Merkmal Island

An island with a crooked fortress, is scarred by the struggle of its past.

Merkmal Island is the location for chapters 80-83 of the main quest.

< Silverwind Stretch, North Vast | Merkmal Island | Groz Island >

Lore

An island located on the edge of Nalhegrande Skydom, landmarked by the giant fortress left by the Astrals. Although it falls under the rule of Idelva Kingdom, it's mostly untouched as the island is without a significant industry or residential population. But since the settlement by the outlaws in recent years, it's become fairly independent, leading to uneasiness regarding their new role in the sky.

Overview

Key Features

A rustic island situated on the fringes of the Nalhegrande Skydom. Nominally, it falls under the rule of the Idelva Kingdom; however, in recent years, a band of outlaws—having drifted ashore from parts unknown—has assumed de facto control of the territory. At the island's center stands a colossal fortress known as Sturren Fort, originally constructed by the Astrals; from its watchtowers, the outlaws maintain a constant vigil over the entire island.

Climates and Environment

Due to its proximity to the North Vast landmass, winters are bitterly cold; aside from that, however, the island experiences four distinct seasons and is generally quite livable. Massive structures of unknown purpose stand scattered across the island, yet the vast majority of them remain abandoned, their original functions still a mystery. In particular, the ruins within Sturren Fort are believed to harbor a wealth of undiscovered technologies and rare ores; however, amid the prevailing political turmoil, their investigation is frequently relegated to the back burner.

Main Inhabitants

The island's inhabitants fall into two distinct categories: members of the outlaws gang—who have established their stronghold in the center of the island—and villagers who have taken refuge in the surrounding hamlets. Previously, every village was a quiet, sleepy settlement where population aging and a declining birthrate progressed gradually; however, the influx of outlaws has led to a sudden surge in the proportion of young adult males. Furthermore, there are instances of young people—who had been contemplating a move to the cities—choosing to remain on the island out of concern for their parents' safety. Consequently, for better or for worse, the entire island now teems with vitality.

Local Specialties and Renown Goods

Contrary to the island's outward appearance, no industrial activity whatsoever takes place here; furthermore, due to poor transportation links with other islands, each village engages in self-sufficient agriculture and livestock farming. Come autumn, islanders can be seen hard at work throughout the island, making preparations for winter—harvesting vegetables and wild berries, pickling produce, and the like. Additionally, the carrots—grown in very limited quantities during the winter months—possess an exceptionally intense sweetness and are reserved for consumption on special occasions, such as celebrations and ceremonial events.

Town

Sturren Fort

A majestic fortress overlooking the edge of the skydom. It is said that the Astrals lived in prosperity, but its pre-war purpose and functionality are not fully known. Researchers and top military brass from different countries have been conducting ongoing investigations.

Fortress Overlook

A large overlook at the top of Sturren Fort where you can see the whole of Merkmal Island. It's speculated that after being built, it was used to watch over the Grim Basin and Silver Wall. Currently the island outlaws use it to keep guard over the island.

Fortress Traps

Although it's known that Sturren Fort is laid out with snares both large and small, much of the documents related to the fortress have been lost. Only a small portion of the traps and their triggers have been discovered, and even those have been kept secret.

Antiquated Townscape

A row of old houses around Sturren Fort built around the same time as the fortress. With the fortress takeover by the outlaws, the island residents moved away from the area and it soon became a roost for the outlaws.

Locations

Zeman Plains

Fields that roll stoically over the island. The unknown brings forth hope and despair in equal measure.

Main Quests

 Ch. 80-1Ch. 80-2Ch. 80-3Ch. 80-4

Chapter 80: An Unfamiliar Sky - Episode 1 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear. It is unlocked after clearing Chapter 79 Story: At the Frontier's Edge.

Chapter 80: An Unfamiliar Sky - Episode 2 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Chapter 80: An Unfamiliar Sky - Part 3 Edit battle
Cost to Host: 23 AP	Unlock: Clear Chapter 80 Story: An Unfamiliar Sky - Episode 2
Location: Chapter 80: Merkmal Island - Zeman Plains

Stage strategy
Fixed party of Main Character; cannot use summons. MC's class, skills, and element are based on your currently-selected team.
Wave	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Boss	Outlaw	30	35,000	◇◇◇	No
	Outlaw	30	48,000	◇◇◇	No

Rewards
First clear:

Wooden	Silver	Gold
Normal WeaponRandom normal quality weapon.

Chapter 80: An Unfamiliar Sky - Part 4 Edit battle
Cost to Host: 23 AP	Unlock: Clear Chapter 80 Story: An Unfamiliar Sky - Episode 3
Location: Chapter 80: Merkmal Island - Zeman Plains	Start QuestNetwork Errors will appear if the hosting conditions are not met. (AP, Host Materials, Daily Limit)

Stage strategy
Fixed party of Main Character and Katalina. You can select the Main Character's class, skills, and element before the quest starts.
Wave	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Wave 1	Outlaw	30	65,000	◇◇	No
	Outlaw	30	100,000	◇◇	No
Wave 2	Outlaw	30	45,000	◇	No
	Outlaw	30	45,000	◇	No
	Outlaw	30	110,000	◇	No

Rewards
First clear: Crystal ×50

Wooden	Silver	Gold
Merkmal Fig Fire Orb Prism Chip Normal WeaponRandom normal quality weapon. Rupies	Bastion Block Corroded Cartridge

Free Quests

 Stocking Up for Winter

Stocking Up for Winter Edit battle
Cost to Host: 23 AP	Unlock: Clear Chapter 83 Story: Old Battles, New Paths
Location: Chapter 80: Merkmal Island - Zeman Plains	Start QuestNetwork Errors will appear if the hosting conditions are not met. (AP, Host Materials, Daily Limit)

Stage strategy
Drops 0-1 Merkmal Fig and Bastion Block, and 0-2 Corroded Cartridge.
Wave	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Boss	Surly Squirrel	37	310,000	◇	Yes
	Surly Squirrel	38	350,000	◇◇◇◇◇	Yes
	Surly Squirrel	37	310,000	◇	Yes

Rewards
First clear: Crystal ×50

Wooden	Silver	Gold
Merkmal Fig Earth Orb Normal WeaponRandom normal quality weapon. Rupies	Bastion Block Corroded Cartridge

Sturren Fort

A fortress that survived the War. The people long for a king with the resolve to protect them.

Main Quests

 Ch. 81-1Ch. 81-2Ch. 81-3Ch. 81-4

Chapter 81: King of the Outlaws - Episode 2 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Chapter 81: King of the Outlaws - Episode 3 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Free Quests

 Indignant ConflagrationThe Mysterious Room

Indignant Conflagration Edit battle
Cost to Host: 40 AP	Unlock: Clear Chapter 81 Story: King of the Outlaws and Michael's Test - Extreme
Location: Chapter 81: Merkmal Island - Sturren Fort	Start QuestNetwork Errors will appear if the hosting conditions are not met. (AP, Host Materials, Daily Limit)

Stage strategy
All enemies are immune to ATK DownATK is lowered and DEF DownDEF is lowered .
Wave	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Boss	Fire Gyre	75	2,700,000	◇	No
	Fire Gyre	75	2,700,000	◇◇	No
	Fire Gyre	75	2,700,000	◇◇◇	No

Rewards
First clear: Crystal ×50

Wooden	Silver	Gold
Fire Orb Red Tome	Hellfire Scroll Inferno Orb	Infernal Whorl

The Mysterious Room Edit battle
Cost to Host: 50 AP	Unlock: Clear Chapter 85 Story: Pholia the Maiden
Location: Chapter 81: Merkmal Island - Sturren Fort	Start QuestNetwork Errors will appear if the hosting conditions are not met. (AP, Host Materials, Daily Limit)

Stage strategy
Guaranteed 1-3 Bastion Block every run, but Merkmal Fig and Corroded Cartridge are rare drops.
Wave	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Boss	Scraptor	38	2,800,000	◇◇	Yes
	Scraptor	38	2,400,000	◇◇◇◇◇	Yes
	Scraptor	38	2,800,000	◇◇	Yes

Rewards
First clear: Crystal ×50

Wooden	Silver	Gold
Merkmal Fig Earth Orb Brown Tome	Bastion Block Corroded Cartridge

Raids

 Michael's Test

Michael's Test Edit battle
Cost to Host: 30 AP, Fire Pinion ×2	Cost to Join: Rank 40+, 3 EP	Unlock: Rank 40+, Clear Chapter 81 Quest: Indignant Conflagration
Participants: 30 Vice: 2nd-6th	Elixirs: Unlimited	Strike Time: YesStrike Time bonus applies for this raid.
Location: Chapter 81: Merkmal Island - Sturren Fort		Start QuestNetwork Errors will appear if the hosting conditions are not met. (AP, Host Materials, Daily Limit)
Lvl 100 Michael Lv100 ミカエル

Phase	Name	Lvl	HP	Charge	Mode
Boss	Michael	100	211,110,000	◇◇◇	Yes
	Special Attacks		Triggers and Notes
	Crimson Sword N ODVerification needed. TR Fire damage to all alliesAround 8,000 damage to Water allies. and inflict ATK DownATK is lowered Duration: 3 turns. Michael gains 100% ATK UpATK is boosted Strength: 100%Verification needed. . Basilica OD TR Massive Fire damageOver 10,000 damage to Water allies, unmitigated. to one ally, removes all buffs, and inflicts Skill SealedCan't use skills Duration: 7 turns and CollapsedCharge bar is lowered on every turn Duration: 3 turns. Fire IV N Fire damage to all alliesAround 3,000 damage to Water allies.. Inflicts BurnedHP is lowered on every turn Strength: Roughly 1,200 damage.Duration: 3 turns and Fire DEF DownDEF is lowered for fire DMG Duration: 5 turns. Ignis Iudicium TR Plain Damage to an ally based on 95% of their maximum HP, and dispels them. Flash Bullet OD TR 500 static Fire damage to random allies, multiple50 hits? times. Dispels buffs on all allies.		Immune to ATK DownATK is lowered , DEF DownDEF is lowered , Break Boosted (Time)Break mode time is extended 75% Trigger Casts Basilica. Gains immunity to GravityMax charge diamonds are increased . 50% Trigger Casts Crimson Sword. Unleashes True Power.Michael is bathed in blessed light! Base charge diamonds change to ◇◇. 30% Trigger Fills all charge diamonds. 10% Trigger Casts Flash Bullet. Unleashes True Power+.Michael has unleashed all of its power! Base charge diamonds change to ◇. 3% Trigger Unleashes True Power++.Michael gathers its last ounce of power! Base charge diamonds change to zero.
N - Normal, OD - Overdrive, TR - Trigger

Rewards
First clear: Crystal ×50
Host: Renown Pendant ×50		Join: Renown Pendant ×25

Chest 1	Chest 2	Chest 3	Chest 4
Not guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Michael Anima	13.813.76% ±4.12% chance to be selected when chest drops. Based on 26 drops from 189 chests. Confidence intervals are assuming an approximately normal distribution at 90% confidence.  Michael Anima 86.286.24% ±4.12% chance to be selected when chest drops. Based on 163 drops from 189 chests. Confidence intervals are assuming an approximately normal distribution at 90% confidence.  Island Treasure	Archangel itemRandom SR Archangel Weapon or Queen	Seraphim Cradle
Chest 5	Host	MVP	Blue
	-	-	? Blue chest drop rate is based on your honor relative to the total honor of all participants in the raid. See Reward Chests for details.
Red Tome Infernal Whorl Rainbow Prism Champion Merit Warrior Creed Mage Creed	Michael Anima Michael Anima ×3 Seraphim Cradle Silver Centrum Damascus Crystal	Michael Anima Champion Merit Supreme Merit Rainbow Prism Blue Sky Crystal Silver Centrum Damascus Crystal Seraphim Cradle	Michael Anima Silver Centrum
Based on https://twitter.com/otokuro2/status/1215907383525773312. Drop table last updated: 2020-08-17, all stated drop rates are estimates. The game changes over time. If the drop tables become incorrect please notify the wiki staff.

Bartwald

A forest in the Zeman Plains. Those who enter gamble their future to test their faith.

Main Quests

 Ch. 82-1Ch. 82-2Ch. 82-3Ch. 82-4

Chapter 82: Cain's Trap - Episode 1 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear. It is unlocked after clearing Chapter 81 Story: King of the Outlaws.

Chapter 80: Cain's Trap - Episode 2 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Steuerwald

A forest in the far reaches of Merkmal Island. Its inviting depths grant skyfarers passage to departure.

Main Quests

 Ch. 83-1Ch. 83-2Ch. 83-3Ch. 83-4

Chapter 83: Old Battles, New Paths - Episode 2 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Chapter 83: Old Battles, New Paths - Episode 3 has no battle and costs 0 AP to clear.

Treasure

• Merkmal Fig
• Bastion Block
• Corroded Cartridge

Rare Monsters

• Scrap Salamander

Town Item

1. Right (Antiquated Townscape)
2. Bottom (Fortress Traps)
3. Top (Fortress Overlook)
4. Middle (Sturren Fort)

Reward: Premium Draw Ticket

Trivia

• Merkmal is German and means "trait", "attribute", "characteristic".
• Bartwald and Steuerwald both contain the German word for 'forest'.
  • It is likely they cut the word 'Schlüsselbart' (key bit) into just 'Bart' (beard) to make it shorter. The translated name would then be 'Key Bit Forest'.
  • 'Steuer' in this context likely translates to 'helm', or is a derivative of 'steuern' (to steer). Possible translations include 'Helm Forest' or 'Steering Forest'.