Orthros (Final Fantasy XII)

Orthros is an Elite Mark in Final Fantasy XII located in the Garamsythe Waterway, in the Southern Sluiceway. It will only appear if the party consists of the three female characters. 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" used by Ultros in Final Fantasy VI.

Hunt 34: 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: ???

''Being an ancient Inhabitant of the Garamsythe Waterway with an inordinate Fondness of comely Maidens. Possessing a sort of Chameleonism, whereby it assumes the Hue of that which it consumes, it is said to glow as Gold for in the Past it ate a Merchant's Store of Coin. This creature consumed a thief's ill-gotten plunder, which she now wishes to return to its rightful owner, thus has she petitioned the hunt for this Mark.''

Battle
Only female party members can enter this battle, aside from guest characters Larsa and Reddas (the male characters can be swapped in during the battle, though). It 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 does heavy AoE damage and inflicts many status ailments. Orthros has a rare item Slime Oil to be stolen.

The battle can be made somewhat easier with a few preparations. Sashes block the mark's Slowga spell. The mark can be inflicted with Blind. 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 are effective, and under Bravery, they will inflict more damage.

Protect, Shell, Haste, and Blind are the party's best friends in this battle. The mark itself is not particularly durable, and with the right precautions, is easily winnable.

Reflect Tip
The party 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.

Sleep Tip
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's Medal sidequest.

Related enemies

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