Orthros (Final Fantasy XII)

Orthros is an Elite Mark in Final Fantasy XII located in the Garamsythe Waterway, in the Southern Sluiceway. The earliest the hunt can be accepted is after returning to Royal City of Rabanastre after the events in the Tomb of Raithwall.

Orthros will only appear if the party consists of the three female characters. The player can swap the characters to male characters after Orthros appears. Guest characters Larsa and Reddas can be in the party as well.

Orthros is a source of a very rare ingredient called Slime Oil, which can only be obtained by stealing from Orthros, and, if failing that, only by winning the tier 90 footrace at Balfonheim.

When the party acquires the Stolen Articles, its description will read, "Don't tease the... flan?", in reference to the phrase "Don't tease the octopus, kids", used by Ultros in Final Fantasy VI.

Orthros is also fought in the International Zodiac Job System Trial Mode at stage 41 along with three White Mousses.

Hunt 35: Crime and Punishment

 * Petitioner: Contrite Thief
 * Petitioner's Location: Lowtown (North Sprawl)


 * A petition has been submitted for the hunting of Orthros (Rank 5). The petitioner is the contrite thief in the North Sprawl of Lowtown.
 * Hunt accepted. The contrite thief stole a bundle of articles, but lost it to Orthros. She wants to return the bundle to its rightful owner. Orthros is known to dwell in the southern reaches of the Garamsythe Waterway, but may only be found under certain conditions.
 * Orthros defeated! Report to the contrite thief in the North Sprawl.
 * Hunt reported. Returned stolen articles to their rightful owner.

Bestiary Entry

 * Genus: Rank V Mark
 * Classification: ???

Battle
Orthros is a flan-type enemy, and thus physical attacks are ineffective, but Orthros is not immune to them. Orthros attacks with spells like Slowga and Immobilizega, along with other status magic. Its Mythril Bubbles move is particularly dangerous, as it can inflict several status ailments and damage. Orthros can be inflicted with Blind.

Strategy
The battle can be made easier with a few preparations. Sashes block the mark's Slowga spell. The biggest challenge is how to fight the mark. If the player has completed enough hunts, Bravery and Faith Green Magicks can make the battle easier. Weapon strikes under Bravery will inflict more damage.

Protect, Shell, Haste, and Blind are the party's best friends in this battle. One way abut the battle is to can cast Reflectga, and then Firaga on the party causing three (possibly four if a guest is present) hits of Firaga on Orthros per cast, which makes it possible to defeat him in under a minute. Orthros can be beaten even at low levels by inflicting Sleep on it and then summoning an Esper/casting magic. Nihopalaoa+Alarm Clock is a good trick and works every time.

Rewards

 * 3,800 gil
 * Horakhty's Flame
 * Unpurified Ether

The player will also receive the Stolen Articles after the battle, which the Contrite Thief returns to Samal. He comes by to give the player a Blackened Fragment, which is part of Nabreus Medal sidequest.

Related Enemies

 * Flan
 * Tallow
 * Jelly
 * Hecteyes
 * Oiling
 * Foobar
 * Slime
 * Etherian (Rare)
 * Melt (Rare)
 * Cubus (Rare)
 * White Mousse (Mark)

Ultros (FFXII) Orthros (Final Fantasy XII)