Disc 4: Lost Odyssey

I finished it the other day. I didn't have much trouble with either of those fights, though having two rings of each level 2 element with level 2 damage up and critical really helps a lot from disc 3 onwards. Once you have all status effects and elements nullified or absorbed for each immortal, the game gets really easy. The final boss barely touched me.

One of my problems is that I've really half-assed it with ring creation. A couple characters have good rings with multiple L2 effects that I've won for beating bosses, but that's about it.

Once you get to around Gohtza in disc 3, you can buy all the components for pretty much all level 2 effects. I only learned that though because a FAQ mentioned it. I never really liked how the game only gave recipes for rings if you found components for it first. Similarly, you can't find out what level 2 ring combos you can make until you have at least two level 2 rings.

Also here is a tip for side quests: do Tolten's royal seal hunt first.

I like the "do Tolten's Royal Seal hunt first" thing. I know you get the most powerful sword when you finish it, but getting access to Gongora's lab and the fact that you get to kick the shit out of easy enemies for a decent number of levels is REALLY nice! Especially since my first attempt at the general's new magic tank really tanked during my first attempt due to how one cannon blast obliterated my back row.

That battle is a bit tough at the beginning, but it gets a lot more manageable after you take down his units that let him use his powered up attacks. Unfortunately you need to beat Katanas before you can get one of the royal seals.

The royal seal quest is also really good because it gives you two really good accessories. One gives a huge HP boost and the other nullifies all elemental magic.

Yeah, it seems like the sort of fight where if you're strong enough to survive 1-2 rounds, you've got it made. But right now, I'm at the point where it's:

Kaim attacks
Seth attacks
Both support tanks drain magic
Kakanas' cannon blasts party -- back row magicians get killed, Kaim and Seth are seriously wounded.

Secret Lab level-grinding ought to get everyone up about 6-7 levels from where they were. A couple other sidequests/optional bosses on top of it ought to seal the deal. And getting everyone Sed's auto-shield/auto-barricade abilities will likely help out a lot. I have broken the seals that give those accessories, but haven't unlocked Toltan's skill that lets other characters use royal equipment, so they haven't become all that useful to me yet.

The secret lab gives a level each fight until 55, so it should help a lot. I definitely didn't take that much damage from the tank, but I think it was in low to mid 40s with my party.

After hooking the Immortals up with Sed to get auto-shield/barrier, the tank was not much trouble.

And now I've gotten the game-breaking +10 Slot accessory from the Holy Beast. After passing it around, no one will have to worry about things like elements and status issues ever again.