Brau

Brau is a brown bear who is a companion to Claudia on her travels in the game Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song.

Appearances

 * Claudia's Scenario: Starting character
 * Other scenario: Not recruitable

Combat Utility
Brau, like Sylvan, is classified similarly to the nameless mercenaries that can be recruited. He can't change his equipment (other than accessories) or wield other weapons, but starts off a bit stronger than most human mercenaries. He relies on barehanded attacks to deal damage and learns the unique Bear Hug ability (his only sparked art) if he levels up long enough.

Keeping Brau in the party does present an interesting situation. Both he and Sylvan cost nothing to maintain as allies since they cannot equip anything and like any party member in SaGa games, they can gain considerable power if trained properly. Since Brau's bear attacks are classified similarly to martial arts for humans, he can change into a job such as Ascetic or Martial Artist to cut down on the cost of BP per round. The player can also opt to make him a spellcaster and let Brau provide magic backup once he's gained some points in INT and COM.

The only downside to keeping Brau is that his inability to equip anything other than amulets and rings will result in him having a dismal defense level for the entirety of the game. This will lead to him being knocked out more easily in later parts of the story when the enemies grow in strength considerably, preventing him from providing much help to Claudia and the others.

Background and Story
The witch Eule, who has cared for Claudia since she was a baby, instructs Brau to go with Claudia and protect her when she goes out into the world. The bear obeys, and stays by Claudia's side until Eule's death. By this time, Claudia no longer needs protection, and Brau leaves the party forever. Claudia notes in the cutscene that Brau has a considerable temper.

It is interesting to note that if the player never actually goes to the forest when Eule is calling for Claudia, then it is possible to keep Brau in the party for the remainder of the game.