The festival is definitely not for newbies. The monsters kill me left and right, I pay to heal, run out of money..... I was looking for a beautifully made animal type game to help relieve some of the stresses I've been dealing with lately... and this is sadly looking like it is not going to be the game for me. I hate it because the people I've met are so unbelievably kind, and the animals are stunning.... but as for the game itself, it's like playing on hard mode from day 1 :(
Sorry to be so negative.

You are so very kind thank you for your help, both advice and the fighter

Also, just as some advice, you can also participate in the festival by using the trick or treat feature. It takes quite a bit of time, but it does end up giving you a lot of rewards if you put the time into it. You can then either use or sell those items to give yourself a good boost in the game. :) Festival currency (chocolate coins) turns into 500g next year if not used, so you can sell them for 500g each on the trade broker. This feature avoids battle entirely. ;)
Main thing to focus on would be going through the story until you at least have the third party slot unlocked. (3rd slot costs 20k or 25k if I'm remembering correctly. Once again, that's where ToT would help immensely. Sell the currency to make the gold needed.)

And let's also look at your battle party so that you're prepared when you go into the festival zone.

You should have a defensive pet as first pet in your party. This means either a water, shadow or earth attuned element. This pet is normally referred to as a "Tank".
For a beginner, I would recommend shadow. It's a magic based element that allows you to dish damage and heal at the same time (specific to that pet only).
(I personally run around with a full shadow party for giggles/maximum survivability.)

The second and third pet should either be two damaged based pets (wind is pretty killer, specced for physical attack), fire can possibly damage more then one target (magic based), and light is a bit of a cross between (magic based) that provides a bit of healing.

After you decide on elements, make sure your pet has the gear to match.
Intellect/Agility (Magic Tank)
Strength/Agility (Physical Tank)
Intellect/Dexteity (Magic Support)
Strength/Dexterity (Physical Support)
Always make sure you have the correct relic equipped. (Magical/Physical damage)


This guide gives a much more detailed breakdown if you find the time to read through it.

Thank you for all of your advice I will take it in bot by bit (I'm a very slow reading learner...unfortunately I'm better at hands on learning which doesn't help when playing games lol)

Try not to fret over the game too much hun. You're not the only one who started off like this...I did as well. It was a bit frustrating, but the more I spoke to people, the more I understood. There is always someone here who will just answer your questions or go further and help you out. There are also threads I believe in the Games and Giveaway sections of the forums where kind people help out with money....or pets etc...This is where I had to go get some money as well when I started. Personally, I'm a type who don't like to be a burden to anyone. But, the people here are amazing. I've spoken to a few. When I started I had been looking for Lighiras specifically. They were my faves. But I found they had been someone newly introduced and a bit hard to find...but there were a few kind-hearted people who gave me some.

I don't know everything about this place myself, but if you need any help, feel free to send a message my way. You're welcome to friend me as well if you like. If I don't know an answer to your questions, I'll find someone who does.

Also, Imperium's been here longer than I have, though I've not ever spoken with him ever, I don't think....but I have seen him in numerous threads, giving advice and helping others. Ivycat seems to know what she's talking about as well...so they'd be best ones to get good advice from. I'm sure there are many others as well.

Reynaleera