Okaaaay... not sure if this is a bug or not. But finally got to the 2nd half of the game, completed the quest for the Lion fur to join my team (the currently last party member). But start the 'missing forces' quest immediately instead of heading back to base.... Turns out if you acquire the magelamp before heading back the Lioness just decides to disappear. At least as far as I can tell. (NVM on this one, she doesn't trigger at the Phanelyn home, she triggers if you return to the scrublands)
Found a 2nd bug in Phanelyn at this point. I feel this is unintentional, but at least for me, once you can mine both iron and coal there, the coal gives the EXACT same XP as the iron, but takes 2 more hits to mine in comparison. Feels like it should be lowered to the Iron's difficulty, or be given increased mining XP. (lv 40 mining, iron takes 1 hit, coal takes 3 both give 75xp atm)
Found a THIRD bug, which is that woodcutting in Phanelyn opens at I believe woodcutting lv15. I waited to do anything here until lv30. For these minigames each 5 levels reduces the hit count by 1. Base tree in Lupamara takes 6 hits at lv1 for 30 xp, 5 at lv5, 4 at lv10, 3 at lv15, 2 at lv20, and 1 at 25. The 'strong' tree in Lupamara unlocks at lv10 for 6 hits for 50 xp. 5 at 15, 4 at 20, 3 at 25, 2 at 30, 1 at 35. Meanwhile the Phanelyn trees I'm at 32 still take 6 hits to down and only give 70 xp. It's not like they are giving substantially more yield either which would be the point of cutting the trees here. (I also just noticed that in the skills list unlike the mining, foraging, and fishing unlocks the woodcutting unlock for Phanelyn is not listed in there)
Found a fourth bug, as of right now the bronze boots and steel boots provide the exact same stats. The helmet and breastplates at least are different at this point though. Doesn't help these armor upgrades (which more so boost hp) come a bit too late imo. Since Luna nightshade is honestly a FAR tougher boss than anything in Phanelyn I've encountered at this point.