A relaxing, non-linear adventure... ********************************************************************* _ _ _ ( ) ( ) ( ) __ | | ___ ___ __ __ | |_ ___ | | (_' ( _)( o_)( o )( _`'_ )( o \( o )( _) /__)/_\ \( /_^_\/_\`'/_\/___/ \_/ /_\ _ _ _ ( ) (_) ( ) __| |_ __ ___ ____ _ __| | ___ __ / /( _ )( _)( o )( __ )( )/ /( )( o_)(_' \_\/_\||/_\ \_/ /_\/_\/_\\_\/_\ \( /__) ********************************************************************* ##################################################################### Stocks Guide Version 1.05 by Kamatari47 (guitarotoko@gmail.com) ##################################################################### DISCLAIMER: This guide is intended for private, personal use. Any unauthorized reproduction, publication, or distribution of this guide without my express written permission is strictly prohibited. At this time, this guide may be published with permission by gamefaqs.com, neoseeker.com, and 1up.com: any other websites found publishing this guide is committing a violation of copyright. All information included in this guide was collected by me personally through gameplay. Table of Contents: I. Introduction II. Stock Basics III. Stock Listings IV. Update History/Special Thanks ===================================================================== I. Introduction ===================================================================== In Steambot Chronicles, the creative role-playing mecha adventure by Irem/Atlus, one of the steadiest ways to make money concerns playing the stock market -- buy low, sell high. This guide explains how the securities exchange system in Steambot Chronicles works and provides all the pertinent information you need to become a successful king of the stock market. ===================================================================== II. Stock Basics ===================================================================== All stocks in Steambot Chronicles are traded in one lone location: the Stock Exchange building in East Happy Garland (across the road from the Garland Cathedral). You will be able to access this building as soon as you enter Happy Garland for the first time, so feel free to dive knee-deep into stocks immediately. Inside the Stock Exchange, look for the Knowledgeable Old Man (he's sitting on a crate in the corner), who will answer many of your questions regarding the stock market and who will also offer to sell you the "Stocks 101" book. This book will further explain the market and stocks in general. In short, buy as many shares as you can of any stock which you think has potential for growth (or any stock that you can personally cause to gain value; see section III), and be patient while the share price of the stock builds. Once the per-share price reaches a satisfactory level (or when you feel that the stock has reached its "ceiling"), unload all your shares to make a fat profit. Stocks fluctuate in value three times per day: during the morning, noon, and evening. Note that stock values do not change at night nor during Sundays because the Stock Exchange is closed during those hours/days. Each time a day passes, you will be paid a dividend for any stocks you own which have risen in value against the previous day; the total amount of the dividends you make from each stock is equal to the amount of the per-share value increase multiplied by the number of shares multiplied by a small percentage value. While I do not yet know the exact value of the percentage multiplier, it is not large -- I have 842668 UR in total stock value at the end of the game, and I only earn about 3500 UR per day from dividends. The good thing about dividends is that if your stock shows a net loss in value for the day, you will not be penalized any money -- you will merely receive no dividend from that stock the next day. There are 15 different stocks traded at the Stock Exchange, not all of which are initially available for trading (you can, through a sidequest, directly cause one of the fifteen companies to hold an IPO and join the exchange; there are two others whose stocks you may not purchase until you complete another sidequest). Approximately half of these companies have a secret "trigger event", where an action you take in the game will cause their stock values to rise steadily over a prolonged period. Note that when you complete a trigger event, the affected stock does not post a huge gain the next day -- rather, it will tent to post consecutive modest gains over many days. By buying up stocks and then completing their trigger events, you can score some major dough when you dump your shares en masse after the period of steadily increasing value ends. To buy stock, simply speak to any of the three receptionists located in the inner chamber of the Stock Exchange building. Note that the maximum number of shares you may own of any one stock is set at 400. You can, however, own more than 400 shares of certain stocks by buying up 400 shares of a stock and THEN completing any sidequest where you earn shares of that stock as a reward (e.g. buying 400 shares of Hayabusa Industries stock and then completing the Carpet Mill Modernization sidequest will result in a total of 470 shares of Hayabusa Industries stock held). You will not be able to accumulate 400 shares of any stock from any one trip to the Stock Exchange: there is usually only about 150-200 shares (even fewer in some cases) of any one stock available for sale at any one time). The higher the stock price, the fewer shares of it are available for sale. In order to max out any stock (i.e. buy up to 400 shares of it), simply visit the Stock Exchange again and again during different times of the day (as long as the Stock Exchange is open during those hours) and keep buying until you hit 400 shares. You will receive a Portfolio on your first trip to the Stock Exchange; the Portfolio lists the per share value, number of shares held, and total value of each stock you own. View your Portfolio at any time by selecting it in the Item menu and choosing "Read". If you own at least 400 shares of each of the fifteen stocks, you will receive the "Stock King" nickname suffix the next day. ===================================================================== III. Stock Listings ===================================================================== This section lists the stocks available in the game. Refer to the "Notes" heading to find out how to cause each stock to gain value (if possible). --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cuckoo Forestry Description: They sell lumber from Cuckoo Forest. Location: Cuckoo Forest Initial Price Per Share: 80 UR Notes: You can increase the probability of a price gain by visiting the lumberjack near Observation Point and buying Lumber from him. The price of this stock will rise fairly steadily during the late game, especially if you visit the lumberjack for a supply mission or to buy Lumber for use in the construction of the Eurydika Hot Springs Resort. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Deloche Emporium Description: Delsen's desert trading company. Location: Fort Raven, Alcazar de Condor Initial Price Per Share: 50 UR Notes: The value of this stock will increase after you successfully escort the caravan across the Sabbia Desert. You can choose to receive 15 shares of this stock from Joaquin after beating the game if you've completed his sidequest. Find him in Commander Bergamot's old office at the Ex-Bloody Mantis Hideout. --------------------------------------------------------------------- GTW Factory Description: A factory that specializes in everything steel. Location: Happy Garland Initial Price Per Share: 100 UR Notes: You can increase the probability of a price gain by buying Steel Beams from the Steel Manager at the GTW Factory. You can choose to receive 15 shares of this stock from Joaquin after beating the game if you've completed his sidequest. Find him in Commander Bergamot's old office at the Ex-Bloody Mantis Hideout. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Garland Transport Description: Operates street cars in Happy Garland. Location: Happy Garland Initial Price Per Share: 120 UR Notes: You can choose to receive 10 shares of this stock from the Old Lady with a Hunchback at Garland Cathedral if you play the organ for her. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hayabusa Industries Description: A carpet factory on Hayabusa Plateau. Location: Hayabusa Plateau Initial Price Per Share: 60 UR Notes: The price of this stock will rise after you complete the Hayabusa Carpet Mill Modernization sidequest. Simply get the Weaving Machine Blueprints from the Awkward-Feeling Woman in Neuhafen (look in the Port Motors garage) and turn them over to Mr. Peregrine at the mill. You will receive 70 shares of this stock as a reward for completing that sidequest. --------------------------------------------------------------------- McCullen Mines Description: A mining company in Eurydika. Location: Eurydika Initial Price Per Share: 40 UR Notes: Speak to the Mining Man standing outside the Eurydika Mines and agree to run a classified ad for him in the Urban Times. Go back to Happy Garland and see Lance in the Urban Times office. After you run the ad, three new workers will appear in Eurydika at the rate of one per day (with the exception of the Brainy Miner, who took three days to show up). Gable from Meme Village will appear as the fourth worker the day after you complete the Meme Village Railroad sidequest. Speak to the Mining Man after each worker appears to get 10 shares of this stock and trigger a stock value increase. You can also choose to receive 15 shares of this stock from Joaquin after beating the game (if you've completed his sidequest). --------------------------------------------------------------------- Merry Dairy Farms Description: They sell milk and cheese at Vision Ranch. Location: Vision Ranch Initial Price Per Share: 70 UR Notes: The value of this stock is tied to the business volume of the dairy farm at Vision Ranch. You can increase the probability of a price gain by visiting Eric at Vision Ranch and buying Milk from him. After you beat the game on the true hero path, the price of this stock will skyrocket as business really booms thanks to Otto and Willie's Flap Flyer III. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Nefro Burgers Description: A hamburger joint in Nefroburg. Location: Nefroburg Initial Price Per Share: 55 UR Notes: Speak to Timid Charles in Nefroburg (he's usually found in North Nefroburg) on consecutive days until he asks you to find out the name of the Strong-Minded Woman for him. Find her and speak to her to learn her name. Report back to Charles. After you liberate Nefroburg from the Killer Elephants, give Charles the Cooking Recipe you obtained from cooking for Boss Elephant. The next morning, you can find his burger stand at the Nefro Bakery parking lot. He will give you 5 shares of his stock, and his company is now available for trading at the Stock Exchange. Buy food items from Nefro Burgers to increase the probability of a price increase for its stock the next day. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Nefro Theaters Description: A theater in Nefroburg that shows silent films. Location: Nefroburg Initial Price Per Share: 60 UR Notes: Speak to the Theater Owner at the Nefroburg Theater after the Killer Elephants attack the town. He'll ask you to bring him any film reels you find. There are 5 Film Reels in the game: - Film Reel 1: Speak to the Apprentice Projectionist and he'll direct you to Dino, the manager of the Nefroburg Arena. Speak to Dino and ask him about film reels to get the key to his room. Go down the stairs at the Siberian Musk Hotel and use the key to enter the room to the right of the entrance to the Aphrodite Bar. Dino will give you the film after you "spend some time" with him. - Film Reel 2: After you leave Neuhafen on the Sailing License quest, stop by the Abandoned House on Zibala Hill and speak to Rick. Go back to Neuhafen and speak to Don Puccini. Return to Zibala Hill and donate his letter to Sister Kate. Return to the Neuhafen Arena the next day and speak to Don Puccini to receive the film. - Film Reel 3: Find in a treasure chest in the Bloody Mantis Hideout. - Film Reel 4: Find in a chest hidden behind the counter in the house left of Miner's Inn in Eurydika (use the side door to get to the chest). - Film Reel 5: Return the first four films to the Theater Owner and receive 10 shares of Nefro Theaters stock for each film. Now speak to the Apprentice Projectionist to get the "pink" film he's hiding and return it to the Theater Owner for 10 more shares of Nefro Theaters stock. The value of Nefro Theaters stock will rise whenever you return a film reel to the Theater Owner. You can also choose to receive 4 shares of this stock from Vladimir after you get rid of the man in black harassing him. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Nefroburg Transport Description: Operates Nefroburg's bus system. Location: Nefroburg Initial Price Per Share: 85 UR Notes: You can choose to receive 8 shares of this stock from Vladimir after you get rid of the man in black harassing him. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Pencil Railroad Description: Owns and operates this country's railroads. Location: Nefroburg, Happy Garland, Neuhafen, Vision Ranch, Meme Village Initial Price Per Share: 140 UR Notes: The price of this stock will fall until you clear the Quail Tunnel of bandits following the UTC event. You can cause the price of this stock to rise if you complete the Meme Village Railroad sidequest. Swim across Lake Luminoso to Meme Village, agree to deliver Mayor Marlow's letter, bring his letter to the Stationmaster at Nefroburg Station (and tell him that it's a good idea to open a railroad to Meme Village), and bring either Lumber or Steel Beams to the Railroad Foreman at Vision Ranch. Return a day later and remove the boulder blocking the railroad at Meme Village. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Riverside Hotel Description: A river side hotel in Happy Garland. Location: Happy Garland Initial Price Per Share: 100 UR Notes: You will not be able to buy this stock initially. When you first speak to Joaquin in Nefroburg, be sure to tell him that you believe that his dream of becoming a millionaire will come true. Once you arrive at Happy Garland, speak to Algernon in the kitchen area of the Station Hotel to find out about his problems. Speak to Rosa, his fiancee, at the check-in counter outside the Riverside Hotel's outdoor dining room. Speak to William (Rosa's father) on the top floor of the Riverside Hotel, and then cross the street (or go through the connecting walkway) to return to the Station Hotel and speak to Brad (Algernon's father) on the second floor. Speak to Rosa again at the Memorial Park at night. After you clear the Quail Tunnel, keep speaking to Joaquin in the Steel Manufacturing Plant of the GTW Factory until he says he's looking to buy some stocks. You will now find Rosa in the connecting walkway between the two hotels at night. Suggest Joaquin as a candidate and she will give you 400 shares of each hotel's stock. You can keep the stocks if you want, but to advance the sidequest, sell them to Joaquin for 8000 UR and the Pile Bunker frame. Return to the connecting walkway and speak to Rosa. Joaquin will appear and take possession of both hotels. The day after this event concludes, you will be able to buy shares of both hotels' stocks from the Stock Exchange. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Siberian Musk Hotel Description: Nefroburg's finest hotel. Location: Nefroburg Initial Price Per Share: 85 UR Notes: You can choose to receive 10 shares of this stock from the Old Lady with a Hunchback at Garland Cathedral if you play the organ for her. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Station Hotel Description: A hotel near Garland Station. Location: Happy Garland Initial Price Per Share: 100 UR Notes: You will not be able to buy this stock initially. When you first speak to Joaquin in Nefroburg, be sure to tell him that you believe that his dream of becoming a millionaire will come true. Once you arrive at Happy Garland, speak to Algernon in the kitchen area of the Station Hotel to find out about his problems. Speak to Rosa, his fiancee, at the check-in counter outside the Riverside Hotel's outdoor dining room. Speak to William (Rosa's father) on the top floor of the Riverside Hotel, and then cross the street (or go through the connecting walkway) to return to the Station Hotel and speak to Brad (Algernon's father) on the second floor. Speak to Rosa again at the Memorial Park at night. After you clear the Quail Tunnel, keep speaking to Joaquin in the Steel Manufacturing Plant of the GTW Factory until he says he's looking to buy some stocks. You will now find Rosa in the connecting walkway between the two hotels at night. Suggest Joaquin as a candidate and she will give you 400 shares of each hotel's stock. You can keep the stocks if you want, but to advance the sidequest, sell them to Joaquin for 8000 UR and the Pile Bunker frame. Return to the connecting walkway and speak to Rosa. Joaquin will appear and take possession of both hotels. The day after this event concludes, you will be able to buy shares of both hotels' stocks from the Stock Exchange. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Times Description: A newspaper company in Happy Garland. Location: Happy Garland Initial Price Per Share: 35 UR Notes: This company is on the brink of bankruptcy when you come to Happy Garland for the first time. You can save them from extinction and cause the price of their stock to rise by bringing them three news stories: the liberation of Nefroburg from the Killer Elephants, the extermination of the bandits in the Quail Tunnel, and the battle between the Dirge Cruiser and the S.S. Symphony. Enlist with the Editor-in-Chief and speak to (Miss) Betty to report your scoops. You will cause rapid stock growth if you report all three stories, and you will also receive 50000 UR when you speak with the Editor-in- Chief again after you beat the game. Note that you cannot report any news stories if you're a member of the Bloody Mantis. If you do not report any news stories before the game ends, the Urban Times will go bankrupt and close its doors for good. You can choose to receive 10 shares of this stock from the Old Lady with a Hunchback at Garland Cathedral if you play the organ for her. You can also choose to receive 15 shares of this stock from Joaquin after you beat the game (if you've completed his sidequest). ===================================================================== IV. Update History/Special Thanks ===================================================================== March 21, 2007 -- Ugh, dangling space in the ASCII art header. March 20, 2007 -- Reformatted the Table of Contents for easier reading. August 8, 2006 -- Added some information to the Deloche Emporium stock entry. July 17, 2006 -- Hosting permissions updated. July 16, 2006 -- Corrected the name of the plant Joaquin works in after coming to Happy Garland. July 14, 2006 -- Version 1.0 completed. Special thanks to Irem and Atlus for producing and localizing this great game for us all to enjoy. Questions? Comments? Corrections? Or was there something I missed? Direct your inquiries to me via email at guitarotoko@gmail.com. (C) 2006-2007 Wei Chen