6666666666 6666666666 66666 66666 6666666 666 666 666 666 666 666 666 666 6 666 6 666 666 666 666 66 666 66 666 666 666 *$@%% 666666 666666 666 666 666 *@%% . 666 66 666 66 666 666 666 *@@ .@* 666 666 666 666 666 @@ @ 666 666 666 666 666 @$ @@ $ @@ 666 666 666666 666 @@@ $#@ ## @ 66666 66666 6666 6666666 $#$ @######@ $# =============================================== .##$* $$ @##%@#@##@#### F I N A L F A N T A S Y V I @## @$#####@@####$$###@ ----------------------------------------------- %##@#####$@#$@%$####@# FULL WALKTHROUGH & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS @@###@@#####@###### =============================================== @######@@###@##@$ $$@@@@@@@$@@@@@@@@@@@ [author] Jeff Chan "Atom Edge" %. &$ @@$@@@$@@@%@*@@@@@@@@@ [contact] atomedge@houston.rr.com @@@$@$@@@$.@@@@@@@@$@@@@@@@$@@ [release] North American Version %@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@%@@@@$ @@@ [platform] Super Nintendo @@@@@%%## @$@@$$@@@@@%@@@@ @@. [updated] 16 December 2002 @@@@$@@@$##@@$@@$$$@@@@@@@@@ *@ [version] 1.0 @@@@@@% @@$#@@@@@@@@$@@@@@@@@ *@@@% $$#@@@@@@@%$%*$$$@$ This document is Copyright 2002 $#@@@ @@@@@$@$@$@ Jeff Chan. All rights reserved. $@$#@@@@ @@@@@@@@@$@$ @@@$#@@ @@@%@@@@@@@@ FINAL FANTASY and all related articles $@$ %@@@@@@$@@@@ belong solely to Square Co. LTD. #@ @@@$@@@@@$@@$$ No breach of copyright intended. @$#@@%@@@@@@$ @@@@@@%% #@@#$$ *@@@@@ This FAQ is to only appear on $@#%#@@#$#@$# @####@. GameFAQs @####$#@@@ # #####@. @@ ## .###% ######### Please refer to the end of $$ .##@#@######@###### this document for a more $$$* $####@ ####### detailed legal notice. "You think a minor thing like the end of the world was gonna do me in?" - Sabin Rene Figaro +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ I. Author's Note and Forward II. Revision History III. Characters IV. Walkthrough - World of Balance V. Walkthrough - World of Ruin VI. Esper Listing VII. Spell Listing VIII. Frequently Asked Questions ix. Credits and Special Thanks x. Legal Information =============================================================================== I. Author's Note and Forward =============================================================================== Final Fantasy VI is still, after all these years, a widely popular game. This file is a complete walkthrough of the entire game from beginning to end with all side-quests and relevant material covered. Though there are a great many walkthroughs scattered all over the internet, there is not a single document containing all of the most asked questions regarding the game. To that end, this file's second purpose is a comprehensive section answering all of the most frequently asked questions. Due to the very nature of this guide, it is filled with spoilers. If you do not want the story spoiled outright, it is suggested you stop reading. The following are several documents that are basically the most informative of their kind: - The Mynock's Guide to Final Fantasy III - MasterZED's FF3us Monster Stats Guide - Terii Senshi's Algorithms FAQ - Tze Jo's Micro FAQ - Robert Page and Jay Yamamoto's FF3/6j Low Level FAQ - SharkESP's Final Fantasy Three Low Level Game FAQ - Atom Edge's Item and Equipment Guide GameFAQs has them all listed for your convenience. The Mynock's is the best guide for Final Fantasy III out there. Master ZED's Monster Stats guide contains every possible attribute an enemy has. Terii Senshi's FAQ covers how the game's internal mechanics calculate damage, etc. Tze Jo's FAQ has various useful bits of information (containing a very detailed explanation of the Cursed Shld). Both Low Level FAQs are extremely detailed (worth a read even if you are not performing a low level game). The last contains a detailed listing of all items found in the game, their attributes and all possible locations (also written by myself). Additionally, both Terii Senshi and MasterZED each run a website which have even more in-depth information. They are: - Terii Senshi's RPG Page - ZED's Unoriginal White Sheet If you need to know something about the game, and you can't find it here, you'll be able to find it in one of those seven documents or two websites. Onto the guide. +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ "Seek knowledge by questioning widely; set aside aversion and reluctance. What loss is there in dignity, what worry is there of failure?" - Zhuge Liang, Kongming +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ =============================================================================== II. Revision History =============================================================================== --- Work on this guide began on the 1st of August, 2002 --- Version 1.0 - from 1 August 2002 to 16 December 2002 - 262 kb - Original draft - Initial release (though it should have been released several months ago. Procrastination is the enemy of all.) =============================================================================== III. Characters =============================================================================== TERRA BRANFORD ============== -- Background Information -- Terra is a half-Esper, half-human hybrid. When she was still a infant, the Esper realm was attacked by Emperor Gestahl, and she subsequently fell into his hands. Trained since then to be a killing machine, she was a virtual slave to the Empire. On a mission to recover Tritoch, she eventually has a slave crown removed and is no longer under anyone's influence. As events unfold, Terra fights along the Returners to defeat the Empire. When the world is torn asunder as Kefka usurps power, Terra finds herself with the orphaned kids of Mobliz and finds her purpose in a world where she does not fit in. -- Evaluation -- Terra is a rather strong character. She possess both a strong physical attacks and magic. She is also able to equip most all equipment, making very flexible. When she gets the Morph ability, she becomes even stronger. -- Morph -- Terra transforms into her Esper form. In this form, she deals twice as much physical damage and takes only half damage from magic attacks. Very useful to end a boss battle quickly. The only problem with this skill is its inconsistancy. To stay in her Esper form longer, Terra has to acquire more magic points (the same points used to learn spells from Espers). As she uses Morph, it drains all the built up points she has, and will make her not be able to Morph for a while. So, she shouldn't use this too much, and save it for boss battles when it will come in handy. -- Magic learned by level -- **Information from MasterZED's Magic/Blitz/SwdTech Level data found on his website: Level 1 - Cure Level 37 - Dispel Level 3 - Fire Level 43 - Fire 3 Level 6 - Antdot Level 49 - Life 2 Level 12 - Drain Level 57 - Pearl Level 18 - Life Level 68 - Break Level 22 - Fire 2 Level 75 - Quartr Level 26 - Warp Level 86 - Merton Level 33 - Cure 2 Level 99 - Ultima LOCKE COLE ========== -- Background Information -- Locke is a self-proclaimed treasure hunter who trys to act carefree, but harbors a painful past. His girlfriend was hurt in a cave fall in front of his eyes. She had amnesia as a result. During her amnesia, she agreed to marry Locke. Of course, her parents were none to thrilled that she was going to marry the man they blamed for her injury and Locke left town so things could cool down. Before he could return, he received word that Rachel had died shortly after recovering her memory. It pained him to have not been able to save her and for not being there for her when she died. To this end, he has vowed to always protect those he can. -- Evaluation -- Locke is easily one of the best characters in the game. Though his skill is not directly useful for a fight, his speed is very useful. On top of this, he is a fairly strong attacker and can equip some of the most useful weapons in the game, exclusive to him (namely the Wing Edge and Valiant Knife). -- Steal -- Though not directly useful for a fight, this skill isn't too bad. It provides an early source of Genji Gloves off the Floating Continent, as well as other items. Also useful for rackng up some early GP, should you need it. Of course, its uses are somewhat limited. If you equip the Thief Glove, Steal becomes Capture, which is essentially an attack and steal in one. EDGAR RONI FIGARO ================= -- Background Information -- Edgar is the young king of Figaro, machine expert and self-styled ladies' man. Though he tries to appear suave and nonchalant on the outside, Edgar is a truly compassionate person who wants to help others. Early on, he realized he would have to carry the burden of an empire at an early age. Knowing his brother's wishes, he allowed Sabin to follow his own path, while he travelled his. -- Evaluation -- Edgar is another physical type fighter. He is just as strong as Locke, Terra and Celes, but he will be dealing much more damage much earlier due to his Tools. Edgar (along with Sabin) will make the World of Balance a virtual breeze. -- Tools -- They are weapons that do not even need to be equipped. For the great majority of the game, they will also be stronger than any weapon Edgar would have access to anyway. AutoCrossbow is ridiculously powerful early on, as is Chainsaw. NoiseBlaster will continue to be incredibly useful until the end of the game. In addition, because Edgar does not need to necessarily equip a weapon, he won't hog one of your better items. On top of this, he can equip a weapon that, although may not be strong, provide a useful trait (e.g. the Enhancer). Tool: AutoCrossbow Effect: Attacks all enemies [Bat.Power: 125] Location: Edgar automatically joins the party with it Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoB] for 250 (125 with discount) Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 250 (125 with discount) Steal from Trapper or Hitman Tool: NoiseBlaster Effect: Inflicts Muddle on all enemies. Location: Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoB] for 500 (250 with discount) Purchase at South Figaro [WoB] for 500 (250 with discount) Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 500 (250 with discount) Steal from Junk or Crane Tool: Bio Blaster Effect: Inflicts the Poison status and deals damage to all enemies. Location: Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoB] for 750 (375 with discount) Purchase at South Figaro [WoB] for 750 (375 with discount) Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 750 (375 with discount) Steal from Chaser, Innoc, or TunnelArmr Win from ProtoArmor Tool: Chainsaw Effect: Attacks a single enemy [Bat.Power: 252] or attempts to instantly dispatch it. Location: Found in Zozo (Clock code is 6:10:50) Steal from Dueller Tool: Flash Effect: Blinds all enemies. Location: Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoB] for 1000 (500 with discount) Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 1000 (500 with discount) Steal from Rhynox or Sky Base Tool: Debilitator Effect: Gives a single target a random elemental weakness. Location: Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 5000 (2500 with discount) Tool: Drill Effect: Attacks a single enemy [Bat.Power: 191] Location: Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoB] for 3000 (1500 with discount) Purchase at Figaro Castle [WoR] for 3000 (1500 with discount) Steal from Fortis Tool: Air Anchor Effect: May instantly dispatch an enemy Location: Found in Fanatics' Tower At the Colosseum, bet the Genji Armor or Cursed Ring for this. SABIN RENE FIGARO ================= -- Background Information -- He is a trained martial artist who happens to be the twin brother of Edgar. At the death of his father, Sabin became disgusted with the politics of the world. Everyone was only interested in which of the brothers would succeed the throne instead of seeking vengeance for those that had killed his father. Shunning it all, he leaves Figaro and sets out to perfect himself. He is taught martial arts by Duncan; skills which would come in handy when he is finally reunited with his brother in an effort to take down the Empire. -- Evaluation -- Sabin is easily one of the strongest characters throughout the game. His Blitz skills will almost always be your strongest attack available. His only true weakness lies in the inability to target specific enemies with his Blitz. Though, this isn't much of a problem since he eliminates the enemies so quickly. -- Blitz -- Easily one of the most powerful skill sets in the entire game. Sabin will more than likely be one of, if not the, strongest character you use because of Blitz. AuraBolt is ridiculously powerful early on. Fire Dance is an excellent multi-enemy targeting attack, as well as Air Blade. Bum Rush is available as soon as you acquire the Airship in the World of Ruin, which will make most boss battles end in less than two rounds. **Information from MasterZED's Magic/Blitz/SwdTech Level data found on his website: Skill: Pummel Effect: Physical damage to a single enemy Command: Left, Right, Left Learned: Level 1 Skill: AuraBolt Effect: Magical damage to a single enemy Command: Down, Down-left, Left Alt.: Down, Down, Left Learned: Level 6 Skill: Suplex Effect: Physical damage to a single enemy Command: X, Y, Down, Up Learned: Level 10 Skill: Fire Dance Effect: Fire-based damage to all enemies Command: Left, Down-left, Down, Down-right, Right Alt.: Left, Left, Down, Down, Right Learned: Level 15 Skill: Mantra Effect: Restores HP to all allies excluding Sabin Command: R, L, R, L, X, Y Learned: Level 23 Skill: Air Blade Effect: Wind-based damage to all enemies Command: Up, Up-right, Right, Down-Right, Down, Down-left, Left Alt.: Up, Up, Right, Right, Down, Down, Left Learned: Level 30 Skill: Spiraler Effect: Fully restores all allies' HP; Sabin removed from battle Command: R, L, X, Y, Right, Left Learned: Level 42 Skill: Bum Rush Effect: Magical damage to one enemy Command: Left, Up-left, Up, Up-right, Right, Down-right, Down, Down-left, Left Alt.: Left, Left, Up, Up, Right, Right, Down, Down, Left Learned: Level 70 Duncan will teach Sabin if you meet him in the World of Ruin. CELES CHERE =========== -- Background Information -- Celes is a former soldier of the Empire who was genetically enhanced to be able to use Magic. She rebelled against the Empire and was arrested in South Figaro. Of course, her future knight-in-shining-soldier's clothes, Locke, rescues and brings her to the Returners. Though she is later suspected of betraying them, she comes out in the end to prove she is loyal to her friends. A year after the destruction of the world, Celes awakes from a coma, and proceeds to lead in the downfall of Kefka. -- Evaluation -- Celes is nearly identical to Terra in terms of character strength. The only true difference, is their respective skills, Morph and Runic. Though Morph has many more practical uses, Runic is a very powerful asset. Used correctly, it can very well negate many enemies' (including some bosses') offensive capabilities. -- Runic -- If equipped with a proper sword, Celes can automatically negate the next spell cast during battle. Though not practical for most instances, if used agaisnt the right enemy in the proper way, Celes can single handedly stop the attacks of a boss. -- Magic learned by level -- **Information from MasterZED's Magic/Blitz/SwdTech Level data found on his website: Level 1 - Ice Level 32 - Muddle Level 4 - Cure Level 40 - Bserk Level 8 - Antdot Level 42 - Ice 3 Level 13 - Imp Level 48 - Vanish Level 18 - Scan Level 52 - Haste2 Level 22 - Safe Level 72 - Pearl Level 26 - Ice 2 Level 81 - Flare Level 32 - Haste Level 98 - Meteor CYAN GARAMONDE ============== -- Background Information -- Cyan is the most-trusted warrior of Doma. Though he is not the youngest swordsman, he is still the best. During Kefka's seige of Doma, poison is used killing everyone in Doma including Cyan's wife Elayne, and son Owain. In a fit of rage, Cyan single-handedly storms the Imperial camp. At this point, he runs into Sabin, and the two journey off. They make their way through the Phantom Forest and onto the Phantom Train. Eventually, Cyan has to accept the departure of his wife and son, and decides he will join Sabin and take revenge against the Empire. -- Evaluation -- Though Cyan is a very powerful character, he is often not as useful as others. This is due mainly to the SwdTechs. Powerful as they are, you can achieve much the same level of damage using attacks that don't take quite as long to perform. Of course, Cyan does have "Psycho Cyan" which makes him, far and wide, the most powerful character in the game. (Read the FAQ section for more information.) -- SwdTech -- They are generaly quite powerful. Dispatch is very strong early on and ignores defense. Retort is a decent enough attack, which does massive damage, though not practical. Of course, it is also the root of Psycho Cyan. The four-hitters take too long to charge to make too effective. However, if you like Cyan, a casting of Quick takes care of the long charge time. **Information from MasterZED's Magic/Blitz/SwdTech Level data found on his website: SwdTech 1: Dispatch Effect: Deals physical damage. Level: 1 SwdTech 2: Retort Effect: Places Cyan in a state where if he is attacked, he will automatically counterattack. Level: 6 SwdTech 3: Slash Effect: Halves an enemy's current HP. Level: 12 SwdTech 4: Quadra Slam Effect: Attacks the enemies with four hits. Level: 15 SwdTech 5: Empowerer Effect: Deals damage to the enemy's HP and MP and Cyan is restored by that amount. Level: 24 SwdTech 6: Stunner Effect: Deals damage to all enemies and casts Stop. Level: 1 SwdTech 7: QuadraSlice Effect: Attacks the enemies with four hits. Level: 44 SwdTech 8: Cleave Effect: Instantly dispatches enemies. Level: 70 GAU === -- Background Information -- Gau's mother died while giving birth to him. As a result, the father went insane, thought Gau was some sort of monster and left him all alone in the Veldt. His father convinced himself that is all one terrible dream and forgot it ever happened. Gau, defying all odds, survives the harsh Veldt despite being a baby. He grows into young boyhood adapting to the surroundings, and learning to be as strong as any monster could ever be. Eventually, Sabin and Cyan run into him on the Veldt while trying to reach Narshe. Gau tags along (much to the initial dismay of Cyan) and gives them his treasure which helps them reach their destination. -- Evaluation -- Gau is truly a wildcard. Though initially many people dismiss him as being weak, if he is used properly, he will be easily one of the strongest party members. Stray Cat is a Rage that is available at the beginning of the game, and many people use it at the end. This speaks volumes on how useful it is. Additionally, when played properly, Gau can be casting spells like Fire 2 long before the rest of your party can. Late in the game, with a full set of Rages and equipment like the Snow Muffler, Gau can be a force to be reckoned with. His only downfall is the lack of control you have over him once he starts to Rage. -- Rage -- To acquire more Rages, Gau must Leap onto enemies on the Veldt. When he returns, he will have acquired the skills of the monsters he has journeyed with. To get more monsters in the Veldt, you have to have faced them in battle before. When Gau uses a Rage, he becomes AI controlled until either the end of the battle, or he is wounded (i.e. dies in battle). During his Rage state, Gau can either perform a normal attack, or the special skill of the monster he is currently Raging. Additionally, while he is Raging certain monsters, he will acquire their inherent immunities and status bonuses. MOG === -- Background Information -- Mog is a moogle. Living in the caves of Narshe, Mog first encounters Terra and Locke when they are being chased by Narshe guards. With Mog's help, they are able to escape. Later in the game, the team recruits Mog after a small ordeal with the pickpocket thief Lone Wolf. Lone Wolf, who had stolen the Gold Hairpin, attempted to hold Mog hostage. He hadn't counted on the hyper-active moogle to break free on his own. After the end of the world, Mog finds his way back to the World of Ruin. Here, he has a dream where he is told to help stop Kefka. -- Evaluation -- Early on, most people don't find much use for Mog. When the World of Ruin, rolls around, though, he becomes a staple in most people's party. The Moogle Charm alone warrants his use. Aside from that, Mog is still a great character. Able to use equipment that boosts his defense to the max, and his magic defense to obscene levels, Mog can sit in battle and take no more than 1 HP of damage per hit. In addition, though his offensive capabilities are not up to the level of some of the other characters, Mog can be incredibly useful with the Dragon Horn and DragoonBoots. His Dances, though, are usually more hassle than they are worth. -- Dance -- When Mog uses a Dance, the terrain transforms and he will use a terrain based attack. At this point, he is AI controlled, and each Dance has four different techniques to use. Though used correctly, Dance can be a powerful weapon. However, for the most part, it is too much of a hassle to use. If you do choose to use a Dance though make sure it is of the correct terrain where you are currently battling. Otherwise, Mog has a chance to fail. To learn a Dance, Mog simply has to fight in a new terrain. At the end of battle, he will automatically learn it. Dance: Wind Song Attacks: Wind Slash - Deals Wind-based damage to all enemies. Sun Bath - Recovers HP for all allies. Plasma - Lightning-based damage to a single enemy. Cockatrice - Damage to a single enemy. May cause Petrify status. Terrain: Plains Dance: Forest Suite Attacks: Rage - Damages all enemies. Harvester - Removes all negative status effect from all allies. Elf Fire - Fire-based damage to one enemy. Wombat - Damage to one enemy. Terrain: Forest Dance: Desert Aria Attacks: Wind Slash - Deals Wind-based damage to all enemies. Sand Storm - Deals Wind-based damage to all enemies. Antlion - Remove an enemy from battle. Kitty - Damage to one enemy. Terrain: Desert Dance: Love Sonata Attacks: Elf Fire - Fire-based damage to one enemy. Specter - Inflicts the Muddle status on an enemy. Snare - Remove an enemy from battle. Tapir - Removes all negative status effects from all allies. Terrain: Building (Town) Dance: Earth Blues Attacks: Land Slide - Damage to one enemy. Sonic Boom - Removes 62.5% of enemy's current HP. Sun Bath - Recovers HP for all allies. Whump - Damage to one enemy. Terrain: Mountainous Dance: Water Rondo Attacks: El Nino - Deals Water-based damage to all enemies. Plasma - Lightning-based damage to one enemy. Specter - Inflicts the Muddle status on an enemy. Wild Bear - Recovers HP and removes all negative status effects. Terrain: Water (exclusive to the World of Balance) Dance: Dusk Requium Attacks: Cave In - Removes 75% of target's current HP. Snare - Removes an enemy from battle. Elf Fire - Fire-based damage to one enemy. Pois. Frog - Damage to one enemy. May cause Poison status. Terrain: Cave Dance: Snowman Jazz Attacks: Snowball - Halves an enemy's current HP. Surge - Damage to all enemies. Snare - Removes an enemy from battle. Ice Rabbit - Recovers HP for all allies. Terrain: Snow (exclusive to the World of Ruin) SETZER GABBIANI =============== -- Background Information -- Setzer is a free-spirited gambler who happens to be the owner of the only Airship on the world. When the Returners needed to get to Vector, their only course was to use Setzer's Airship. To this end, they foil his attempted kidnapping of Maria, the Opera singer. Then, Celes uses Edgar's prized two-headed coin to trick her way into a deal with the gambler. (Not much of a "master-gambler" though, if he fell for that trick.) At this point, Setzer continues to aid the Returners. After the Kefka unbalances the world, and the Blackjack Airship is destroyed, Setzer visits the grave of his long-deceased friend Darill. Here, he recovers her old Airship and the party proceeds to confront Kefka. -- Evaluation -- Setzer is far from the best character. In actuality, he has really nothing that makes him stand out. His skill is next to useless. He is limited in what he equips. And he isn't even strong. His only saving grace is the Fixed Dice. Some people rave on and one about it. In truth, it's not even that great a weapon. Sure it can deal high damage, but the same can be said about half a dozen other weapons. And their strength won't fluctuate like the Fixed Dice. -- Slot -- Setzer rolls a slot machine. Whatever the outcome is determines the effect it will produce. Combo: Any "losing" combination Attack: Lagomorph Effect: Restores HP to all allies (very small amount) Combo: Diamond - Diamond - Diamond Attack: 7-Flush Effect: Damages all enemies. Combo: Chocobo - Chocobo - Chocobo Attack: Chocobop Effect: Stampede of chocobos damages all enemies. Combo: Airship - Airship - Airship Attack: H Bomb Effect: Damages all enemies. Combo: Bar - Bar - Bar Attack: [Random Esper Attack] Effect: [Random Esper Attack] Combo: Bird - Bird - Bird Attack: Sun Flare Effect: Summons Bahamut. Combo: 7 - 7 - Bar Attack: Joker Doom Effect: Death to all. Game over. Combo: 7 - 7 - 7 Attack: Flash Effect: Death to all enemies. Instant victory. If Setzer equips the Coin Toss Relic, his skill becomes GP Rain. This ability takes GP and throws it at the enemy for damage. Fairly weak, at level 99, it deals less than 6000 damage. SHADOW ====== -- Background Information -- Shadow appears a cold-blooded mercenary. No job is too dirty so long as the price is right. He travels the world doing odd jobs for money to feed his dog, Interceptor. He is eventually hired by the Empire to aid in the search for the Espers. Along the way, his "use" runs out and they try to axe Shadow. So he joins the Returners in an effort to take down the Empire. Shadow's past is shrouded in mystery and revealed through his dreams. Before he became an emotion-dead ninja/assassin/mercenary, he Shadow was a thief named Clyde working with his friend Baram. Their greatest feat was the theft of 1,000,000 GP from a train. Somewhere along the way, Clyde and Baram are chased by the authorities and Baram is hurt in the process. Clyde is forced to leave Baram behind (a choice that grievously upsets him). He eventually finds his way to the town of Thamasa, were a woman nurses him back to help. Like all obvious stories, the two fall in love and have a baby girl. It's plainly obvious that this girl is none other than Relm. Possibly because he was an outlaw, or because he knew he would not make a good father, he leaves Thamasa in the interest of Relm. Interceptor decides to follow him, and that's how Clyde came to be Shadow. This, of course, explains why Interceptor is nice to Relm, and no one else. It also explains Shadow's hesitation towards Thamasa. -- Evaluation -- Shadow is a very strong character. He will most likely be one of your faster characters and stronger attackers throughout the game, regardless of the fact that most of his weapons are weak. His skill provides a very early defense ignoring attack, which makes it massively powerful. Shadow's greatest bonus though, is that Interceptor will randomly block and even counter attacks for Shadow. In addition, Interceptor's counters are extremely strong early on, doing damage in the mid 4 figures when most of your characters are barely doing 3 figure damage. -- Throw -- Throw takes a weapon that is not currently equipped (or special items that are exclusively designed for throwing) and Shadow will hurl it at an enemy. Though it does waste an item, most of the time, Shadow deals obscene amounts of damage because Throw ignores defense. STRAGO MAGUS ============ -- Background Information -- Strago is a 70-year-old man from the town of Thamasa and descended from the archaic Mage Warriors. He spent the greater part of his youth hunting the monster Hidon (never quite succeeding). Strago is skilled in the art of Lores, and has the ability to perform the attacks of monsters he has encountered. Years ago, a friend of his died, and he has taken to raising her orphaned daughter Relm. Thamasa is a town that tries to hide its inherent talent with magic. When the Empire comes to town looking for Espers, Strago and the rest of Thamasa feigns ignorance. When Relm is put in danger because of she is trapped in a burning house, Strago attempts to rescue her. His power is not enough, but with the help of Locke, Terra, and later Shadow (Relm's father), she is saved. As a means of repaying a debt, Strago agrees to aid in the search for Espers. In the World of Ruin, Ebot's Rock has resurfaced. This is the home of Hidon. Strago is initially uninterested in facing Hidon. Later on, his best friend, Gung Ho, is apparently injured by Hidon (an act). This fuels Strago's determination to confront and defeat Hidon. -- Evaluation -- Strago isn't too bad of a character, but he isn't very good either. Though his Lores are useful, they aren't useful enough to really warrant using him. Basically, Strago is one of those characters that could be very good, but never quite makes it. -- Lore -- This is a set of spells normally only available to enemies. Should Strago be hit with one, he learns it and can use it himself. Known more commonly in other Final Fantasies as "Blue Magic". Attack: Condemned Effect: Inflicts the Condemned status on an enemy. MP cost: 20 Learned: Zombone, Still Life, Critic, Veteran, Dark Force Attack: Roulette Effect: Random character or enemy is instantly killed. MP cost: 10 Learned: Critic, Veteran, Pipsqueak, Dark Force Attack: CleanSweep Effect: Deals Water-based damage to all enemies. MP cost: 30 Learned: Blue Drgn, Enuo, Dark Force Attack: Aqua Rake Effect: Deals Water-based damage to all enemies. MP cost: 22 Learned: Strago has this Lore when you recruit him. Attack: Aero Effect: Deals Wind-based damage to all enemies. MP cost: 41 Learned: Harpy, Harpiai, Tyranosaur, Sprinter, Rhyos, Dark Force Attack: Blow Fish Effect: Deals exactly 1000 HP of damage to one enemy. MP cost: 50 Learned: Cactrot, Brain Pan, Phase, Dark Force Attack: Big Guard Effect: Inflicts Shell and Safe status on all allies. MP cost: 80 Learned: Mover, EarthGuard Attack: Revenge Effect: Deals damage to one enemy equal to caster's max HP - current HP. MP cost: 31 Learned: Dragon, Gigantos, Pandora, Red Wolf, Dark Force Attack: Pearl Wind Effect: Restores HP to all allies equal to caster's current HP. MP cost: 45 Learned: Sprinter, Ogor, Peepers, Vectuar, Dark Force Attack: L.5 Doom Effect: All enemies whose level is a multiple of 5 is instantly killed. MP cost: 22 Learned: Trapper, Didalos, Goblin, Dark Force Attack: L.4 Flare Effect: All enemies whose level is a multiple of 4 is hit with Flare. MP cost: 42 Learned: Trapper, Apokryphos, Goblin, Dueller, Dark Force Attack: L.3 Muddle Effect: All enemies whose level is a multiple of 3 is inflicted with the Muddle status. MP cost: 28 Learned: Apokryphos, Goblin, Dante, Dark Force Attack: Reflect??? Effect: Inflicts various negative status on all enemies with Reflect. MP cost: 0 Learned: Dark Force Attack: L.? Pearl Effect: All enemies whose level is a multiple of the last digit of the current GP count is hit with Pearl. MP cost: 50 Learned: Innoc, Dark Force Attack: Step Mine Effect: Deals damage to one enemy. Damage = # of steps taken / 32. MP cost: Mp cost = Minutes of game played / 30. Learned: Pug, Brachosaur, Mesosaur, Crawler, GreaseMonk, Dark Force Attack: ForceField Effect: Nullifies a random elemental damage. MP cost: 24 Learned: Doom Attack: Dischord Effect: Hlaves the level of one enemy. MP cost: 68 Learned: Lizard, Figaliz, IronHitman, Chaser, Dark Force Attack: Sour Mouth Effect: Inflicts various negative status effects on one enemy. MP cost: 32 Learned: Mad Oscar, Evil Oscar, Dark Force Attack: Pep Up Effect: Fully restores HP & MP to one ally; caster removed from battle. MP cost: 1 Learned: Intangir, Junk, Muus Attack: Rippler Effect: Switches status effects with a single monster. MP cost: 66 Learned: Reach Frog, Dark Force Attack: Stone Effect: Deals damage to one or all enemies. May cause Muddle. If the target's HP is the same as the caster's, damage increases. MP cost: 22 Learned: Strago has this Lore when you recruit him. Attack: Quasar Effect: Deals damage to all enemies. MP cost: 50 Learned: Goddess, Dark Force Attack: GrandTrain Effect: Deals damage to all enemies. MP cost: 64 Learned: Hidon Attack: Exploder Effect: Removes all current HP from caster and inflicts it as damage to a single enemy. MP cost: 1 Learned: Bomb, Balloon, Wart Puck, Junk, Dark Force RELM ARROWNY ============ -- Background Information -- Relm is the daughter of a native Thamasa woman and Clyde. Because her mother passed away and her father is not around (see Shadow's Bio), Strago, a family friend took her in as a surrogate granddaughter, and has been raising her ever since. Relm possesses an inherent affinity to painting. Her portraits can, literally, captivate people. Being an over-energetic child, she tags along with Strago, Locke and Terra (unknowingly to them) when they search for the Espers. She, of course, gets tangled up with all the revolution business and even meets her father (though she is not aware). -- Evaluation -- At first glance, Relm seems like a terrible character. Of course, many people do not realize that she is the strongest magician in the game. Her Magic power is unrivalled, making her immensely powerful should you decide to use her. Of course, her physical attack strength is non-existant, and she doesn't take hits too well either. -- Sketch -- Relm will paint the portrait of an enemy, and proceed to use one of its attacks. Not very useful aside from glitching the game up severely. If she equips the FakeMustache, Sketch becomes Control, where instead of using one of Relm's commands, you use one of the enemy's commands. Aside from aiding Strago learn Lores, these skills are useless. You should probably avoid using them unless necessary due to the ease of glitching up the game. UMARO ===== -- Background Information -- Umaro is the bone-carving sasquash dwelling in the Caves of Narshe. He is also apparently Mog's slave. Go figure. -- Evaluation -- There's really not too much to Umaro. He is AI controlled at all times, normally only uses a standard attack. If you equip the Blizzard Orb on him, he will randomly use a multi-enemy attacking spell. If you equip the Rage Ring on him, he will randomly pick a party member (or himself) and throw them at an enemy doing more damage than normal. Of course, it is usually more effective to just give him Relics that are actually useful. GOGO ==== -- Background Information -- Gogo is a Mime found in the pits of the World or Ruin's Triangle Island. Because Gogo has no particular background story, many FF fans take it upon themselves to come up with theories as to who Gogo is. Some say Gogo is Darill, others insist he is Adlai Stevenson. For more information, refer to the FAQ section. In short, Gogo is Gogo. That's it. The original character appeared in Final Fantasy V, as an optional boss "fight". You would have to defeat Gogo to obtain a crystal shard and the Mime job class. Apparently, some game designers either really liked Gogo and put him in this game, or got really lazy and re-used Gogo to avoid actually coming up with a Mime class character. -- Evaluation -- Gogo is an extremely useful character. His Mimic ability is somewhat more difficult to use than most abilities, but has very useful applications. As an added bonus, Gogo can cast whatever spells the rest of the party can cast at the moment. In addition, you can go to the Status Menu and fill Gogo's other three command slots with the abilities of the other characters' abilities, except Terra's Morph. Really like Sabin's Bum Rush? Gogo can do it too. Really like Gau's Rage? Gogo can do it too. The only true downfall to Gogo, aside from being a terribly designed character story-wise, is that he cannot equip Espers. This translates out to static stats throughout the game. Whereas other characters can use bonuses to get 128 Vigor or Magic or Speed, Gogo is stuck at where he is. -- Mimic -- This skill is somewhat difficult to use compared to all the other skills in the game. It's applications are limited (since he can already use others' skills without this) but useful. For example, if you are looking to use the Ragnarok Esper, Gogo can Mimic Metamorph until it succeeds. =============================================================================== IV. Walkthrough - World of Balance =============================================================================== ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NARSHE ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Elixir, Fenix Down, Sleeping Bag, Tincture, Sleeping Bag, Tonic When you are in control, as Vicks, Wedge, and ????? (Terra), advance through the town and into the mines. You'll fight a few battles along the way, but in Magitek Armor, you should be more than fine. They will eventually come across Whelk, the first boss of the game. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: WHELK Head [Lvl. 6, 1600 HP, 1000 MP] Shell [Lvl: 4, ???? HP, 120 MP] Have Vicks and Wedge both use Fire Beam on the Head. Terra should use TekMissile on the Head. Do not attack the shell at all or you will be hit with a counterattack. When the head hides inside the shell, do not attack at all. Wait until it comes out again and kill it. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The trio will finally reach the Tritoch Esper. Tritoch eliminates both Vicks and Wedge and something causes Terra to go unconscious. She wakes up in Arvis' House. He explains to Terra that she was under a form of mind control induced by the Slave Crown. Narshe guards come to get Terra and Arvis tells her to flee through the back door. Before you do that, grab the Elixir hidden in Arvis' clock. Outside, you'll cross a bridge and run into the mines. Follow the path and you'll come across two chests, one containing a Fenix Down, and a Sleeping Bag. If wait until the World of Ruin, the items will be an Elixir and Pod Bracelet. Given that you don't need either of the items at the moment, it is well worth the investment to leave them alone. Continue along the linear path and Terra will be cornered by the guards. She'll step on a weak part in the ground and fall through a hole in the floor. She ends up unconscious (yet again). The scene switches to Arvis' House where Locke is introduced. Arvis has him go and rescue Terra. The scene switches back to Terra and Locke has come to her side. Those troublesome guards have found a way down to the lower level as well. Of course, several groups of guards against Locke and an unconscious Terra is not a fair match, so Locke gets some much desired help from Narshe's resident moogles, led by Mog. You'll now fight in a multi-party battle. You can switch between three parties all filled to the brim with moogles. Take the last party (the one without either Locke or Mog) and clear through the advancing enemies. When that is done, switch to Mog's party and remove his Mithril Shld. You can elect to take his Mithril Pike away, but because only Edgar will be able to use it later, and he is better off using the AutoCrossbow, there's really no point. Now take control of the Locke's team, and attack the commander. It is an easy enough battle. The moogles go back into their caves and Locke and Terra leave. At the end of the tunnel Locke opens what any good treasure hunter would have, a secret passage. There is one lone building outside of the Narshe main gate. It is the classroom. FF veterans will recognize it. Speaking with each of the people will prompt either a tutorial or a tip. Given that you have this walkthrough, and their tips aren't anything that isn't already blatantly obvious, you don't need to bother talking to any of them. However, do go inside and use the healing bucket. Then raid the rooms for a Tonic, Sleeping Bag and Tincture (hidden in a pot). At this point, leave Narshe and you'll be on the World Map. Head in a generally southwest direction and you'll end up in a desert. In the middle of desert is Figaro Castle, home to the most unsuccessful ladies' man in the game, King Edgar Figaro. This is, obviously, your next destination. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CASTLE ]-------------------------------------------------------- Items: Fenix Down, Soft, Antidote, Tonic Head straight and you'll eventually reach the throne room. Speak with Edgar who (unsuccessfully) flirts with Terra. Afterwards, you're given free roam around the castle. Go to the shops and buy anything you need. Do not bother purchasing an AutoCrossbow, as you'll automatically have one when Edgar joins later. Pick up the treasure lying around in the room leading to the top of the castle. Also pick up all the chests in both shops. When you're done pillaging Edgar's castle, head to the left tower and speak with the Matron. She'll tell you about Edgar's twin brother Sabin. After you've heard that, you can return to the throne room and speak with Edgar. Various events involving Kefka occur. Edgar, Locke and Terra all manage to escape on Chocobos as Figaro Castle submerges under the sand and out of Kefka's hands. You'll be forced to fight Magitek Armor as you flee (don't worry, they are pushovers). During the battle, have Terra use some magic to see some extra dialogue. Once that is done, head toward Figaro Cave (in the southeast) on the chocobos. When you get there and dismount, the chocobos leave. Talk to the guard, then enter the cave. As a note, because there is no weapon stronger than AutoCrossbow at this point in the game, it makes sense to simply stick Edgar in the back row and have him use the AutoCrossbow rather than fight. It is stronger, hits all enemies, works from the back row and doesn't cost any MP. Not bad, eh? ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CAVE ]---------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tincture, Tincture, Fenix Down The cave is very straight-forward. Touch the spring to rejuvenate your party. Like the Narshe mines, the chests here house different items if you come back during the WoR. They are also different when you come through the cave with Celes and Locke. Again, because the treasures are not all that great, and you don't need them, leave them. Exit the cave and go to the town to the southeast. You'll end up in South Figaro. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SOUTH FIGARO ]--------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tonic, Green Cherry, Fenix Down, Warp Stone*, Eyedrop*, Soft*, Tonic*, Running Shoes, Hyper Wrist Head to the Cafe and meet Shadow. He won't join you at this point, though. Visit the various shops. Now head around town pillaging items. You will find all of them except the Running Shoes and Hyper Wrist in the various barrels and boxes all over town. Those that I've marked with a asterisk (*) will be different in the World of Ruin if you do not grab them. The Warp Stone becomes a Fenix Down, the Eyedrop becomes an Elixir, the Soft becomes a Remedy and the Tonic becomes an X-Potion. Again, I suggest you leave them for the World of Ruin. To find the Running Shoes and Hyper Wrist, head to the Rich Man's House. Go to the second floor and enter the first room. Go to the left side of the room and behind the bookcase. You can now head down a hidden staircase into the basement (why you access the basement through the second floor is beyond me). In the basement, you have to head down through a narrow hall. Move all the way down from this hall until you can't move down anymore, and then head right. You go down a secret staircase. Now in basement level 2, you can grab an often missed pair of Running Shoes and a Hyper Wrist. Now go back up a level to the first basement floor. Go to the third room at the end. There are three chests full of GP in here. After you are done with all this, leave town and head towards the single lone shack north of South Figaro. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SABIN'S HOUSE ]-------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tonic Sabin's not home, but you can sleep in any of the beds if you want. One of the buckets has a Tonic you can relieve Sabin of. When you're done here (shouldn't take long) head out into the World Map and east to Mt. Kolts. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ MT. KOLTS ]------------------------------------------------------------ Items: Guardian, Tent, Tent This is a very straight-forward area. As you move through this area, you will undoubtedly notice a shadow-like figure moving throughout the place. This is Vargas. You'll run into him at the end of the area. Like any paranoid fool, he attacks your party. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: VARGAS Vargas [Lvl. 12, ???? HP, 220 MP] Ipooh [Lvl: 11, 360 HP, 60 MP] Ipooh [Lvl: 11, 360 HP, 60 MP] Vargas comes complete with his two pet bears. You must eliminate them first. After that, attack Vargas a few turns and Sabin will show up. Vargas pulls out his weird technique which leaves only Sabin left (because the rest of the party apparently can't handle Vargas' mad skillz). Attack him until a prompt comes up that explains how to use Sabin's Blitz. Pull off the Pummel attack and Vargas is beaten. To pull of Pummel, you must move the cursor to Blitz. Press the action button _once_. The cursor is now on Sabin. Press left, right, left, then the action button again. Voila. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sabin has now joined your party. Go through to the end of the cave and you will end up on the ever present world map. Go north towards the Returner's Hideout. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ RETURNER'S HIDEOUT ]--------------------------------------------------- Items: Green Cherry, Fenix Down, Potion, Air Lancet, True Knight, Fenix Down, Antidote, Tincture, White Cape, Genji Glove or Gauntlet Follow the guard and talk to Banon (the hairy dude). Horny King, Hairy Dude and "Treasure Hunter" shoot the breeze and Terra ends up getting some sleep. When she wakes up, Locke is, as always, right there. Talk to him. Then leave the room and proceed to pillage the hideout for your own gain. There's a Green Cherry in one pot, and a Tincture in another. The antidote is unoriginally hidden in a bucket. Everything else (save the Genji Glove and Gauntlet) is in a chest. The White Cape is hidden in an unseen passage in the treasure room. After you're done with that, head to the entrance of the hideout and have a chat with Banon. He asks Terra to join their cause. If you wish to get the Gauntlet, say yes. If you wish to get the Genji Glove, answer no and talk to one of the guards, who'll kindly hand it over. Or you can say no to Banon three times and get the Genji Glove that way. Take note, you can get one or the other, not both. Between the two, I suggest you get the Genji Glove. Either way, events will occur and someone will storm in and tell of South Figaro falling under the Empire's control. Locke is sent to go there for no reason at all. Everyone else is to take a raft down the Lete River to get to Narshe. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ LETE RIVER ]----------------------------------------------------------- Place Banon in the back row. You have to get to the end of this without him "dying" once. The raft is automated so you only have choices of direction at forks in the path. If you choose the wrong one, you'll simply circle back and choose again. After a while, Ultros, octopus extraordinaire attacks the party. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: ULTROS Ultros [Lvl. 13, 3000 HP, 640 MP] All characters should be in the back row. Terra should use the spell Fire, Sabin should use the Aurabolt Blitz, and Edgar should use AutoCrossbow. Banon should only use Health or defend. Ultros should go down very easily. If he is too strong for your party at the moment, have everyone defend until after he has used the Tentacle attack. Then unload all you have on him before he can use it again. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the battle, Sabin decides to jump into the water and use a Blitz on Ultros. He'll get seperated and washed down a seperate path from the raft. At this point, you'll be given the choice between three scenarios. You will have to eventually complete them all, but you get to choose what order you want to do. I suggest you take Terra, Edgar and Banon's first, then do Locke's. Save Sabin's for last as it is the longest. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ LETE RIVER (continued) ]----------------------------------------------- Straight-forward. Eventually you'll end up on the world map outside of Narshe. Head there. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NARSHE ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Rune Edge* Walk up to the entrance and you'll be stopped. Go to the passage Locke and Terra used at the beginning of the game. Follow the path and you'll reach a simple puzzle. Basically memorize what path the light takes, and follow it. There is a Rune Edge in the moogle cave, but if you leave it for the World of Ruin, it'll become a Ribbon. Because the Rune Edge isn't that powerful and the Ribbon is quite useful, save it. Go through the mines some more and you will eventually end up in Arvis' House. End Terra, Edgar, and Banon scenario. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SOUTH FIGARO ]--------------------------------------------------------- Items: Heavy Shld, Regal Cutlass, Iron Armor, Earrings, X-Potion, Ether, Ribbon, Elixir As Locke, go to the Item store and speak with the Merchant. You'll start a battle. Use the "Steal" command in battle, and you will take his clothes. Enter the house with the Cider drinker and go downstairs. Because you are dressed as a merchant, you'll be let through. Exit the house and go up onto the wall. Follow the path and you'll run into a soldier in a green uniform. Talk to him and start a battle. Again, use the "Steal" command and you'll now be dressed as a soldier. As a soldier, you can pass through a trio of lazy guards that ordinarily block your path. Head to the Cafe. Go downstairs to find a guy with some Cider. Attack him and steal his clothes. You are once again dressed as a Merchant. Return to the Cider drinker's house and he'll tell you about a secret passage. Head downstairs and give the kid the password "Courage". He'll open a secret passage. Go through it and into the Rich Man's House. Take note that the clock in the passage has a hidden Elixir. Inside the house, go to the second floor, go down the hidden passage to you took earlier behind the bookcase. Go through it and you'll come to a point where you are asked if you wish to change clothes (this only effects dialogue with Celes). Go the first room and you'll see a few scenes of Celes. Then after one of the guards leave, and the other is asleep (why these idiots were placed on guard duty is ridiculous), unchain Celes. She will take a Clock Key from the sleeping guard. The next room is a save point. Go to the room at the end that had all of the chests full of GP. Wind the clock in the back and another passage opens (secret passages and Locke seem to go hand-in-hand). You will be in a passage under the town. Monsters lurk here as do all of the treasures. When you get to the end of it, you'll be on the World Map. Head to Figaro Cave. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CAVE ]---------------------------------------------------------- Items: Thunder Rod, X-Potion, Tincture Follow the straight-forward path. If you didn't pick up the chests on your earlier visit, they have become different items. I still suggest you leave them for the World of Ruin, though. At the end of the tunnel, you'll have a boss fight with TunnelArmr. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: TUNNELARMR TunnelArmr [Lvl. 16, 1300 HP, 900 MP] This is a very easy battle. Just have Celes use Runic every round while Locke attacks every round. Runic will negate nearly all of TunnelArmr's attacks. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After you defeat TunnelArmr, Locke's scenario will end. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ GAU'S FATHER'S HOUSE ]------------------------------------------------- You'll wake up as Sabin on the World Map. Head to the Shack. Talk to Shadow and he will temporarily join you. Leave the Shack and head toward the Imperial Camp (looks like a metal bridge on the World Map). ___________________________________________________________________________ [ IMPERIAL CAMP ]-------------------------------------------------------- Event sequence. The scene switches over to Doma Castle. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ DOMA CASTLE ]---------------------------------------------------------- As Cyan, go outside and fight the enemy commander. The scene switches back to Sabin once you beat the weak excuse for an enemy. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ IMPERIAL CAMP ]-------------------------------------------------------- Items: Star Pendent, Mithril Glove Fight Kefka. He runs away (of course). Before "fighting" him again, take this time to plunder the base of its treasures. You also encounter your very first monster-in-a-box, Telstar. After defeating it, you'll receive a Green Beret. Go "fight" Kefka again and eventually Doma Castle gets poisoned. Scene change, yet again. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ DOMA CASTLE ]---------------------------------------------------------- Go find the King and Cyan's family dead to Kefka's poisoning. Cyan goes berserk and seeks redemption. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ IMPERIAL CAMP ]-------------------------------------------------------- Cyan starts to fight various enemy soldiers. If you step between them, you get your butt kicked. It's worth doing at least once just to see. When you're done making Sabin make a fool of himself, talk to Cyan to aid him in his battles. After doing this a few times, the three figure out it would be best to fight together. Sabin will use his head and the trio hijacks a few Magitek Armors. Leave the camp the way you came. On the World Map, cross back over the base (you will cross right over the bridge this time without entering it. Head to the Phantom Forest. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ PHANTOM FOREST ]------------------------------------------------------- The forest is very straigh-tforward like the rest of the areas of the game. When you get to a pond, you can examine it to refresh your entire party. Eventually you'll come across the Phantom Train. Simply because you've got nothing better to do, board it. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ PHANTOM FOREST ]------------------------------------------------------- Items: Earrings, Sniper Sight, Fenix Down, Fenix Down Go across to the left to enter another car. Talk to the Ghosts. Either they attack you, sell you stuff, or join you. Once your party is filled, head across to another car, then another. After you go in, a Ghost will prevent you from leaving. Of course, that won't stop you and a battle begins. Beat it and leave the car. Climb up the latter and you will jump across the cars. When you land, go into the car and pull the switch. This detaches all the cars behind you. Pull the switch again to remove the wall (that's one magic switch). If you sit down at the center table, ever hospitable ghosts will serve you food. This will rejuvenate your characters. After you're done grubbing off the ghosts go to the next train car. Go to the first room where there is a lone treasure chest. Try to open it and you'll be attacked by Siegfried (where's Roy?). Of course, he doesn't have his white tigers with him, so he's very easy to defeat. Still, he has the presense of mind to not only flee, but flee with the treasure while your characters are left to scratch their heads. The next room houses a few treasure chests. No reason to leave them there, so practice your "borrowing" skills. Head to the engine. At the engine room there are three switches. Pull the two on the ends. Exit the car and climb onto the front of the train. You'll face off against the Phantom Train. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: GHOSTTRAIN GhostTrain [Lvl. 14, 1900 HP, 350 MP] You could have Sabin use Aurabolt, Shadow throw Shurikens, and Cyan perform Dispatch. But that's too hard. Just use a Fenix Down to take him out. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the fight, you will see a few scenes involving Cyan, and his wife and child. Once that's done head out and into the World Map. There's only one place to go, and that's Barren Falls. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ BARREN FALLS ]--------------------------------------------------------- Because Cyan needs some cheering up, foolishly jump off into Barren Falls. You'll face various monsters in a non-stop battle sequence where killed monsters get repeated replaced. Just keep fighting until you stop. You'll wake up on the Veldt. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ VELDT ]---------------------------------------------------------------- When Sabin wakes up, Gau is immediately scared off. Exit the screen and you will be in the World Map, on the Veldt. Head toward Mobliz. As you travel across the Veldt, you'll more than likely come across Gau at least once at the end of a battle. At the moment, just attack him so he goes away. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ MOBLIZ ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tintinabar, Elixir Go to the Item Shop and buy a Dried Meat. Then head to the injured soldier lying in bed in one of the houses. Talk to him and he'll express say he wants to send something to his girlfriend. Head to the post office. Check the clock to get a free Elixir. Then talk to the guy and send a letter for 500 GP. Go to the Relic shop and speak with the shop keeper. You do not have to buy anything. Then head to the back of his shop and take a nap in his bed. When you wake up, go to the injured soldier. Read the letter on his desk, then go the post office and send his girlfriend something again (500 GP down the drain again). Go back to the Relic shop, speak with the owner and use his bed. Do this until eventually, the injured soldier realizes you've been sending letters for him. He will reward you with a Tintinabar. Now you can leave town. On the Veldt, fight until you get Gau to appear after a battle. Throw a Dried Meat at him and you'll be treated to a sequence where he joins you group. Head to Cresent Mountain (the cave). ___________________________________________________________________________ [ CRESENT MOUNTAIN ]----------------------------------------------------- Items: Tonic When you enter, Gau will explain (rather, try to explain) about his shiny treasure. He digs up a Tonic for you. Gau's usefulness is unsurpassed. Head to the end of the cave. Avoid a small platform at the top left of the cave. If you go there, Gau will play a prank on Sabin who drops 500 GP. When you get near the end of the cave, Gau will find his underwater helment which you will be using. At the end of the cave, the trio will jump into the Serpent Trench. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SERPENT TRENCH ]------------------------------------------------------- Items: Green Beret, X-Potion Much like the Lete River, your characters have limited control of where they go. At both junctures, choose the right path to get a chest both times. Eventually, you'll be washed up on Nikeah's shore. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NIKEAH ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Elixir Shop around if you'd like. Go to the Inn and examine their clock. By now, you should know you'll get an Elixir. When you're done board the ship and Sabin's scenario is at an end. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NARSHE ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Thief Knife, Earrings, Wall Ring, Sneak Ring, Hyper Wrist, Elixir You fight your second and last multi-party battle. The area is slightly larger and you now use your characters instead of moogles. Before the actual fighting begins you have a chance to re-equip all of your members. You must split your seven characters into three groups. My incredibly impressive math skills deduce that you cannot split seven characters among three groups evenly. Instead you should simply stick your four strongest characters in one group and charge through the maze-like area until you get to Kefka. Then proceed to smash his hyena-laughing, clown-lookalike ass. It is not at all difficult. Afterwards, your party goes to the Esper. Terra proceeds to go berserk (at least she doesn't fall unconscious again) and flys away. When your entire group has regrouped, you get to take a party over past the mountain to the west in search of the missing Terra. The others have to stay back and perform guard duty at Narshe. If you want discounts at Figaro Castle, bring Edgar and make him the party lead. If you want to see an extra scene, bring both Edgar and Sabin. Since they are the strongest two characters in the World of Balance anyway, it makes sense to have them along. Also, if you bring Locke, you can see an extra scene later that reveals why he is so adamant about protecting Terra and Celes (and no it is not for the same reasons as Edgar). Because you can hire Shadow's useful services, you should only bring three members. Leave Arvis' House. Go to the eastern most house slightly southeast of Arvis' House. It's filled with various treasures. It even houses 5000 GP. The unopenable chest will remain that way for now, so do not bother with it. Shop around if you want to. The Elder's House has a Elixir hidden in the (surprise, surprise) clock. After that, head out to Figaro Castle. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CASTLE ]-------------------------------------------------------- If you need to purchase anything, put Edgar at the head of the party to get a massive 50% discount. Being King sure has its advantages. If you have Sabin, he will wander around the castle. If you have Edgar as well, then you can see a few extra scenes showing what it was that caused Sabin to leave Figaro and train with Duncan. Head down the left stairs directly after the entrace. Speak with the old man there and he will have Figaro submerge and move past (under) the mountains. When the castle stops, you will be near Kohlingen. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ KOHLINGEN ]------------------------------------------------------------ Items: Green Beret, Elixir If you want Shadow to join temporarily, go to the Cafe. Hire him for 3000 GP (somehow I don't think he needs that much just to feed Interceptor). If you want to see Shadow's Dreams (they reveal parts of his past), stay at the Inn. Everytime you do, you have a random chance of seeing one of his dreams. Keep staying until you have seen a total of four dreams. You'll see the final one in the World of Ruin. Go to the house in the northwest. There is a Elixir in the clock here. If you brought Locke, he'll explain who Rachel is. Then, go to the hous in the northeast and downstairs. It is Rachel herself. If you leave the house and circle around to the back entrance, you can pick up an extra Green Beret. Shop around. After you are done, visit the shack north of Kohlingen. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FUTURE COLOSSEUM ]----------------------------------------------------- Items: Hero Ring This shack is not much now, but it'll become important later on in the World of Ruin. For now, just take the Hero Ring found in a pot. Head south, past Kohlingen until you get to a town. This is Jidoor. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ JIDOOR ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tincture This is really only a stopping point for now. Not really much to do. Grab the Tincture in a pot. When you're ready to leave, rent a chocobo. Now head north on the eastern side of the mountains. Should not take you long at all on a chocobo. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ ZOZO ]----------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Thief Glove, Chain Saw, Tonic, Tincture, Potion, Fire Knuckle, X-Potion, Running Shoes, Tincture First off, this is more a dungeon than a city. You do get into random battles here and you can't purchase anything. Head to the building that is supposed to be an Inn. There is a clock here that can have its time set. Set it to 6:10:50. Part of the wall will slide away revealing a treasure chest. This is a tool for Edgar, the Chain Saw. Wander around the various buildings (don't bother with the Relic Shop just yet) picking up various items. A Tincture and Potion can be found in the pots of one of them. When you're done, head to the Relic Shop. Keep climbing up until you get to an area where you can leap between windows. Don't do it just yet, as if you go up one level you'll get a Thief Glove. When you have that, go ahead and leap across the buildings. Continue building hopping from one to another while gradually climbing up. After some climbing you'll come across a guy in your path. He'll claim he doesn't want to fight, and start one right up (a good liar, he is not). _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: DADALUMA Dadaluma [Lvl. 22, 3270 HP, 1005 MP] There's nothing particularly difficult about him. Just use your best attacks if you feel like it, though it is not neccessary. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After you are done with that pitiful display for a boss, continue on and you'll find yourself in a large room. Grab the treasures along the sides of the room before heading up. When you do, you'll find the morphred Terra sleeping. Ramuh, the Esper, makes his presense known. He proceeds to explain certain things. Afterwards, he commits suicide and gives you his powers in the form of magicite. Be sure to also pick up his friends who are also in magicite form. When you've got all the Espers, head to the entrance of the room where all your party members are conveniently gathered for no reason whatsoever. There will be a sequence where all the characters are discussing matters while leisurely walking through Zozo. When you reach the entrance to town, your party will decide their course of action with Locke and Celes definate members of the current party. Shadow (having already gotten paid, and too lazy to fight again so soon) leaves. If you wish to see an additional story scene later, pick Edgar and Sabin as the last two party members. Pick your party and head to back to Jidoor. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ JIDOOR ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Head to the largest house at the top of the city. This is Owzer's House. Here you can speak with a seemingly strange man who rants about a Maria. He'll drop a letter which you should pick up. Apparently this crazed man is the guy who runs the Opera House. A man with some kind of gambling problem is going to kidnap Maria (the star of the opera) and make her his wife. Go grab a chocobo and head south of Jidoor. Destination: Opera House. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ OPERA HOUSE ]---------------------------------------------------------- When you go in, the aforementioned crazed man, who prefers to go by the alias Impressario (a.k.a. jackass), explains his problem (which could be easily remedied by hiring security guards, the cheap bastard). Locke volunteers Celes' services to fool Setzer, since they need to meet the gambler anyway. This is also the return of... Ultros. From your seats, head to the right and down the diagonal aisle. Then go to the rightmost room and you'll find Celes dressed in opera clothes. If you need to (and you don't because you have this guide) read the book on Celes' table for the correct lines to sing. They are: 1. Oh, my hero... 2. I'm the darkness... 3. Must I... After this a guy shows up. Have Celes continue to chase him around the stage until he disappears and is replaced with a bouquet of flowers. Pick it up and go to the top platform. Go to the very end of the platform and Celes will throw it off. The scene is back to Locke who finds Ultros' letter. After reading it, speak with the Impressario. You have five minutes to save Celes. Go to the right and up to the very top. Pull the rightmost switch. Now, head back and go the the other side of the second floor balcony. This will lead to a set of beams which will lead to Ultros. The place is filled with rats. Anytime you come close to one, they will start a random battle. It is possible to avoid some of them, but it is quite difficult. I suggest you don't even bother. You don't need much time to beat Ultros anyway. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: ULTROS Ultros [Lvl. 19, 2550 HP, 500 MP] As with any boss, use your best attacks. Whomever has Ramuh should use it. Also use the Bolt spell like there's no tommorow. It will take down Ultros very quickly. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the fight, and some extremely bad impromptu acting, Setzer kidnaps Celes. Of course, your other members manage to sneak onboard Setzer's Blackjack airship as well. After Celes hussles Setzer into helping them (with Edgar's double headed coin), you all head toward Vector. If had both Sabin and Edgar in your party, you'll see a very brief extra scene. If you didn't have Edgar, for some miraculous reason, Celes still has Edgar's coin. You'll hve to sit through a ridiculously long sequence where all you do is fly toward a continent. Yes, I was bored as well. Eventually you'll land on the continent directly south of Vector, your main destination. Of course, since this is your first time on the continent, you should do some wandering around. There's even a town conveniently next to where the airship landed. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ ALBROOK ]-------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Tincture, Potion, Elixir Search the clock in the Cafe for a (you guessed it) Elixir. The Tincture is in a pot in the Weapon Shop whereas the Potion is the a barrel in the Inn. Shop around if you want. Head to the southwestern most city on the continent. Be prepared for a long walk. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ MARANDA ]-------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Revivify, Remedy Not much to do except shop around and grab to the items. Find them in the various boxes around town. Once that is done, you can leave town and head toward Vector. It is in the dead center of the continent and looks like a fortress. You could visit Tzen (the northern city) or the Imperial Base to the east, but there isn't anything of particular interest in either places. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ VECTOR ]--------------------------------------------------------------- First off, do not talk to any guards. Second, do not use the Inn. All you will get is your GP stolen. If your party is in need of resting, you can speak with an old lady standing outside a house. She asks you if you support the empire. Answer no and guards will attack you. Afterwards, she will heal your party. If you go the north and try and get into the castle, you'll be stopped by the (for now) unbeatable Guardian. Not something you want to do. Instead speak with the strange guy hiding behind a box. He'll go and distract the guards. As he does this, climb onto the box he has hiding behind, and your party will climb up onto the beams to behind the guards. Head into the Magitek Factory. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ MAGITEK FACTORY ]------------------------------------------------------ Items: Flame Sabre, Tincture, X-Potion, Thunder Blade, Remedy, Tent, Dragoon Boots, Gold Shield, Blizzard, Zephyr Cape, Gold Helmet, Gold Armor, Break Blade This is the largest and most complicated dungeon in the game at this point. For now, just pick up any treasure chests you can, and familiarize yourself with the place. Keep doing this until you get to a scene in which Kefka throws two Epsers down a hole. For now, do not jump onto the conveyor belt, as it will take you down to the pit and you'll have to have a boss fight. Simply explore the rest of the facility, while avoiding that pit. There are two treasures hidden from sight in the right wall. There are two other treasure chests that are difficult to find, the Gold Helmet and Gold Armor. They are both located in their own "hidden" rooms. Both of the rooms are found in the southern wall. Walk along the wall and look for a door in a part of the wall (you will have to look closely as it is very blended in). After you have found one of them, the other should be easy, as it is basically the same thing, just on the other end of the wall. When you've collected everything save for the Break Blade, ride the belt into the pit Kefka threw your Esper friends into. Examine the one on the left and you'll initiate a boss fight. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: IFRIT AND SHIVA Ifrit [Lvl. 21, 3300 HP, 600 MP] Shiva [Lvl. 21, 3000 HP, 500 MP] This boss fight has your characters facing one, then the other, as the two Espers rotate for a tag-team style fight. They aren't particularly difficult. As always, simply use the best attacks available to your members. Take note, Bolt and Ramuh are worthless in this fight. As is Aurabolt, so if you're using Sabin, opt for Pummel instead. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Once you are done fighting them, they decide to turn themselves into magicite and offer their services to you. If you need to leave this pit, examine the hook in the area. The left room is a save point. Head to the right room to continue on. Go past some stairs until you come to a room resembling a hallway with several large glass containment tubes. In the left side of the room, hug the southern wall and you eventually come across an out-of-sight treasure chest containting the last treasure in the facility, the Break Blade. Continue on and you'll eventually run into another boss, Number 024. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: NUMBER 024 Number 024 [Lvl. 24, 4777 HP, 777 MP] As always, waste it with your best attacks. Sadly, Number 024 puts up close to no fight at all. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After get past that particularly easy boss, you'll enter a room full of more glass examining tubes. The difference, though, is that there are a lot of Espers trapped in these. Go up to the main computer and all of the Espers will join you. Cid appears and voices his scientific opinions. Kefka, too, will show up. Stuff happens and Celes uses her powers to remove herself, Kefka, and all of the Magitek Armors from the area. Follow Cid and he'll take you to an elevator. When you are at the bottom of the elevator, Cid will toss you into a mine cart and you will travel through the mines, facing various Mag Roaders. At the end of the mine cart right, you have to fight Number 128. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: NUMBER 128 Number 128 [Lvl. 24, 3276 HP, 810 MP] This is one of the few times stealing pays off. Number 128 is holding a Tempest that you might want to lift from it. In terms of the actual battle, there really isn't much to say. It is stronger than most of the bosses you've faced but nothing to worry about. Use your best attacks and you'll be fine. Sabin should Blitz AuraBolt, Edgar should use Tools, Cyan should use Dispatch, Gau either Stray Cat or Guard. Everyone else should cast magic. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - When the mine cart ride ends you'll be back at Vector. Setzer comes and you all decide to board the Blackjack and leave. Of course, Kefka, being the maniacal clown he is, decides that will not due and has his cranes attack you. Setzer joins you in this battle. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: CRANE Crane [Lvl. 23, 1800 HP, 447 MP] Crane [Lvl. 24, 2300 HP, 447 MP] One of them is carrying a Debilitator that you can steal for Edgar. This being a pincer attack is a hard boss fight as well. Concentrate on one and finish it off before going after the other. Setzer should use his Slots. They stink, but his attack is even worse. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Once all that is taken care of, your party heads to Zozo. There, Terra will react to one of the magicite pieces, that of Maduin, her Esper father. The scene then changes to a sequence where you control Maduin in the Esper world. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ ESPER REALM ]---------------------------------------------------------- As Maduin, leave the house and go to the entrance of the realm (in the north). Maduin finds Madonna, a human woman. He saves her. Events happen and they fall in love and have a child. Maduin names her Terra. Then, the Esper Genocide occurs. Gestahl comes and captures some Espers. Madonna tries to run away with Terra and Maduin goes after her. A spell is cast and all the humans, Maduin, Madonna and Terra are all sucked out of the realm. Gestahl takes the baby Terra and that's the end of that. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ ZOZO ]----------------------------------------------------------------- Terra regains her composure and the party decides they should head to Narshe. You now have full control over the Blackjack airship. Though you can go pretty much anywhere, there is nothing to do. So, head to Narshe. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NARSHE ]--------------------------------------------------------------- As you approach the gate, the guards meet you and take you to Banon and the Returners have a chat session to determine their next course of action. They decide, they must get to the Esper Realm that thus that is your next destination. For now, stick around in Narshe. The shops have new items, so take a look around and see if there is anything worth noting. After that head to the house with all the treasures you raided earlier. You'll find Lonewolf the pickpocket here. He's opened the locked chest and decides to flee when you catch him in the act. Chase him into the mines. You'll have to chase him until you get to the Tritoch Esper. Here you'll find him holding Mog hostage. Just stand still for a few seconds, and Mog will start wrestle his way away from Lonewolf. Their struggle throws them both over the edge on either side of the platform. If you choose to help Mog, you get him to join you, and Lonewolf, along with the Gold Hairpin, will fall and disappear. If you choose to help Lonewolf, you get the Gold Hairpin and both Mog and Lonewolf fall over. Though you can still get Mog in the World of Ruin, regardless of which you choose, I still suggest you take him. He's an extra member and you cannot acquire his Water Rondo dance if you don't choose him here. Additionally, The Gold Hairpin isn't worth much. Later you can get several of them, and even several Economizers (which are infinately better). Further, at this point in the game, there really aren't enough high-end skills that warrant the need to deduct MP cost. Now that your done in Narshe, you are free to head to the Cave to Sealed Gate, but it would be best to get Mog's Water Rondo dance now. -- Acquiring the Water Rondo dance -- There are several ways to do this. Here's the fastest. I found this method in the Mynock's guide (see Author's Note or Credits), so all credit goes to him. Place Mog in your party. Head over to Nikeah and grab a chocobo. Ride it all the way to Barren Falls and take the plunge into the water. You will end up on the Veldt. Head to Cresent Mountain and jump into the water. This time, head left at the first juncture and left again at the second juncture. It is faster than the way you originally went with Sabin, but since you do not need to get the treasures this time, it is faster. You will wake up in Nikeah. Exit the town and your airship is waiting for you. Now it is time to get a few Espers. -- Golem and Zoneseek -- Head over to Jidoor and go to the Auction House. Keep visiting until one of the two Espers is auctioned. Golem will cost you sum of 20000 GP, and Zoneseek goes for 10000 GP. After this, you can head to the Cave to Sealed Gate. It is directly east of Vector. Make sure you bring Terra along. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ IMPERIAL BASE ]-------------------------------------------------------- With Terra in your party, the base is empty. There's a load of treasure in the house, but it is behind a locked door and you cannot get any of it. Don't worry, you'll have a chance later on. For now, climb the stairs and exit on the other side of the screen. Walk the two steps or so into the Cave. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ CAVE TO SEALED GATE ]-------------------------------------------------- Items: Assassin, Tempest, Coin Toss, X-Potion, Ether, Genji Glove, Tent, Inviz Edge, Water Edge, Remedy, Ether, Ether, Magicite, Magicite, Magicite, AtmaWeapon The first few rooms are linear enough. You'll eventually across an area with a lava pit, a few wooden bridges and chests. Sit around for a few moments and you'll notice that the bridges change every once in awhile. Memorize the bridge transformations and cross the area collecting all the treasures. In the next area, you'll cross a bridge with a switch in the middle. Pull it. The bridge is destroyed and your characters fall to their doom. No, not quite, but they fall all the same. Head to the left for a chest, and then go right and up. You'll come across a rock wall with two switches. Pull the left one and a chamber opens. Go in a loot the room. Now pull the right switch and an enemy attacks you. Pitifully easy battle. After you beat him, he makes mention of the buried treasure after the staircase. This is, of course, a clue to hidden items. Go to the right across the bridge and hit the switch. It creates a staircase. Cross it. After you cross it, you'll be on a platform with a treasure chest on a higher platform. This is where the Ninja's hidden treasure is. First, grab the chest. Then search the ground on this screen for four different items. Not much, but they are free. Now go through the opening in the right. Grab the chests as you see them. You'll come across two switches, both of which you should hit. Head down and go left. There's another switch here that you should hit as well. A hidden chamber opens. Go inside and grab the four chests (3 magicites, and the AtmaWeapon). The AtmaWeapon is very weak right now, but it will eventually become your most damaging weapon. Now head to the right and go up. Pull every switch you see. Make sure you do not miss the hidden chest inside the chest. As you go along, you will eventually reach the Sealed Gate. Here, Kefka comes (as always) and makes his presence known. The Espers are released and all hell breaks loose. Exit the Cave and you'll board the airship. It gets attacked by the Espers and crashes near Maranda. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ VECTOR BANQUET ]------------------------------------------------------- Items: Charm Bangle, Tintinabar, X-Potion, Back Guard, Tincture, Revivify, Gale Hairpin The city lies in ruins, Kefka has been jailed and Gestahl seems to have had a change of heart (obviously not, but he seems like a good enough actor). Go north up to the castle (fortress?). A weird looking guy will escort you to a meeting with Gestahl and Cid. Gestahl explains his change of heart and asks you to join him in a banquet. Now, do really trust a guy who is holding a banquet after the seat of his empire has been laid to waste? But our heroes don't seem to know of logic, so they agree. Gestahl asks them to speak with as many guards as you can in the four minutes before the actual banquet. Keep in mind, you will be forced into certain random battles during this four minute run, and the clock does not stop. That being said, do not bother with either of the weird looking men or the doors behind Gestahl's chair. Head down, speaking with all guards you come across and head back outside. Talk to all of the ones out here. Then head back inside and go left. Go through every door you find as you work your way up and around to the other side of the building. Ignore all of the treasure chests as you'll be able to pick them up later. When you get to the very top, you'll be outside. Be sure to visit the room in the center of this platfrom as there is a guard in there as well. Now go to the right and head down. When you find the jail cells, leave the room. There are no guards in there. Kefka's there, but it is not worth your time to speak with him. After you are done, you should have spoken to a total of 24 guards. Now you'll go to the banquet sequence. When prompted, toast your hometowns. When Gestahl makes mention of Kefka, tell Gestahl to keep him jailed. When the Doma poisoning is brought up, say it was inexcusable. When Celes is mentioned, say she is "one of us". Then Gestahl will allow you to ask him several questions. Choose each one down the list. Do not ask him the same thing twice. After choosing the third question, and when you are prompted to ask a question, or move on, tell him to move on. Gestahl will talk about what the Espers did. Say they went too far. He will ask you which question you asked him first. Choose the correct one (if you've been following my suggestions, that would be the first one). At this point, Cid will ask if you need to take a break. Choose yes, then talk to the guards around Gestahl. You will be forced into battle. Beat them, and talk to all of them. Then take your seat again. When Gestahl asks you if there is anything you wish to hear him say, reply that you want him to say the war is over. He then asks for your help (or more specifically, Terra's help). Say yes the first time he asks. After this, the banquet is over. Afterwards all of the party is consulting with each other. They are all seemingly intelligent enough to grasp that it is probably a trap. Terra and Locke decide to go. Everyone else stays back. When trying to leave Vector, you are approached by one of the guards. He will give you certain rewards depending on your behavior during and before the banquet. If you spoke with all 24 soldiers and followed the guidelines above to the word, he will: - withdraw troops from South Figaro - withdraw troops from Doma Castle - open up the locked room in the Imperial Base - give you a Tintinabar - give you a Charm Bangle After this, collect all the treasures from the various rooms in the castle. When you are done with this, head out to the World Map. Go to the Imperial Base that leads to the Cave to Sealed Gate. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ IMPERIAL BASE ]-------------------------------------------------------- Items: Flame Sabre, Cherus Down, X-Potion, Ether, Elixir, Cure Ring, Back Guard, Running Shoes, Wall Ring Given you behaved well enough at the banquet, the door in basement of the guard house will be open. Grab all the chests full of treasure (and some of GP). The stove down here also has a hidden Flame Sabre. Once you are done ransacking the place, head to Albrook to continue your journey. If you want to, you could head to Tzen (northern most city on the continent) and buy the Sraphim for 3000 GP from a guy hiding in the trees. I, however, recommend being cheap and waiting until the World of Ruin when you can get it for the thrifty price 10 GP (quite a bargain in my opinion). ___________________________________________________________________________ [ ALBROOK ]-------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Warp Stone Head to the docks. Once you get there, check on of the boxes to find a Warp Stone. Then board teh ship and speak with General Leo. He will give you a small briefing and explain the current situation. Head to the Inn for some rest at no charge. In the middle of the night, Locke will get the urge to go outside. He'll find Celes there and she runs away. In the morning, return to the docks, speak with Leo, and you're done. During the ride, Terra and Leo will talk, and Locke gets sea-sick. You'll eventually land. Head north to the only town in the area. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ THAMASA ]-------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Eyedrop, Soft, Echo Screen, Green Cherry, Fire Rod, Ice Rod, Memento Ring Explore around the area and find all the items (except the Memento Ring) in various barrels around the town. You'll notice odd hints that the citizens have magical gifts. This is because Thamasa is the city of the long ago Magi Warriors. When you're done treasure collecting and shopping, head to a house with an old man standing near the staircase. This is Strago. Speak with him and you are introduced to Relm as well. Afterwards, stay at the Inn for only 1 GP. In the middle of the night, Strago wakes you up to help him save Relm. She was at a friend's house when it got fire (because the idiot boy was playing with his dumbass Fire spell). The townspeople attempt to calm the fire with some Ice spells, but there is some source of fire inside the house that must be defeated first. With Locke, Terra, and Strago head into the house. Avoid touching any of the fire or you'll be forced into a random battle. The place is very linear. When you get to a choice of doors, head pick the right one for a Fire Rod. Then go through the left door to continue on. You'll come to two more doors. Again choose the right one and this time you get an Ice Rod. Go back and take the left door and continue. You'll come across the source of the fire, FlameEater. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: FLAMEEATER FlameEater [Lvl. 26, 8400 HP, 480 MP] The first chance you have, make Strago use his Aqua Rake Lore. After the first round Strago should use stick with the regular attack using the Ice Rod. If more peons are brought in, waste them with another Aqua Rake. Other characters should use Shiva and Ice spells if you have them. Otherwise, just use the strongest attacks available. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After this, the party finds Relm and Interceptor who is trying to save her. The building weakens and the party falls unconscious (Terra seems to do this on a regular basis). When all is lost, Shadow makes his way in and saves the party. Of course, he won't admit it. Afterwards, Strago volunteers his help in locating the Espers. Of course, Shadow won't come along. When you are in control again, head to his house and go to the second floor. Search along the left wall to find Shadow's Memento Ring. When you are ready, leave town. Head west, into the mountains and you will find a cave. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ GATHERING PLACE OF THE ESPERS ]---------------------------------------- Items: Heal Rod, X-Potion, Chocobo Suit, Tabby Suit As you move along through the place, you'll spot Relm quite a few times. She really sucks at following someone. Anyway, in the room with three exits, take the right one. The other two just loop to each other and are not significant. Continue along the linear path and you will very soon reach a platform with three statues. Examine them and Strago provides a bit of information. As you try to leave, your old buddy Ultros appears for the umpteenth time. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: ULTROS Ultros [Lvl. 25, 22000 HP, 750 MP] Just follow normal strategy against Ultros. Eventually, Relm will show up and join the fight. As soon as you get the chance, have her use her Sketch command against Chupon, and it will automatically defeat him. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After this, Relm joins the party. Continue along and you'll reach a save room with several holes in the floor. Step on the top hole and you will fall down a level. Go through the opening for two chests. Now jump off the bridge and climb back up to the save room. Take the right hold and go through the opening for a chest. Head back to the save room and take the final hole. Follow the path and you'll come across the Espers. Some conferencing takes place and the Espers agree to head to Thamasa to work something out. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ THAMASA ]-------------------------------------------------------------- As General Leo and the Espers come to an understanding, the peace talks are put to an abrupt halt as you hear everybody's favorite hyena laugh. Kefka knocks out the entire party and General Leo and proceeds to capture all the helpless Espers. General Leo wakes up. You now control him. Do not try and leave town or talk to the Magitek soldier, or you'll be attacked by the unbeatable Guardian. Approach Kefka and a battle begins. Use either Leo's Offering enhanced attack or Shock a few times to "take down" Kefka. After that's over, Kefka shows his true strength and kills the good Leo. After this, Kefka leaves and the rest of your party comes. A huge chunk of land breaks off from the world and hovers into the air. This is your next destination, aptly named "Floating Continent". You can access it through the Airship. I highly suggest you bring Locke to steal a few Genji Gloves. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FLYING TO THE FLOATING CONTINENT ]------------------------------------- As you fly to the Floating Continent you are attacked by an Imperial fleet. You have to fight several battles against Sky Armors and Spit Fires. They are easy enough, so there are no worries there. After awhile, you'll have to fight Chupon (yet again). Not completely stupid, Chupon finally realized he could use some help against your party and brought along a friend. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: ULTROS AND CHUPON Ultros [Lvl. 26, 17000 HP, 8000 MP] Chupon [Lvl. 26, 10000 HP, 40000 MP] Concentrate on Ultros and eliminte him. It should be fairly easy when you consider how much practice your party's had fighting him. After that, simply focus on Chupon to eliminate him as well. When you "defeat" Chupon, it'll use the Sneeze attack on all your members. This knocks them off the Airship. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - While falling off the Airship, your party simultaneously fight off the Air Force boss. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: AIR FORCE Air Force [Lvl. 25, 8000 HP, 750 MP] MissileBay [Lvl. 25, 3000 HP, 7000 MP] Laser Gun [Lvl. 24, 3300 HP, 335 MP] Speck [Lvl. 25, 420 HP, 285 MP] The Speck blocks magic, and is launched during battle. Water and Lightning are particularly effective. Just concentrate on the main body (Air Force) and you should take it down quickly. If the Speck is launched during the battle, simply attack it with non-spells until it is gone. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the fight, you land on the Floating Continent. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FLOATING CONTINENT ]--------------------------------------------------- Items: Murasame, Beret, Elixir When you land, you'll notice that Shadow is lying on the ground near you. Head to him and see if he's alright. After some words of disgust aimed at the Empire, he joins your party. The Floating Continent is slightly different than any other area in the game. For starters, instead of treasure chests, you'll find blue orbs. One of the is a monster-in-a-box, namely Gigantos. Defeating him gets you a Hardened knife. Second, there are various walls (they are easy to spot) that seemingly impede your path. Of course, once you move next to them, they will open up. They basically serve no purpose at all aside from initially confusing some. Thirdly, to get to one point and another, you often have to apply the use of various transporting apparatuses. There are many of them scattered across the place, but it doesn't take long to figure out which goes where. Next, the terrain can be altered through the use of switches that are also scattered across the place. Like the transporters, they are not hard to figure out either. Keeping all this in mind, it should be rather simple to navigate throughout the place. Eventually, you will run across an ugly looking monster who is blocking the way to Gestahl and Kefka. This is Atma Weapon. Before you fight it, I suggest you take some time to try and fight a Dragon or to so you can steal a Genji Glove. The Dragon is a rare monster and the Genji Glove is a rare steal, but it is well worth the effort. -- Turning point warning -- Anything you still need to do in the World of Balance should be done now before you cannot turn back. This includes any treasure you missed, Mog's Water Rondo dance if you have him, and if you want all of Gau's rages, fighting all the monsters that only appear in the World of Balance so they will appear in the Veldt later on. Once you are done, and ready to commit to the change in worlds, face off Atma Weapon. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: ATMA WEAPON AtmaWeapon [Lvl. 37, 24000 HP, 5000 MP] If you brought Locke along, you can steal either an Elixir or a Ribbon. If you luck out, maybe you'll get the Ribbon. And no, you _cannot_ steal a second AtmaWeapon sword from this monster. Because of Atma's excessive use of Flare, it is advised you equip Wall Rings with all your characters. Your strongest attacks should take it down long before it gets much offense in. It really only has one dangerous attack which causes status ailments to all characters, but it should be dead long before it get the chance to use it, considering it doesn't use it unless late in a battle. Terra and Locke should stick with spells. Sabin and Edgar should use their best skill. Gau should Rage either Stray Cat or Guard. Shadow should throw Shurikens. Cyan should stick with Dispatch. Quadra Slam takes too long to use properly. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After you are done with that mutated rat, Shadow leaves again. Walk up to meet with Gestahl and Kefka. Celes will automatically join your party. Kefka displays his treachery and kills Gestahl. He then starts to move the three Goddess statues out of alignment (which of course, is detrimental to the planet). Shadow (I thought he left) comes back and distracts Kefka somewhat, leaving party free to turn tail and run. Don't worry, you have plenty of time to escape the continent. When you see a blue orb (Elixir), you have a choice to approach it from the left or go down and circle around. Choice the latter, as the former will cause the ground to crumble. Keep going and you'll come across what appears to be a save point that blocks your way. Examine it and it begins a boss fight. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: NERAPA AtmaWeapon [Lvl. 26, 2800 HP, 280 MP] Let's be perfectly blunt, Nerapa has no business being a boss. You should have no problems at all taking it down. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Head to the end of the continent and you'll see the Airship. Walk to the edge twice and choose to wait twice. Just stay there until the counter reaches 0:05. At this point, Shadow will automatically come and the party will jump onto the airship. If you do not wait until the counter is 0:05, then Shadow dies and you can not get him back in the World of Ruin. Kefka's insanity renders the world asunder. Continents shift out of place and the world is laid to ruins. The airship is destroyed and all your party members are scattered to the ends of the world. End of the World of Balance. =============================================================================== V. Walkthrough - World of Ruin =============================================================================== -- The World of Ruin: Information -- This is the second half of the game. Unlike the WoB, this part of the game is almost completely non-linear. The only things you _must_ do to complete the game are acquire Edgar and Setzer, complete Darill's Tomb and then Kefka's Tower. Aside from that, everything else is up to the player. As such, the methods and order of events described in this guide are in the order I recommend doing them. You can always skip one section to do another and then come back to do it, or not do it at all. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SOLITARY ISLAND ]------------------------------------------------------ It has been one year since Kefka laid waste to the world. You begin as Celes, who just woke up after having slept all that time. She is stranded on a small island and Cid is the only other person there. Of course, with the state of the world being how it is, Cid is slowly dying. Celes decides to go catch some fish for her "grandfather". You have two choices here. If you kill off Cid, Celes with attempt suicide and throw herself off a cliff. Of course, she survives (apparently being nursed back to health by a seagull of all things). She then finds a letter and reads it. Apparently Cid had been working on a raft and Celes uses it to leave Solitary Island. You can also choose to save Cid. By doing this, Cid will recover to full health. He then personally shows Celes the raft and she leaves Solitary Island all the same. There really is no difference or not whether you save Cid. Heading south from the house leads to a beach. Here there are four types of fish that can be caught. Everytime you talk to Cid, the fish types are reset. The fastest fish will help Cid's health. The moderate moving fish keep his status the same. The slow moving fish hurt his health. The very slow (sluggish) fish will instantly kill him. To save him, keep going to the beach and catching the fast fish. If there are no fish, go back to Cid and talk to him to reset the fish. Keep doing this, and after awhile (a long while) he recovers. To kill him, you can either not feed him anything at all and keep talking to him until he dies, or you can feed him bad fish until he does die. Alternatively, you can always feed him one of the sluggish fish. In my experience, it takes just as long to kill Cid as to save him. Also, though the sluggish fish appear enough, they stay in the deep water where Celes can't reach them. So either decide if you want to kill him or save him and stick with that. After you're done with this, you will land on one of the main continents near Albrook. Head there if you want to stock up on items, but there is nothing particularly interesting there. Instead head north (past Kefka's tower which you cannot enter) and go to Tzen. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ TZEN ]----------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Heal Rod, Pearl Rod, Tincture, Magicite, Drainer, Hyper Wrist As you enter town, Kefka unleashes one of his toys on the town, namely the Light of Judgement. As you walk up toward the northern part of town, you see that a building is about to collapse. All that is keeping the child caught inside safe for the time being is Sabin, who miraculously is holding the house up by himself. You have a few minutes to enter the house, find the kid and leave safely. The enemies inside use status ailments, so equip a Ribbon. There are a total of eight treasure chests in the house, six of them treasures and two of them monsters-in-a-box filled with Pm Stalkers. There are also random battles. Given that the house is only two stories, if you run from all battles, you will be able to pick up all items and win both the monster-in-a-box battles long before time runs out. The kid is in the basement. After you're done with that, Sabin joins up with Celes and they head off. Before leaving, stock up on items and equipment. There is a guy hiding in the trees in the top right side of town. In the World of Balance, you could have bought the Sraphim Esper from him for 3000 GP. Now that the world is in ruins, he's much more willing to part with it. It will only cost you 10 GP (what a steal). On the World Map, you'll notice that there is a large crescent shaped strip of land connected to the continent you are on. Head to the eastern most part of it to get to Mobliz, your next destination. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ MOBLIZ ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Fenix Down As you enter, dogs bark a warning and a kid hurries into a house. There's a barrel with a Fenix Down in one of the houses. Enter the house the kid went into and go downstairs. You'll find several kids living underground here with Terra. She claims she can no longer fight. At this point, Phunbaba, an ancient monster released when the world was effectively "destoryed" by Kefka. Terra attempts to fight it herself and gets soundly defeated. Your party will come to attack Phunbaba themselves. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: PHUNBABA Phunbaba [Lvl. 31, ????? HP, ??? MP] Use your strongest attacks. If either have it, Bio will more than likely be the strongest attack you have against Phunbaba. It will flee after you have done enough damage to it. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Afterwards, Terra again confirms she cannot leave the children to fight. Before you go, a kid will give you the Fenrir Esper that Phunbaba dropped. Now head to the other end of the crescent shaped strip of land. You'll end up in Nikeah. Along the way you will pass by the Fanatics' Tower, which you can only access by use of the Airship. Ignore it for now. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NIKEAH ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Head to the Cafe and talk to all the members of an apparent gang of bandits that is lead by a man named Gerad. They will leave and board the ship. Go back into town and you'll notice a man who looks exactly like Edgar, only he's a palette swap. Of course, he is Edgar (especially obvious when you take into account that the name "Gerad" is a re-write of "Edgar"). Not to blow his cover, Gerad acts as if he has no idea who Celes is. Board the boat. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ SOUTH FIGARO ]--------------------------------------------------------- Items: Fenix Down*, Elixir*, Remedy*, X-Potion* The items are only available if you took my advice and left their "lesser" counterparts alone in the World of Balance. Shop around and reequip your two members. When you're done, head into the Inn and you'll find Gerad lounging in one of the rooms. As you try to get him to admit who he is, a bandit comes in and they leave to rob Figaro Castle. Follow the Bandits to the nearby Figaro Cave. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CAVE ]---------------------------------------------------------- Items: X-Potion*, Ether*, Hero Ring* The items are only available if you took my advice and left their "lesser" counterparts alone in the World of Balance. As you enter, Siegfried stops you and tells you he will go in ahead. No one cares, so go right in. You've been through this cave enough you should know where to go. Pick up the treasures if you left them in the World of Balance. When you get to the other end of the cave, follow everyone's lead and use the turtle to go further into the cave. Any chests you run into now are already taken by Seigfried so don't bother. When you get to a fork, choose the bottom path. The top path leads to Seigfried who will flee from you on sight. It serves no purpose, so don't even bother. At the end of the bottom path, exit the cave and you'll be in the jail cells of Figaro Castle. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ FIGARO CASTLE ]-------------------------------------------------------- Items: Crystal Helm, Gravity Rod, Ether, X-Potion, Regal Crown, Soul Sabre Go upstairs into the main level and down into the other basement. Keep going through the linear path. Eventually, you will reach a room where you enter from the right. There are two rooms each with two chests on the southern wall. Take the left door out to find another treasure chest. After that, return to the room with the four chests and take the center door. Follow along the path and you find the bandits. They head into a room, and Edgar finally reveals himself to the party. A boss fight begins. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: TENTACLE Tentacle [Lvl. 31, 7000 HP, 800 MP] Tentacle [Lvl. 32, 6000 HP, 700 MP] Tentacle [Lvl. 33, 5000 HP, 600 MP] Tentacle [Lvl. 34, 4000 HP, 500 MP] Though there are four targets, and you have only three characters, it should still be an easy battle. Have Sabin use his strongest Blitz, while Edgar uses Chain Saw. Celes should simply attack. Each tentacle has a different elemntal property they absorb, and it is not worth it to figure out which is which. The battle should not take long. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - When you are done, the party hides from the bandits. They believe Gerad to have died and leave the castle. Once they are gone, head back into the room where the bandits took the treasure. Check the statue standing in the center of the room for a Soul Sabre. Once you are done have the old man take you to the area near Kohlingen. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ KOHLINGEN ]------------------------------------------------------------ Head into the Cafe and have a chat with Setzer. He agrees to help out again and tells you to head to a place called Darill's Tomb. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ DARILL'S TOMB ]-------------------------------------------------------- When you get here, Setzer will open up the tomb. Head down past the first room into one that extends to the left and right. Head to the southeast room for a chest. Go back to the main room. Head to the southwest room. Grab the chest and head downstairs. Grab this chest as well. Stand in front of this treasure chest and take _one_ step down. Then go straight right and you'll find a hidden passage that has an Exp. Egg. Leave the secret passage and go into the door. Hit the switch. Go back out, upstairs and back into the main chamber. Go into the northeast room. Check the gravestone and a secret passage is revealed. Go inside and hit the switch. Go back into the main chamber. Go into the center room that leads south. Hop onto the turtle and cross the pond. Going to the southern room takes you into a room with four gravestones. These are part of a mini puzzle. If you solve it, a clue is given about the Exp. Egg. Since you already have it, there is no point to complete the puzzle. However, for the sake of completion, here it is: Each gravestone has four letters carved in them. They are: ERAU, QSSI, DLRO, WEHT. If you put all the letters together in that order and reverse them, you come up with "The World is Square". One of the more clever bits of humor Square put into this game. Go back to the main room and go into the southwest room. Input the riddle into the gravestone and the clue comes up. Back to where we were, right after crossing the pond, before going into the room with the four gravestones. Hit the switch next to you, and cross the pond to the right. Head into the room. Grab the right chest and save. The left chest is a monster-in-a-box, namely Presenter. Defeating it nets you a Dragon Claw for Sabin. If you can manage to have the final blow kill both the head _and_ shell at the same time, then you get two Dragon Claws. Now go up and you'll run into a boss fight really soon. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ BOSS FIGHT: DULLAHAN Dullahan [Lvl. 37, 23450 HP, 1721 MP] This boss should fall really quickly. Celes should use Fire spells, Edgar should use the Chain Saw, Sabin should use AuraBolt, and Setzer can just sit there. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After this, you will see various scenes from Setzer's past of Darill. When those are finished, you now have access to a new airship, the Falcon. Your party will see a bird flying to Maranda. This is "supposed" to be your next destination, but we will take a few detours first. -- Doom Gaze -- As an added note, as you fly around in the Airship, you can be randomly attacked by a monster named Doom Gaze. It has a total of 55555 HP. Of course, after doing a certain amount of damage in one battle, the monster turns tail and flees. You have to keep fighting it randomly until it dies. Of course, after fleeing a battle, Doom Gaze does not ever gain any HPs back so it is not a difficult task. When you defeat it, you will acquire the Bahamut Esper. Further, Doom Gaze can be defeated at once through the use of Vanish and Doom. If, however, you use X-Zone, you will defeat Doom Gaze, but not gain the Bahamut Esper. So do not use X-Zone. Using Doom has no such penalties whatsoever. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ DUNCAN'S HOUSE ]------------------------------------------------------- Duncan's house appears on the World Map as the center tree of five that form a cross shape. If you are having trouble finding it, head to Narshe (which is marked on your map) and head in a northeast direction until you reach the northernmost point on the continent. There should be a mountain range, and under it, the five trees. Be sure to bring Sabin. When you enter, you are greeted by Banon dressed in Gerad's clothes. No, not quite, but that's what Duncan looks like. He and Sabin start sparring and eventually, Sabin learns the mighty Bum Rush. Unless you have completely neglected to use Sabin, in all likelihood, this will be your strongest attack. Now leave the cabin (which looks remarkably like Sabin's Shack from the World of Balance) and board the Airship. Your next destination will be Narshe. ___________________________________________________________________________ [ NARSHE ]--------------------------------------------------------------- Items: Moogle Charm, Ribbon*, Elixir*, Pod Bracelet* There are random encounters here. It isn't anything to worr