The Journey South
Fortunately it seems like it's much of the same as I follow the southern coast around - maybe slightly tougher formations, but no new categories of enemies at the very least.
We land at the port and get our bearings. There are no immediately visible towns, so a bit of trepidatious wandering is in order. As has been the case in some of the new areas, it feels like it's more the depth of the formations rather than swathes of new enemies. I don't hate that, because it always feels a bit weird when you get re-skins of enemies in different places that are arbitrarily harder. That's not to say it won't happen in a game originally released in 1987, but I'm happy so far.
As we wander inland, I spot a town surrounded by a crescent lake. I'm taking bets on it having the name Crescent in its name right now.
As we enter Crescent Lake, it seems like it's in a lot better state than Melmond was when we left. Greenery is everywhere, interspersed with lovely pink flowers. We enter the Inn, and it's 200 gil a night there. Given the better place and the 100 gil cost in Melmond I'll take it.
I head along to the Armourer, and they have a Buckler, which is suitable for Kaili, for a +2 defence boost, plus some Mythril Gloves for Rukus. The weapons shop is also all about Rukus, and I get him a Mythril Sword and Axe. After the trouble with the lich, I think it might be wise to have both, and they're both improvements on his current weapon in terms of pure Attack.
The Level 6 magic stores have some interesting spells in, but we've burned through most of our cash - down to just under 21,000 gil, so I think we'll save up a bit before coming back.
Speaking to folks around town though, all I can ascertain is that some people are sleepy - I guess there's a call to action somewhere else nearby. It seems not though... Seems like it's a little isolated pocket. I guess back out to sea?