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Just asSocial linksandConfidantswere the systems to raise improve your relationships with characters in previous ATLUS outings,Metaphor: ReFantaziohas a similar system that, admittedly, does do away with the whole dating side of the equation, but does retain the perks and unique storylines that come with nurturing these friendships.
This is the Bond system, and you’ll find that every character who opens up a new Archetype Tree in the game will have a storyline you’ll want to see to fruition.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Review
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However, you may be wondering what inevitable roadblocks await you along the way. So, we intend to shed some light on that, with Strohl serving as our character in the spotlight on this occasion.
Spoilers: We will be revealing major plot points for this particular character, so if you would rather witness these naturally, you’d better skedaddle!
Character Overview
Personality Traits
Signature Archetype
Party Member
Strohl is a character with aninherent sense of justiceand will fight the corner of anyone that they feel has been wronged in any way, shape, or form.
Hailing from the ruined town of Halia, the Noble initially presents themselves as a down-on-their-luck individual looking to prove a point and bring honor back to his family name.
We first meet Strohl at The Recruitment Center in Grand Trad, where you’ll both be tasked with heading to theNorthern Border Fortto take on a terrifying Human.
It is here you meet Grius, and it is not long before Strohl, when dealing with Captain Klinger in the Nord Mines, unlocks his Noble potential and theWarrior Archetype.
From then onward, the player will gradually be able to nurture this bond with Strohl as he chases down his inheritance and aims to understand the true intentions of his parents on that fateful day when Halia fell.
Shrohl’s Bond Ranks Explained
As with each Bond in Metaphor ReFantazio, there are eight ranks that players will need to work through to raise their relationship with Strohl.
Some of these have Royal Virtue checks and quests that will need to be completed, so here is a rundown of how Strohl’s Bond plays out:
Nord Mines
Perks/Abilities
The Party can now study the Warrior Archetype
Checks/Requirements
Defeat Captain Klinger
As mentioned, Strohl’s first Bond Rank will trigger when the player comes face-to-face with Captain Klinger in the Nord Mines.
Strohl will gain the ability to use the Warrior Archetype from this fight onward, and the player will also be able to study this Archetype with any character they wish.
Grand Trad (Sunlumeo Street)
Warrior Enlightenment - Reduces the MAG cost to study the Warrior lineage
Undaunted Spirit - Strohl’s Critical Hit Rate is higher against Human enemies.
Complete Grand Regalith Cathedral Operation
After you clear the first major dungeon in the game, you’ll be able to progress Strohl’s narrative. In this particular rank’s story beat, you’ll come into contact with a former resident of Halia who moved to Grand Trad after the devastation of Strohl’s home.
This reveals the struggle that Halia’s former residents have had rebuilding their lives after the Human attack, and Strohl requests the aid of the player to help them find a way to house those who left Halia for Grand Trad.
Rank Three
Grand Trad
Warrior Archetype: Adept - The Party can now study the Swordmaster Archetype
In this next event that punctuates Strohl’s bond storyline, Strohl begs the noble Lord Hydran to offer his vacant houses to the former residents of Halia, now homeless after the destruction of the village.
Hydran suggests that Strohl regain the honor of his house before worrying about the rabble and says he won’t grant charity. When Strohl tells Rangif the bad news, the man comments on Strohl’s inheritance, which he had been unaware of until now.
Gauntlet Runner
Scion’s Skill - Increases Skill Inheritance Slots for The Warrior to 2
Acquire Gauntlet Runner
The third rank of Strohl’s Bond can be triggered when traveling aboard the Gauntlet Runner after the deadline elapses on the Grand Regalith Catedral Operation. In this story beat, we have a discussion about Shrohl’s inheritance and how it would be best to track down this sum of cash.
This leads Strohl to consider returning to his ruined hometown, and naturally, the player offers to join them.
Warrior Veneration - Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Warrior lineage.
Battle Aura - While in reserve, the amount of experience Strohl gains increases
Clear the Kriegante Castle Operation
As discussed, Shrohl commandeers the Gauntlet Runner, and you tag along as he makes his way to Halia. You get to see firsthand the destruction caused by the Human that destroyed the town.
During the visit, Strohl comes across a letter in his Father’s study, which survived the fire, and this letter hints at an inheritance that Strohl is owed.
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However, there seems to be no clear paper trail that indicates where the inheritance was sent and who is in charge of dispensing these funds. This means you and Strohl will need to track it down one way or another, and aFishmonger in Grand Tradseems to be your best lead.
This begins the quest ‘A Noble’s Legacy’, which must be completed to continue this Bond.
Scion’s Merit - Increases Skill Inheritance Slots for the Warrior to three
Battle Hypnosis: While in Reserve Strohl will earn EXP at a normal rate
Imagination (3+)
Must complete ‘A Noble Legacy’
This is one of the biggest hurdles you will face during this Bond. To complete the sixth rank of Strohl’s Bond, you will need to first complete the request ‘A Noble’s Legacy’.
This will see you go to Grand Trad in search of a Fishmonger who may know about Strohl’s inheritance.
Here are the steps needed to complete this request:
After this, you’ll be able to sit down with the noble and discuss the inheritance and your best bet when it comes to claiming it, and he’ll reveal that Strohl will need to contact Lord Hydran if they want their inheritance.
Rank Seven
Warrior Archetype: Elite - The Party can now study the Samurai Archetype
Complete the Charadruis Skyrunner Operation
During the penultimate story beat of Strohl’s Bond, yourself and Strohl will gain an audience with Lord Hydran, who will offer Strohl his inheritance, a new estate with existing residents, which isn’t received well by Strohl, as he isn’t willing to oust the old residents to make room for those that once served his house.
Instead, he makes a counteroffer to buy one hundred properties within Grand Trad at a cut-throat price, using your reputation as a leading candidate for the throne as a bargaining tool.
In the end, Hydran has no choice but to accept, and in the end, Strohl’s inheritance is graciously donated to the former residents of Halia in the form of homes within Grand Trad, getting them off the streets once and for all.
Rank Eight
Brilehaven
Scion’s Essence - Increases Inheritance Slots for The Warrior to four
Slayer of Humans - When Strohl attacks a Human-type monster, their critical hit rate greatly increases
Grand Fantasy - Strohl is ready to acquire a new heroic embodiment
This final rank concludes Strohl’s story and sees the player accompany them to Halia one more time to debrief about the inheritance, their decision to house the former residents of Halia in Grand Trad, and the true intentions of Strohl’s parents.
Strohl realizes that he is far from a bitter disappointment to his parents; he is someone they trust to continue the family lineage.
With this knowledge, he vows to continue his pursuit of rebuilding Halia and honoring his parents in any way he can.
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