Etrian Odyssey 5 (2nd Stratum Party)

So as mentioned before I want to change my party each Stratum. For the 2nd Stratum, I felt it was best to keep the changes minimal. Ie replace the two back row members with two more other back rows members. As well keep a soild front. Granted this was before I bought portrait DLC and made more complicated plans. Still let's get on with the idea of who leaves, who stays, who joins and why.

During the final floor of Stratum 1, Yumi sustains too many injuries and dies as a result. Becky who was under enough pressure as it is and thus understood Yumi was too decides she can't take anymore. Thus she abandons Annie's party leaving it as a trio. Yes, I'm using gray scale to represent dead as dead can be.  Becky is not grayed out because she's not dead yet. I tried to think of a way of representing someone leaving, but nothing came to mind.

Having lost two members, Kurumi and Sarah are worried that Annie is demotivated. Annie claims to not be bothered what so ever., Yet at the same time keeps ranting about how she'll choose better this time. How they should go for experts, people who won't fall to pressure. Granted finding Experts who are not already part of a guild is the issue.

The highly trained duo of Sakura and Chikane meet up with Annie at the tavern and offer their services to her. After all it can be fun to help others for a reasonable price. Ie a share of the money and first choice of equipment too. They claim they're worth the cost, but only time will tell if the price is reasonable. Fore the record, they are not lying about being strong and experienced.  Annie learns this first hand as they demonstrate what they're capable of on one of the floors. 

Sakura is the devoted follower of Chikane and claims even when she uses her herbs on people other than Chikane that she does so for the benefit of Chikane. So if she saves your life, make sure your life is used to help out Chikane. She also feels it's important for Chikane not to be cheated out of what she is owed. I went with a Botanist because I felt the need for a stronger healer at this point. Even more so after the 1st boss.

A highly powerful magic user that is said to draw attention from others.  Including Annie herself who even asks Chikane "Will you leave too if there is any pressure?" and Chikane simply responds by saying "Annie, you will never abandom me". Good to know.. Can't see anything wrong with the way that was worded. I chose a Warlock because I wanted a strong user of magic and because the portrait is effective and works for my future purposes.