Your initial selection in Aethermancer significantly shapes your gameplay trajectory. Optimal creature choice accelerates progression – this breakdown covers essential traits and combat roles of the top contenders.
Top Recommended Initial Creature
Jotunn emerges as the prime selection due to its dual Water/Wind resilience, self-sustaining shields, and threat manipulation. This defensive powerhouse simplifies early encounters while remaining viable in late-game scenarios. Performance rankings:
- Jotunn: Damage-absorbing guardian with counterattacking capabilities
- Nixe: Combat medic with toxic retaliation mechanics
- Minokawa: Evasive striker with stacking buff synergies
- Cherufe: AOE specialist focusing on Burn accumulation
Combatant Comparisons
| Starter | Stats | Actions & Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Minokawa | Health: 35 Fire Wind Sidekick Dodge Force |
Shining Spark: Initial strike gains +1 damage/2 buff stacks, self-shield equal to bonus Tempering: Applies Sidekick, 1 Force & 1 Dodge Supersonic Strike: 8 Wind damage. Gains Sidekick & Force |
| Nixe | Health: 40 Earth Water Heal Aether Poison |
Toxic Tides: Healing triggers Poison on least-toxic foe Leeching Strike: 3 Water damage. Allies heal 5 HP Restore: 3 HP heal + 3 Random Aether |
| Jotunn | Health: 45 Water Wind Tank Shield Age |
Rime Wind: Shield damage reflects Water/Wind retaliation RoarIce Smash: 3 Water/Wind damage |
| Cherufe | Health: 40 Earth Fire Critical Purge Burn |
Scorched Earth: Burn applications break Poise Grapple: 3 Earth damage + Purge Ignite: 3 Fire damage + 2 Burn |
Key Questions Answered
Initial selection reversible?
Roster changes require acquiring the Hidden Monsters upgrade via Pilgrimage Path exploration.
Least effective choices?
While functional, Minokawa and Cherufe face early-game alternatives with superior damage mitigation.
Endgame viability?
Starters remain competent but advanced creatures generally outclass them, except Jotunn’s defensive utility.