So, I've made it to the Lost Grove but I keep getting whooped by the people (and creatures) there. My pets are 61, so I've been trying to grind some levels in Astryl's Tranquility and Sweet Blossom Orchard, but it's soooooooooo slow.

So, am I doing something wrong? How do I go about getting stronger (hopefully faster) at this point since XP orbs no longer work?

Thanks for your help!

You look like youre doing pretty good, honestly. Youve mainly forgotten to spend some proficiency points. Also putting a point into strength on your tank is maybe not the most efficient use of points. I recommend restating that into health. Make sure to upgrade your armor once you start receiving the LG armor drops and youll get stronger quickly.

Also, battle in the LG as much as possible. The LG introduced move ranks that will only gain experience by fighting in the LG. These will increase your pets strength by a lot and theyre worth the time they take to train.

Edit: And dont feel bad about losing battles there. Dying to a sprite upon entering the LG for the first time is almost a rite of passage. The difficulty spike between there and the rest of the storyline is massive.

Yeah, I had no idea what I was doing when I put that point in Strength. And thank you! I'll go work on the LG then. ^_^

Stay near the entrance and in the druid zone, that part of the LG offer alot of single ennemies to fight so it's easyer to train at the begining (and to gain expertise). I didn't realy checked your team all that mutch but in case you want to see if you can improve your equipement (until you can get the appropriated vinethorn set) this guide can help out alot.