Pulling the Strings/Dragoon

Hello! Welcome to Techno's guide to the Pulling the Strings ENM for dragoons. I'll be sharing the strategy I developed for this ENM with you. I won't tell you it's perfect, but after 5 runs, I've never lost.

The Basics
If you're here I'm going to assume you know some of the basics about this ENM, but I'll go over a few points anyway. You enter this BCNM at Mine Shaft. It is capped at level 60. You'll be fighting one humanoid opponent, the Fantoccini, and occasionally its wyvern. You can fight the moblin in the arena if you want, but that's a bad idea.

Equipment
Here is my equipment setup:

Weapon: Grand Knight's Lance Ammo: Olibanum Sachet - This is the Elvaan male RSE throwing item. Another good suggestion is the Tiphia Sting, but if you can hit him well enough and you don't want the -evasion, leave it empty. Head: Valkyrie's Mask Neck: Chivalrous Chain Earring 1: Assault Earring Earring 2: Empty - I normally used a Merman's Earring in this slot, but since I don't want to spend gil on an earring just for this fight and I don't want so much -evasion I always leave it empty. I don't even have any suggestions for alternatives. Body: Scorpion Harness Hands: Spiked Finger Gauntlets - Drachen Finger Gauntlets wouldn't be bad, especially if you have a high parrying skill already. Ring 1: Victory Ring Ring 2: Victory Ring - You shouldn't have any trouble hitting him. Accuracy rings shouldn't be necessary. Back: Empty - Again because I don't want to spend money on another armor piece just for this fight. A cheap leather mantle for the extra DEF would work. Waist: Potent Belt - A Life Belt could work too. Legs: Drachen Brais - Just because that's what I have laying around. Feet: Drachen Greaves - Just because they're laying around and for the Jump bonuses.

Consumables
For food I suggest Tavnazian Tacos. A big part of this fight is simply outlasting your opponent. The extra DEF and HP you get with the tacos will help with that. You don't need sushi. Even as an Elvaan I can hit the Fantoccini just fine. As long as you have some +accuracy gear, you'll be ok. You do have +accuracy gear, don't you? I take Pamamas au Lait to drink for regen.

I usually bring 5 Hi Potion +3s. I've gotten to where I don't even need them anymore, but I'll always take them just in case something goes wrong. For your first time doing this ENM, you might want to take more until you get the feel of it. You can always sell back the ones you don't use.