A Line of Knights makes an excellent Shield, rarely anything can past them and they can Heal those around them.
Everyone getting a Good Necklace lately, and those can not be bought, they should be made.
Many Recipes are now available, to make Items require materials, and to obtain those, have to fight some extra battles...
Searching for that Shopkeeper with special Inventory, should have a bigger collection of Rare Items.
The Valerian Isles are Big, can get nearly everywhere on Ship, already Sail Half the Isles.
Some new Allies require rescuing before they become available, a fast character with a Lobber is the surest way to Help.
Flying Characters can also instantly reach anyone in need, too few flying Members in our Party...