=============================================================================== ----------\ Way of the Samurai 3 /---------- ----------\ Special Weapon Parts Guide /---------- ----------\ Version 1.00 /---------- ----------\ Last Updated 11/30/09 /---------- ----------\ By: Hanzaemon_ /---------- =============================================================================== ******************* *TABLE OF CONTENTS* ******************* [A] General Information [B] Guide Version History [C] Introduction [D] Guide's Structure [E] Note Before Reading [F] What Are Weapon Parts? [G] Special Weapon Parts [G.1] Blades [G.2] Guards [G.3] Grips [G.4] Pommels [H] Stop the Runners! [I] Buying Parts from the Fabled Merchant: The List of Parts [J] Trading With the Merchant: The Gold Standard [K] Setting Priorities and Dual Wielding [L] Conclusions =============================================================================== [A] ********************* *GENERAL INFORMATION* ********************* Title: Way of the Samurai 3 Platform: PlayStation 3 Developer: Acquire Publisher: Agetec Inc. Release Date: October 13, 2009 (US) =============================================================================== [B] *********************** *GUIDE VERSION HISTORY* *********************** Version 1.00 - 11/30/2009 - Guide fully composed. =============================================================================== [C] ************** *INTRODUCTION* ************** This is a guide for the special and rare weapon parts in the game "Way of the Samurai 3". The intention of this guide is to provide gamers with vital information to enable the acquisition of particular special weapon parts. In so doing, these parts will be catalogued for easy reference, and to allow one to obtain the parts necessary for creating a spectacular weapon. In writing this guide, I have researched all information to the best of my ability. Please understand that since this information comes from personal experience, it may not be an exhaustive list. While I cannot be 100% certain that it is, I am confident that it is very inclusive. =============================================================================== [D] ******************* *GUIDE'S STRUCTURE* ******************* The concept behind this guide is to allow insight into the information behind rare or special weapon parts. Therefore, the first heading will be "Part Name", which will simply identify the part in question. Should the word (Rare) appear after the name, it indicates that the part in question will not appear as frequently as others. The second heading will be "From", which will outline the character one must defeat in order to obtain the part. The third heading will be "Difficulty", which identifies the difficulty setting on which one must be playing in order to obtain the weapon part. The final heading will be "Stats", which will label the general statistics assigned to each part. Since parts have multiple stats, the classification will be as such: W=Weight. A=Attack. DEF=Defense. DUR=Durability. Q=Quality. SP=Skill Points. =============================================================================== [E] ********************* *NOTE BEFORE READING* ********************* There are a few clarifications about this guide to make before progression is made to the material itself. To start, please understand that this guide will not include every weapon part available in the game. Instead, it outlines the special parts. Also be forgiving if it is found that a special part is missing from this guide. I have researched this very thoroughly, but because there is no in-game checklist for weapon parts, it is difficult to be truly certain that everything has been discovered. Please note also that difficulty affects the part dropped, which is why the guide segregates the difficulty settings from one another. Generally speaking, the higher difficulties produce better weapon parts. While this is a fact, it applies primarily to common parts. Special weapon parts are specific to respective difficulties. I would also ask that you acknowledge the fact that the statistics of weapon parts are not fixed. Parts will have random stats within a particular range. Therefore, the stats I provide are simply an example of the general expectation one can hope to see from a particular special weapon part. Stats such as weight, and quality are almost always the same on a part regardless of the random stat generation, while attack, defense, durability and skill points are attributes that will constantly vary. Finally, once the NPC in question has been slain, it is important to remember to search the dead body using the X button. While a part may not drop, it is still possible to acquire that part from the body. Other characters will express their disapproval of this action, but that in itself does not affect your game in any adverse way. So do not hesitate to maximize your chances! =============================================================================== [F] ************************ *WHAT ARE WEAPON PARTS?* ************************ Weapon parts are items found from various people and places throughout the game, and are an individual part of a weapon. There are 4 types of weapon parts: Blades, Guards, Grips, and Pommels. Each weapon part found will have its own stats, and the purpose of these parts is weapon creation. When you take weapon parts to the Blacksmith, you can use them in combination to create a brand new weapon. The statistics found on each individual part will either be added or subtracted from the created weapon. So in order to create a weapon of your very own, it is imperative that one collects and combines the best weapon parts possible. =============================================================================== [G] ********************** *SPECIAL WEAPON PARTS* ********************** Here is a list of the special weapon parts in "Way of the Samurai 3". They are categorized by the specific type of part. Also, all parts within a category have been alphabetized, so if one is looking for a specific part, it should not be difficult to find. [G.1] -------- -BLADES- -------- Part Name: Alcea Rosea Small Blade From: Araragi Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:8 DEF:-12 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:73 Part Name: Arcane Asuka Blade From: Zaji Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:3 DEF:2 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:78 Part Name: Black Lacquer Blade (Rare) From: Setsuen Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:11 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:51 Part Name: Dawn Blade From: Kirie Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:27 DEF:23 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:25 Part Name: Deadly Blade (Rare) From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:-21 DEF:18 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:100 Part Name: Deity of Cloud Long Blade From: Genjuro Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:12 DEF:-1 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:42 Part Name: Deity of Earth Long Blade From: Genjuro Difficulty: Instant Kill Stats: W:1 A:12 DEF:2 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Earth Dragon's Blade From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:16 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Glorious Small Blade From: Osei Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:3 DEF:-1 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:78 Part Name: Gold Rusty Blade (Rare) From: Genjuro Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:1 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: Gold Tiger Blade From: Shuzen Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:15 DEF:-3 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:84 Part Name: Green Spear Blade From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:1 A:22 DEF:3 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:110 Part Name: Himon Blade From: Itsuse Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:8 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:58 Part Name: Lion Long Blade From: Genjuro Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:1 A:14 DEF:13 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:73 Part Name: Murakumo Moon Blade From: Shinnosuke Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:2 DEF:3 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:89 Part Name: Rasetsu Spear Blade From: Yuma Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:3 DEF:-2 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:42 Part Name: Shingi Blade (Rare) From: Sensei Difficulty: Any Stats: W:0 A:-20 DEF:-20 DUR:2 Q:2 SP:138 Part Name: Silver Dragon Blade From: Shuzen Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:-6 DEF:13 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:88 [G.2] -------- -GUARDS- -------- Part Name: Arcane Asuka Guard From: Zaji Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:16 DEF:7 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:79 Part Name: Butterfly Guard From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-7 DEF:-11 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:96 Part Name: Dawn Guard From: Kirie Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:8 DEF:4 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:88 Part Name: Dipsacus Guard From: Araragi Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-10 DEF:7 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:79 Part Name: Glorious Guard (Rare) From: Osei Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:2 DEF:2 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:75 Part Name: Kagetsu Guard From: Shinnosuke Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-24 DEF:-23 DUR:2 Q:2 SP:114 Part Name: Lightning Dragon Guard From: Shuzen Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-10 DEF:-12 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:102 Part Name: Ninja Sword Guard From: Itsuse Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:72 Part Name: Rasetsu Spear Guard From: Yuma Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Rouge Moon Guard From: Fabled Merchant Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-17 DEF:-19 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:115 Part Name: Shadow Flower Guard (Rare) From: Setsuen Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:2 A:20 DEF:20 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Simple Guard From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-27 DEF:12 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:97 Part Name: Wind Tiger Guard (Rare) From: Shuzen Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-18 DEF:-10 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:100 [G.3] ------- -GRIPS- ------- Part Name: Arcane Asuka Grip From: Zaji Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:6 DEF:21 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: Autumn Spear Grip From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:1 A:1 DEF:15 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: Cloud Shadow Small Grip (Rare) From: Fabled Merchant Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:-42 DEF:-38 DUR:2 Q:3 SP:125 Part Name: Dawn Grip From: Kirie Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:5 DEF:5 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:72 Part Name: Deity of Fire Grip From: Fabled Merchant Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:1 A:1 DEF:10 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Devil Bone Grip From: Itsuse Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:11 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:23 Part Name: Earth Grip From: Shuzen Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:1 A:3 DEF:16 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:78 Part Name: Falcon Wing Grip From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:0 DEF:11 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: Feverfew Grip From: Itsuse Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:4 DEF:17 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:74 Part Name: Floral Small Grip From: Araragi Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:-11 DEF:6 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:73 Part Name: Glorious Small Grip From: Osei Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:0 DEF:1 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:70 Part Name: Glowing Spear Grip From: Fabled Merchant Difficulty: Instant Kill Stats: W:1 A:-1 DEF:17 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:79 Part Name: Green Bark Spear Grip From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:9 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:47 Part Name: Heaven Grip From: Shuzen Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:1 A:0 DEF:15 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: Konpira Grip (Rare) From: Setsuen Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:18 DEF:-58 DUR:1 Q:3 SP:96 Part Name: Purple Cloth Spear Grip From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:2 A:1 DEF:21 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:90 Part Name: Rasetsu Spear Grip From: Yuma Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:29 DEF:-29 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:91 Part Name: Tarnish Grip From: Shinnosuke Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:0 DEF:16 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:61 [G.4] --------- -POMMELS- --------- Part Name: Arcane Asuka Pommel From: Zaji Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:92 Part Name: Bright Moon Pommel From: Shinnosuke Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:-10 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:71 Part Name: Dawn Pommel From: Kirie Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:6 DEF:5 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:51 Part Name: Falling Blossom Pommel (Rare) From: Setsuen Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:13 DEF:-6 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:78 Part Name: Glorious Pommel (Rare) From: Osei Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:-1 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:70 Part Name: Golden Pommel From: Shuzen Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:1 A:-21 DEF:45 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:113 Part Name: Guarding Pommel From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:-4 DEF:10 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Hawk Nest Pommel From: Dojima (Younger) Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-7 DEF:5 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:76 Part Name: Hsien Blade Pommel From: Fabled Merchant Difficulty: Hard Stats: W:0 A:-1 DEF:-2 DUR:2 Q:3 SP:28 Part Name: Leptospermum Pommel From: Araragi Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:0 A:6 DEF:-10 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:71 Part Name: Rasetsu Spear Pommel (Rare) From: Yuma Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-34 DEF:32 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:95 Part Name: Steel Shaving Spear Pommel From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Instant Kill Stats: W:0 A:-13 DEF:-12 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:76 Part Name: Three-Eyed Spear Pommel From: Dojima (Older) Difficulty: Normal, Instant Kill Stats: W:1 A:4 DEF:14 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:73 Part Name: White Silver Pommel (Rare) From: Shuzen Difficulty: Easy Stats: W:1 A:44 DEF:-19 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:110 =============================================================================== [H] ******************* *STOP THE RUNNERS!* ******************* While collecting special weapon parts from NPCs, you will eventually encounter those that refuse to fight. Araragi, Osei, and Setsuen in particular will attempt to flee from you the second you strike, making it difficult to acquire the parts they drop. Araragi and Osei are a bit less of a threat since they run much slower than you, which gives you ample time to catch, and slay them. However, Setsuen's running speed equals that of your own, which means that if he flees, he is gone. On Instant Kill, runners are obviously a non-issue. Simply stab them once and they go down. For the other difficulties however, I suggest using a weapon with a special move that grabs the opponent (these are usually performed by pressing back + R1 + triangle). Since enemies without weapons drawn cannot be targeted, these grab moves reduce the failure rate other strikes see due to involuntary strafing from the target. Personally, I used the Reihou-Masakuni (with both attack and defense over 150) for this task. It has a move that knocks the opponent down, then stabs them on the ground. This move helps to keep the would-be runner on the ground (and therefore still), and allows for repetition until the target is dead. Araragi and Osei have reduced health capacities, so their deaths should come relatively quick on any difficulty setting. Setsuen on the other hand, will eventually draw his sword when enough damage is inflicted. If you can cross that threshold and make him draw his weapon, then you no longer have to concern yourself with the threat of his retreat. Regardless of the method chosen, I would recommend making the opening strike in the back. This helps disable premature departure. =============================================================================== [I] ********************************************************** *BUYING PARTS FROM THE FABLED MERCHANT: THE LIST OF PARTS* ********************************************************** Weapon parts can be bought from several merchants in the game, but the Fabled Merchant sells more rare and special parts than any other. The parts he has in stock will depend on the day in question. His stock changes every day over a 10 day period. This means that his stock will change every day between days 1-10, then on the 11th day, his stock will revert back to that of the first day, at which point the cycle begins anew. This section lists all of the parts the Fabled Merchant carries, the days on which they are in stock, as well as the price for which they are sold. Note also that the statistics follow the same structure as the rest of the guide above. When purchasing weapon parts, the difficulty is irrelevant. The same parts will appear on the same days regardless of difficulty, and the prices will remain the same as well. The easiest way to get the Fabled Merchant to appear is to complete 3 inklings. When this is done, he will appear on his boat at the Road. If a particular day is desired for visiting the Fabled Merchant, simply complete 3 inklings on day 1, then sleep until the day with desired inventory is reached. As long as the story is not progressed beyond this point, it is a guarantee that his shop will remain open. ------- -DAY 1- ------- Part Name: Gold Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:1 A:20 DEF:-4 DUR:3 Q:1 SP:93 Part Name: Square Steel Guard Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:1 A:2 DEF:39 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:46 Part Name: Black Grip Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:0 DEF:4 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:79 Part Name: Gold Dyed Pommel Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:3 DEF:12 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:53 ------- -DAY 2- ------- Part Name: Shark-Fin Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:29 DEF:2 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:51 Part Name: Shark Jaw Guard Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:13 DEF:-14 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:72 Part Name: Shark Eye Grip Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:12 DEF:-22 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:84 Part Name: Shark Tail Pommel Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:12 DEF:-8 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:75 ------- -DAY 3- ------- Part Name: Harmful Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:20 DEF:0 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Dragonfly Wing Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:-44 DUR:2 Q:2 SP:104 Part Name: Dragonfly Eye Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-4 DEF:9 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:72 Part Name: Dragonfly Head Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:9 DEF:5 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:70 ------- -DAY 4- ------- Part Name: Kagetsu Blade Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:14 DEF:7 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:114 Part Name: Hawk Eye Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:11 DEF:-4 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:81 Part Name: Falconry Guard Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-43 DEF:-27 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:122 Part Name: Falcon Wing Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:3 DEF:8 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:70 Part Name: Hawk Nest Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-13 DEF:5 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:75 ------- -DAY 5- ------- Part Name: Phantasm Pommel Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:22 DEF:13 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:64 Part Name: Cloud Small Blade Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-25 DEF:-28 DUR:1 Q:3 SP:71 Part Name: Tarnish Guard Cost: 500 yen Stats: W:0 A:-17 DEF:-23 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:95 Part Name: Cloud Shadow Small Grip Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-44 DEF:-39 DUR:1 Q:3 SP:129 Part Name: Summer Cloud Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:1 DEF:7 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:78 ------- -DAY 6- ------- Part Name: Zetsumon Spear Guard Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:27 DEF:28 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:67 Part Name: Funny Bone Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:14 DEF:-3 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:74 Part Name: Bad Bone Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-2 DEF:-38 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:96 Part Name: Devil Bone Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-3 DEF:14 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:30 Part Name: Evil Bone Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:16 DEF:12 DUR:2 Q:2 SP:73 ------- -DAY 7- ------- Part Name: Deity of Forest Long Blade Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-8 DEF:4 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:95 Part Name: Black Steel Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:37 DEF:-2 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:72 Part Name: Black Steel Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:1 A:5 DEF:10 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:114 Part Name: Black Steel Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:3 DEF:14 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:105 Part Name: Black Steel Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:1 A:3 DEF:14 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:73 ------- -DAY 8- ------- Part Name: Mallet Small Grip Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-21 DEF:24 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:78 Part Name: Cavern Long Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:18 DEF:-3 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:41 Part Name: Cavern Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:19 DEF:14 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:107 Part Name: Cavern Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:1 A:1 DEF:17 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:87 Part Name: Cavern Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:2 A:11 DEF:16 DUR:3 Q:1 SP:75 ------- -DAY 9- ------- Part Name: Deity of Forest Grip Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-6 DEF:35 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:82 Part Name: Reach Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:27 DEF:0 DUR:3 Q:1 SP:78 Part Name: Forged-Iron Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-3 DEF:21 DUR:3 Q:1 SP:40 Part Name: Steel Grip Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:1 A:-2 DEF:33 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:69 Part Name: Ippatsu Pommel Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:4 DEF:9 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:77 -------- -DAY 10- -------- Part Name: Shadow Moon Pommel Cost: 4,000 yen Stats: W:3 A:0 DEF:4 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:110 Part Name: Oniyuri Long Blade Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:19 DEF:2 DUR:2 Q:2 SP:35 Part Name: Thistle Guard Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:17 DEF:-9 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:92 Part Name: Hell Cherry Grip Cost: 2,000 yen Stats: W:0 A:-3 DEF:11 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:59 Part Name: Demon Pommel Cost: 2,000 Stats: W:0 A:-11 DEF:-17 DUR:1 Q:2 SP:75 =============================================================================== [J] ********************************************** *TRADING WITH THE MERCHANT: THE GOLD STANDARD* ********************************************** Included in the Merchant's inventory is a secret sort of stock that can only be acquired through a trade. More specifically, the Fabled Merchant will give you rare weapon parts in exchange for something equally as rare: Golden Eggs. In order to initiate a trade with the Fabled Merchant, one must approach him with Golden Eggs in the items inventory. Then when he asks if you would like to see his products, choose "Show me". Once this is done, back out of the conversation, then talk to the Fabled Merchant a second time. This time, there will be a new option that says, "Don't you have anything rarer?" Choose this, and he will explain that he does, but that they are items with which he cannot part. When prompted, select "Never mind, then", and he will then suggest a trade for your Golden Eggs. Once you agree to the terms of the deal, a selection of 4 items will appear; 1 being a weapon, and the other 3 being weapon parts. Here is a display of the 3 weapon parts: Part Name: Red Cloud Jagged Blade Stats: W:0 A:19 DEF:-11 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:92 Eggs Needed to Trade: 4 Golden Eggs Part Name: Deity Free Long Blade Stats: W:0 A:-26 DEF:49 DUR:2 Q:1 SP:50 Eggs Needed to Trade: 6 Golden Eggs Part Name: Thorn Spear Blade Stats: W:0 A:-19 DEF:-26 DUR:1 Q:1 SP:113 Eggs Needed to Trade: 8 Golden Eggs =============================================================================== [K] ************************************** *SETTING PRIORITIES AND DUAL WIELDING* ************************************** The intention of this section is to simply provide a quick assessment of the priorities to consider when parts are collected, and a new weapon is ready to be produced. No one can tell you what you prioritize in a weapon, or in the parts you use. Only you can make that determination for yourself. However, some advice I would offer is to really analyze what it is you want from your created weapon. For example, perhaps you want a very good move set. If this is the case, you will need to prioritize Skill Points. However, you will soon notice that those parts with a high Skill Point capacity have negative stats. Therefore, you may want to look for parts that offer high Skill Points, as well as higher Quality to help offset the stat penalty in the upgrading process. Another consideration to make is using a part with decent or good stats to offset the part with the large penalty. This approach will require a more average amount of Skill Points, but it is something to consider when making priorities. Durability should not be of high priority. I would argue that it should actually never be thought about. This is due to the simple fact that low durability is an issue that can be corrected by the Blacksmith, and a durability that is initially low is not necessarily a permanent stat. One will also notice that weapon parts with high Attack and Defense stats will generally have lower Qualities, and lower Skill Points. The high stats will often offset the low Quality, so it is something to think about for sure. That, and how much time you want to invest in the upgrading process to obtain the absolute best upgrades possible. If you do not want to spend much time, then high stats are somewhat of a shortcut. But, lower end Skill Points is also a priority for consideration. Do you want a large move set, or are you content with merely one or two decent/good moves? Again, another option is to mix and match different types of parts to offset negative effects. Be careful of the weight involved in parts as well. Different people have different opinions of heavier weapons, but it is very easy to overlook this attribute when considering other stats. So just take care in maintaining your desired weight, or you will have an unpleasant surprise after creation. Lastly is a quick word on Dual Stances. The fact that the Dual Stance skill set is connected to the player and not to individual swords means that swords created solely for Dual Stance purposes can disregard Skill Points entirely. Therefore, if you are using weapon parts to create Dual Stance or Ninja Dual Stance weapons, I suggest ignoring Skill Points, and concentrating more on Attack, Defense and Quality. =============================================================================== [L] ************* *CONCLUSIONS* ************* With the special weapon parts now having been acknowledged and elaborated upon, this is the end of this Special Weapon Parts Guide. It was definitely a pleasure to compose this guide, and I hope above all else that it helps otherwise confused and perplexed gamers located desired special weapon parts. Furthermore, I hope this guide is helpful in the manufacturing of phenomenally created weapons! Again, I hope the information provided is found to be useful, and I hope to read many auspicious anecdotes involving weapon parts, and weapon creation. Thank you for reading! ===============================================================================