idea revolves on restoring HP loss through cloning with all
clones activates the Ascetic Deeds [Monk]. However, just like above post said,
it doesn’t work that way





.Bunshin[Ninja] + Persistence [Farmer]. [Ninja/Farmer or Farmer/Ninja].(Credits
to: Sandor_Clause)
Explanation: Persistence is not activated due to clone just disappear (not dead)

. Charge [Gladiator] + Swashbuckling [Buccaneer] or Second Sword [Shogun].
[Gladiator/Buccaneer or vice versa or Shogun/Gladiator]
Explanation: Charge only affect on the first hit of either Swashbuckling or
Second sword. The latter hit will considered as non-charged attack.

. Sarutobi [Ninja] or Parry/Magic Parry [Hoplite] + Karuwaza [Ninja]. (Credits
to Scy046)
Explanation: Scy046 said “Sarutobi (i.e., Parry-esque skills) and Evasion are
separate checks and Karuzawa requires the Evasion check to pass.”

.Nine Smash [Gladiator] + Double Action [Arbalist]. [Gladiator/Arbalist or
Arbalist/Gladiator].
Explanation: Double Action does not double multiple hits but instead adding
just 1 hit! So, this synergy is failed too for 5-Rings Swords.

.Binded status + Sympathy Pain [Farmer]. [Yggdroid/Farmer](Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: Sympathy Pain does not work on binds thus it's a major flaw for
Yggdroid/Farmer. Anyhow, this scales the same, never use Sympathy Pain when
you’re bound.

.Counter [Monk] with [Hoplite/monk] (Credits to: Rekua)
Explanation: sure it's fancy to think that Hoplite, the tough and beefy, can
even have more protection with Counter. But, this synergy failed in one aspect
which is SPEED DEPARTMENT. Counter has to be activated first and Hoplite
agility is pale comparison to other class (might say the worst of all) so
sometimes the Counter skill will only activate near end turn which the enemy
has already ended their attack session. Of course, if you want to farm speed
book then the problem might be solved. Or, you can have fore honor or
knighthood to make it sure 1st turn.

==Through Limit==
Basic Description: Never think Limit as live saver only. Limit might obstruct
your strategy too. And Synergies that stated in here are fact that should be
kept in mind.

. Bunshin [Ninja] + 1 person Limit
Explanation: If both of you and your Clone are full then one of them do Limit
then both of Limit bar are depleted. Not to mention that if either one uses
Limit, it renders the other one to use it. A real wasted effort. So keep in
mind that you should not take Second wind, Indomitable, or Lucky Hammer on your
Ninja if you plan to Bunshin.

. Regroup Tactic [Limit] + Protect Order [Prince/ss].
Explanation: both buff not stack and overwrite each other... yet both occupied
buff slot. Regroup Tactic basically is Protect Order level 1 (and affected by
TEC and Form Qi) with Refresh level 7 (all target). The one casted later will
overwrite before. So if you have Regroup Tactic then cast Protect Order then
the Protect Order is active (you have no Refresh at the start of the turn).
Keep this in mind otherwise you’ll mess up your party’s life.

==Through Equipment==
Basic Description: just like successful synergy. A failed Synergy over
Equipment.

. {Blitz Command [Shogun]} + {status/bind forged on weapon}. (Credits to
SielCiel).
Explanation: status/bind effect is not going to affect any attack from Blitz
Command. So never goes with all-forged status ailments when you plan to create
a Blitz Command team.

. Second sword [Shogun] + Warrior's Might [shogun] + Club Mastery [Gladiator] +
Limit Forged Weapon. [Shogun/Gladiator]. (Credits to: milkman2002)
Explanation: the Idea actually revolve around abusing Limit with second slot
(off hand slot) by using the Limit Forge with Warrior’s Might on act. yet it
fails.

here's the better explanation from the originator:
"Equip the club with the 8 LIM. and another sword, club in second slot. Fails,
and Limit goes up only a little. So sad, free Immortal every two turns would be
fun..."

==Through Own Class==
Basic Description: The no-no strategy when you build your own class.

.Lullaby [Farmer] + Sympathy Pain [Farmer]. (Credits to: TheGodScythe)
Explanation: “well... how come you can cast sympathy pain when you are asleep.”
before that comment, i 'thought' that this combo is great but after seeing
again... i realize that sympathy pain is an active skill not passive. So,
failed as it is. Hopefully you will not get tricked over this one...

.Kagerou [Ninja] + Nikudan [Ninja].
Explanation: Nikudan does not work on Kagerou.

.Kagerou [Ninja] + Taggen Battou [Ninja]
Explanation: same as above.

.Any Chaser not using Shogun. (Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: it’s pretty much comparing between Buccaneer Chaser vs Warrior
Might. Buccaneer chaser has % activation so it might not chase some attack even
though the condition is met. Warrior Might, however always chase every attack
thus is better. But do not forget that Warrior Might reduces your defense
during activation on that turn.

.Anything involving Fist skills is not optimal for DPS lategate. (Credits to
DHTrio)
Explanation: in end to post game, the damage comes from Fist mastery and it
skills is pale comparison toward other weapon. Unless you cap your STR to 99...

==Through Team Work==
Brief Description: the most extensive part of Failed Synergy. Some of them are
quite shocking while some will considered fatal minor mistakes that sometimes
we take upon playing. See for yourself.

. {Bind status} + {Bind Cut [Gladiator]} on bosses/FOE. (Credits to DHTrio)
Explanation: Anything involving Bind Cut doesn't really work, since bosses
resist and recover from binds way too fast. Not to mention, it seems that
bosses or enemy gain resistance for ailment if they’ve gotten once... like
having immunization for awhile.

. {Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun]} + {Warrior Might [Shogun]}. (Credits to:
Scy046)
Explanation: the Warrior Might just chase one attack from Blitz Command since
it's considered a skill not a normal attack even if Blitz Formation forces
other to do 'normal' attack.

. {Ascetic Deeds [Monk]} + {Dark Ether [Zodiac]}. (Credits to Khundes [for
initial idea and pointer] and _Dagger_ [for solution check].
Explanation: Ascetic Deeds will not kick in because Dark Ether blocks the TP
consumption. It still in hypothesis though, the real reason is yet unknown.
Might be said as bug or intentional bug to make this combo less overpowered.

.  {Ambush Stance [Shogun]} + {Counter [Monk]}. credits to: mp443556)
Explanation: mp443556 said "the shoguns counter cancels out the monks for one
attack"

.{Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun]} + {Passive of Normal Attack from other
party}.(Credits to: Scy046)
Explanation:  Blitz Command does not activate 'normal attack' passive skill
such as Second Sword, Stun Attack, Swashbuckling, etc from your party. So
basically Blitz Command is just like empty-glass-of-gang-beating.

. {Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun]} + {Passive that affect skills on other
party}.
Explanation: Blitz Command doesn’t triggers passive skills that affect skills
(physical type) such as double action or Wild Swings.
However as stated above, elementals (and the passive that related with it)
works on forced attack of Blitz Command.

. {Charge [Gladiator]} + {Forced Attack from Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun]}.
Explanation: minor mistakes that comes up in Blitz Command (but it might good).
Charge is taking effect and used up when Blitz Command issued. So, if you want
to Charge + Nine Smash then be remember not to Blitz Command. Otherwise, your
Charge will only goes for one normal attack (that has no weapon mastery in it
or any physical related masteries). However, if you just want a normal beefed
attack you can just spam your charge and let the blitz command take control of
your attack. So you can have each turn all-charged-attack. So it’s a border
between Failed and Successful... depends on how you see it.

. Etheric Charge [Zodiac] + Meteor [Zodiac].
Explanation: Etheric Charge affects elemental damage. While Meteor property is
Slash/Pierce/Blunt. So, Etheric Charge is wasted.

. {Etheric Charge [Zodiac] + elemental Forged Weapon + {Forced Attack from
Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun]}.
Explanation: Similarly, if your weapon has Elemental, then Etheric Charge will
affect its attack so your Etheric Charge is used and gone. However, if your
weapon does not have elemental forged then Etheric Charge does not take effect
nor used up. Keep this failed (or not) synergy on your head. It might useful
(...or not)

.Etheric Charge [Zodiac] or Charge [Gladiator] on 1st turn + any command that
is not correlated to Charge/Etheric charge increased damage.
Explanation: Common mistakes taken when Charge/Etheric charge. When you intend
to Charge/Etheric charge, never use any command except corresponding attack
otherwise the game says that the charge is taken effect and used up. So when
you charge then you accidentally use limit [any] tactic, then the charge is
wasted.
Note: Charge/Etheric Charge does not work on skill that does not do direct
damage. Such skill is: Any Tactic Limit, Any Order, Buffing skills, Summons,
and Set-Up skill. Set-up Skill is mostly the one that mislead. We might think
that Charge affects Warrior Might, but in actual, it’s not!
Here is the list of Set-up skills:
Counter/Retaliate [Monk], Chaser [Shogun with Warrior Might or Any Chase
attribute with Buccaneer], Cloud buster [Arbalist], Snipe/Sharpshooter
[Arbalist], Blitz Command/Fusillade [Shogun], Ambush Stance [Shogun], Makibishi
[Ninja].
Stun, confused, petrify and death also consider you taking next action so it
used up Charge/Etheric Charge.
Note1: there’s exception for Etheric Charge on Blitz Command/Fusillade.
Note2: there’s another exception is for Cloud Buster as seen on ==through
subclass== synergy.

==Credits==
1. God. What else can I say beside thank you for the life you gave to us so we
can play this great game :D
2. Atlus who develop and Translate this great game so that we (outside of
Japan) can play and understand :D
3. CJayC. For Owning the Gamefaqs.
4. People of Etrian Odyssey III board. Especially those who submit idea, those
who corrects me, and telling me much of cool information.
5. Me? Should I get credit?