Walkthrough forFinal Fantasy IX

PART 1

Characters:

Zidane Tribal: The dashing, young, lion-hearted hero of our strory who just happens to have a tail. Zidane's main attribute is his Steal command, that grabs items away from enemies. Many useful weapons and armor can be stolen from the bosses in this game.

Baku: "Boss" to his brothers, Baku is the leader of the Tantalus treasure-hunting/performing group. He is an expert fighter and airship pilot, plus he has old ties to Regent Cid. At times it seems like the only things that can get him down are his allergies.

Blank: He watches out for his friends and companions like a big brother. No wonder his Tantalus compadres call him "Bro." Like his Tantalus bretheren Blank is a bit of a stage buff, but would risk it all for his friends if need be.

Marcus: The big man of the group, Marcus keeps it real and steps it up for Tantalus. Mocked at first for his appearance, Marcus found true friendship in the Tantalus gang. Of course, treasure-hundting and being in the limelight is a good way to take your mind off of things, too.

Cinna: Cinna is a bit of an oddball. His hat gives him the appearance of a chef, but his weapon and tool of choice is a hammer. In fact, he won't let anyone other than imself touch his hammer. Well, if there's one thing you can say about Cinna, it's that he's unique.

Ruby: Raised on a secluded ranch, Ruby came to Lindblum to open her horizons. While you can tell right away from her speech that she's no Treno noble, she does have high regards for herself and is very ambitious. Who knows what she'll do next?

Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII: The most beautiful princess in all of Alexandrian history, Princess Garnet know little of life outside the castle or for that matter her own early childhood. She has learned the art of White Magic, but also has the power of the summoned monsters, Eidolons, buried deep within her.

Garnet has the most Summons in the game.

Queen Brahne: The Queen of Alexandria. She is a bit large. Doesn't have too much in the looks department, either. Brahne has been, for the most part, a kind and just ruler, but recently she has seemed to change...

Vivi Ornitier: A black mage only 9 years old, Vivi is kind and playful. However, his Black Magic is coniderably strong for his age.You'll have lots of spells for Vivi to learn throughout the game. His Focus command can really power up the spell he uses his next turn.

Adelbert Steiner: Captain of Alexandria's Knights of Pluto, Steiner is a force to be reckoned with when taken head-on. He will learn a wealth of Sword Techniques during the game. He can become even more powerful when paired with Vivi which adds the Sword Magic ability to his list of commands.

Beatrix: The lovely general of Alexandria's main army of women. She is very devoted to her ruler, so much that she even named her unique sword "Save The Queen." Like Steiner, she deals with issues of loyalty during the game.

Zorn and Thorn: Royal court jesters for Queen Brahne, these two often provide comic relief, but are also skilled in the black arts...

Regent Cid Fabool: He resides over the castle-city of Lindblum with a heart of gold. Cid is an expert engineer and has helped to design many airships. However, things haven't quite been the same since the disappearance of his wife, Hilda, and his new airship that can fly without using Mist for feul.

Freya Crescent: Trained as a Dragon Knight in Burmecia, the Realm of Eternal Rain, Freya is on a continuing search for her long lost love and fellow Dragon Knight, Sir Fratley. Freya's Jump command is useful for evading attacks, and many of her Dragon Knight skills are very useful.

Quina Quen: A strange-looking, long-tongued, big-stomached member of the Qu Clan, a long line of gourmands. The main thing to remember with Quina is try to eat everything. Also, be sure to catch plenty of frogs to power up the Frog Drop spell.

Kuja: A man shrouded in mystery, he uses his power to manipulate people and bring about chaos. He is a bit of a narcissist, though.

Eiko Carol: The little girl who is a lot more grown-up than she appears to be. Eiko's main wealth is in he extensive collection of White Magic, though her Summons can come in handy at times.

Amarant Coral: A bounty hunter and wanted man in Treno, Amarant lives by his own rules and code of honor. He takes great pride in his physical strength. Like the ninja of FFs past Amarant can throw various weapons at the enemy. His other skills, especially Chakra and No Mercy, are very useful in battle.

Well, now that you know the who, let's get to the what, when, where, and why. Onto the Walkthrough.

Walkthrough

Disc 1

Prelude

The first of the four CDs in this game opens with a nice big CG sequence. As the opening credits begin to roll we see a small ship being tossed about violently at sea. We have just enough time to take a fleeting glance at the young girl and her distressed mother before we are taken to the bedroom of the now awake Princess Garnet.

She opens her windows and we are treated to a lovely view of Alexandria while following some doves. As we continue with the journey of the birds we get our first view of the Theater Ship as is travels along the Mist-laden sky. Then the action switches to inside the Theater ship where our hero slides down a pole then enters a dark room while the door shuts noisily.

You now control Zidane as he lights a match to give him at least a small amount of light to work with. There is a small candelabra on a table in the middle of the room you need to light to procede, but for now EXPLORE! In an upper right portion of the room you'll find this info on the Theater Ship:

M.S. Prima Vista, Theater Ship

Class: Luxury liner with theater

Tonnage: 8235 tonnes

Guest Capacity: 288

Propulsion: Veil Energy

Shipwright: Zebolt Shipyards

Port of Registry: Lindblum

Keep this info stored up because you'll need it for the Ragtimer Quiz Game later. From there search around the very back of the room on the right side you'll find a potion, then directly left on the other side you'll find 47 gil. After that go ahead and light the candle. Someone asks "Who's there?" and you get to input a name.

We'll just call tail boy Zidane because that's the default. Blank, Marcus and Cinna run out of the side room. After a quick conversation Baku shows up in a dragon mask and it's time for your first battle of the game.

Baku isn't too tough. He only uses physical attacks and somesimes trips up. Everybody has the Steal command so make sure to get everything off of Baku before defeating him, including the Mage Masher, a weapon for Zidane. When you defeat him the mask splits in half and it's time to get to the plot.

Tantalus is planning to go to Alexandria and perform a play called "I Want To Be Your Canary" by Lord Avon (another thing to remember for the Quiz Game.) During the performance Blank and Zidane will kidnap Princess Garnet and take her to the regency of Lindblum from whence they came.

In another CG, people from all around are flocking to Alexandria to see "I Want To Be Your Canary," including the young black mage Vivi, who watches in awe as the Prima Vista flies over-head. We then see the the Prima Vista reflected in the giant sword positioned atop the castle, The symbol of Alexandria.

The main title appears and we are treated to a couple more credits.

Renaissance Mage

We first gain control of Vivi in Alexandria town. It's a big town and there's lots to do here. Start by running back in the opposite directon you were facing. You can find some cards here in the foreground and background, plus a Potion near the back of the Heroine Statue.

The writing on it states that the 9th Lindblum War was fought in 1398 (Quiz Game.) Then return to the street you were on to start with and enter the building directly on the right. Talk to the old woman at the spinning wheel for a brief scene then search near the bed to find her savings of 9 gil.

Examine the table on the right for a Potion, then climb up the ladder and inspect the cubboard for a Fang Card. You can make Vivi fall down as many times as you want by inspecting the lare tapestry on the right side of the room. Exit back to the main street.

Run directly left from the old woman's house to the other side of the street to find another Potion. Go up the street a little ways and you'll run into Puck, who immediately runs off. Inspect the green fruit basket a for yet another Potion then exit to the north.

After the brief scene with the Treno nobles search the grass on both sides of the foreground for 33 gil and a Goblin Card. Hippaul, the hippo boy will be seen again during your many adventures, but for now enter the tavern in the middle of this screen. Search the south-western corner of the room for a Flan Card, then the small alcove in the wall for 27 gil.

The south-eastern corner of the room also hides a potion. Exit the tavern and go left.

The guy on the left will tell you where the ticket booth is and the path on the right leads to Doug's Item Shop, where you can find 38 gil in the foreground. Procede north to the square. And now it's time once again to EXPLORE!

The statue on the right states that the 15th Lindblum War took place in 1601(Quiz Game again). Talking to people is always a good idea in RPGs, and FFIX is no exception. Hippaul is here and he tells you he hid his 3 special cards in a great place. The two entrences on the east side of the quare contain a weapon and synthesis shops.

The synthesis shop isn't open but you can find and Ether in the far east corner of the room. The weapon shop isn't open either. The north exit leads to Alexandria castle but it is currently blocked off, although a Pheonix Pinion is hidden near the cart on the left side of the street leading up to the guards.

The large building on the west side is and inn, going inside will get you a brief scene of the Fish Man and a guest arguing about the price of staying there, but not much else. The three girls on the left will let you play jump rope if you talk to the one in the middle.

The trick is to tap X right as Vivi lands, or as I saw it, when his feet suddenly "get bigger." Successfully jumping rope will earn you many rare cards up until 1000 jumps where you are awarded the "King of Skipping" title. It will be a while before you can play jump rope again so I suggest you take care of it now.

Once you're done here, exit into the alley on the west side of the town.

Proceed down the alley to a small pier. The kid on the northwest side of the pier is looking for his cat. Accept the offer to look for it then return to the Heroine Statue area in the beginning of town. The cat should be there. Inspect it and the kid should run up and retrieve his feline. Return to the pier and he'll be there again.

Talk to him and he'll reward you with a Bomb Card. Enter the chapel and climb up the ladder in the middle of the room. Pull the rope to ring the bell and nab Hippaul's secret treasure of three cards. Inspect the far east corner of the chapel to find a Potion, then the left group of flowers in the foreground for a Tent.

Enter the house northeast of the chapel and search the far left corner for a bottle of Eye Drops. Return to the square.

"I Want To Be Your Slave"

Take a peek inside the ticket booth and you'll end up in a conversation with the Ticketmaster (rimshot.) He offers some information on Tantalus, "I Want To Be Your Canary," and the Alexandrian royal family if you ask him. After gathering this information show him your ticket which turns out to be... a fake!

Ticketmaster tries to console Vivi by giving him some cards. After this let-down head back into the alley where you trip (ha-ha) and throw off Signmaker Dantes. He then exits and Puck reappears. Chose any answer you like then accept his offer for you to become his slave. Puck grabs the ladder then heads off towards the pier.

A red-haired, four-armed man appears at the top of the alley. Talk to him and you'll end up in a tutorial for the Tetra Master Card Game. After this, you can go around town and challenge various people to card games. Make sure you get the Carrion Worm Card from the guy near Doug's item shop after talking to him again.

After this return to the chapel where Puck is waiting for you. Try and climb up to the bell tower and you'll have your first encounter with a Moogle whose name is Kupo (go figure.) Tell him you understand and Puck will climb up the ladder with the Dantes' stolen ladder. Now is a good time to save your game. Also this is the beginning of your Mognet quest.

Usually the moogle recieving will be one you meet right after the sender. Also the travelling moogle, Stiltzkin, is here. Later in the game he'll pop up occasionally to sell you useful items. Climb up the bell tower and inspect the yellow thing on the south side of the roof after crossing the beam that fell for 29 gil.

At the third beam you're asked to input a name. Do as you please, but I think Vivi's fine for this walkthrough. Go down the stairs on the next building you come to and cross the beams to reach another yellow thing, this time holding 63 gil. Go back to the roof with stairs and go directly north to find one last yellow thing containing 92 gil.

Trek on over to where Puck is and you'll automatically enter the castle.

Whose Line Is It, Anyway?

In our next CG, night has fallen on Alexandria, but everyone is up to see "I Want To Be Your Canary," including Vivi and Puck. We get our first (unfortunately not the last) glimpse of Queen Brahne, who for all purposes is just butt-ugly.

Steiner also makes a cameo as he signals the start of the play with a wave of his sword. There's lots of fireworks, the queen dances (I'm surprised she's able to) and "I Want To Be Your Canary" finally starts. My advice: sit back and enjoy the show.

A battle ensues. Your Steal command has been replaced with SFX (Special Effects) which are fake spells that do no damage; they're only crowd-pleasers. You don't really need to use them but do if you want a little dramatic flair. Take our Zenero and Benero first with physical attacks then gor for the big finish on King Leo (Baku).

After some brief conversation probably the funnest mini-game, the Fight Scene, begins. All you have to do is match the commands that Blank tells you to do, but you can do it as many times as you want: until you please all 100 nobles. The more nobles you impress, the more gil you get, so do your absolute best, and HAVE FUN!

Playing Hard-To-Get

After the fight scene Blank and Zidane knock out two Pluto Knights and steal their armor. After their conversation proceed up the stairs. The princess runs out of a room in a classic white mage cloak. Chose to examine her face and you're treated to a quck scene where Zidane tries to be a ladie's man.

Eventually Garnet rushes past him and Blank and Zidane give chase.

"Talk normal I used to, until hit me in the face with a shovel my brother Zorn did."

Zorn and Thorn make their debut appearance, and we get our first taste of Thorn's speach impediment. They rush to see the Queen in a slightly funny scene then run into Steiner and Beatrix. Beatrix informs the queen of her daughter's indiscretion. You then get to name Steiner.

You could name him Arnold for all I care, but to follow tradition we shall call him Steiner.

Draft Evasion

You now control Steiner. He tries to assemble the Pluto Knights but only the two Zidane and Blank de-robed show up. Start by running to the room on the right where those two same knights are slacking. Talk to them and they'll get back on the job. There's a moogle here so Mognet and save.

Search the southwest bed near the door to find a Pheonix Down. There is also a complete list of all the Pluto Knights you need to find posted by the door. Run back up the winding stairs and go south. Speak to the queen and she'll give you an item depending on your performance in the fight scene.

If you got all 100 nobles impressed you get a rare Moonstone. Going south from the bottom of the top stairs will have you end up where the fight scene was being performed so don't go there. Go north to the hall with the portrait. Dojebon is running around here. It may take a while to catch him but you should be able to.

Try exiting on the right then re-entering and running south to the entrance. Once you've spoken to him go through the northwest hallway. Continue left and you'll get your first glance at Quina and the Kitchenmeisters (sounds kinda like a jazz band, eh?

) Backtrack and take the right exit from the top portion of the portrait hall. Mullenkedheim is standing near a ladder. Talk to him then go down the stairs in the portrait hall and continue left. Laudo is standing by the southernmost bookshelf. Tell him to bite the bullet and he runs off.

There's nothing to be found in the eastern wing of the library so return to the portrait hall and exit south. Continue south to the small port where Haagen is sitting. Recruit him, then run west where you find Weimar trying to put the moves on a female soldier.

Tell him to get a move on and continue in the doorway, down the hall, and up the stairs. Breireicht is found about halfway up the stairs.

Blutzen and Kohel are "double super-sleuths."

Laudo is their most inspirationsl writer.

Dojebon is the most famous artillerist in the realm.

Weimar is the only man who can name all the girls in town.

Haagen has a knack for navigating the neighborhood.

Mullenkedheim is the winner of last year's cannonball race.

After all this he will give you an Elixir for finding everyone. Continue up to the top of the stairs and exit out the opening. Once there he spots Zidane running after the princess.

The Show Must Go On!

Our nex bout of CG goodness is a funny one. Garnet continues to play hard-to-get, only this time by pretending to fall of the castle. She ends up swinging to the orchestra box of the Prima Vista with Zidane in hot pursuit while Steiner comes to a rather abrupt crash landing.

After Garnet makes a mess of the orchestra follow her into the dressing room where we first meet Ruby. Talk to her and Garnet runs off again so follow her down the stairs to the candelabra room. Garnet reveals her identity to Zidane and, as luck would have it, she wants to be captured.

Cinna bursts in and after some conversation Cinna, Zidane, and the Princess escape down a large hatch while Blank (still in armor) holds up Steiner.

You then find yourself in the engine room of the Prima Vista. Walk up to the engine and turn the knob both ways. Cinna will yell at you but two treasure chests containing a Pheonix Down and a Pheonix Pinion will drop from the cieling.

Then open the main menu and equip Zidane with the Mage Masher and Moonstone before heading into the room on the left. Steiner pops up (or should I say slides down?) and also Blank, who shows his true colors, arrives. You then battle Steiner directly.

Of course start by stealing everything off of him then use physical attacks to get him. The battle ends with Steiner using a cool-looking attack not seen anywhere else in the game, destroying Blank's armor and ripping the pouch of Oglops he was carrying. Zidane and the princess escape in the confusion.

And now we return you to our regularly scheduled play already in progress.

After the brief scene with Marcus and King Leo; Zidane, Princess Garnet, and Steiner jump onto pads that rise up to stage level. The play is acted out to its finish. Meanwhile, Puck and Vivi are seen and almost aprehended, but thanks (?

) to Vivi's magic the pursuit end and a battle begins. Use Vivi's Fire magic on all enemies so quickly dispose of the two Pluto Knights. You can't Steal but you can use Garnet's Cure spell to quickly heal. Just keep your health up and beat up Steiner.

It's a B-B-B-B-B-B-Bomb!

The Prima Vista tries to make a quick exit only to be stopped short by giant harpoon guns. Brahne then brings out the BIG gun which shoots a Bomb monster right at you. A battle begins. You still don't have Steal so all you really have to do is keep your health up and beat up Steiner if you want to until the Bomb grows too large and explodes.

The Prima Vista narrowly excapes only to crash land beneath the Mist in the Evil Forest.

Audrey II

Zidane regroups with Cinna outside the wrecked Prima Vista and an ATE of Garnet and Vivi running from something in the forest is seen. A Pheonix Down can be found in the pile of supplies just south of the Trumpeter and Conductor. Save, then continue through the hollow log to the southeast.

You may now want to take an early opportunity to level up a bit here on this screen. Since Zidane is your only party member he'll recieve lots more experience than if he were with the others. Potions can be stolen from Goblins but you can often net Pheonix Downs and Hi-Potions from the Fangs.

Be sure to have the Beast Killer support ability equipped from the Moonstone. Once you're ready, exit to the east.

Garnet has been trapped inside Prisoncage, a plant monster. You'll have to fight Prisoncage while stopping once in a while to heal Garnet with Potions. Zidane Trances at the beginning of this fight. Prisoncage doesn't have anything to Steal so hit it with the Free Energy Dyne. Using Tidal Flame will damage, if not kill, the Princess.

Prisoncage excapes with Garnet, then a second identical monster traps Vivi. Again, every once in a while heal Vivi with Potions. A Broadsword and a Leather Wrist can be stolen from this Prisoncage, but Vivi might kill the monster before you can get the latter.

Vivi helps out by casting Fire from inside the evil plant every once in a while.After it is beaten it sprays Vivi and Steiner with a green mist of seeds and you are automatically taken back to the Prima Vista crash site.

Blank gives Vivi some medicine and Steiner is locked in a supply closet where he also takes the seed-removal medicine. Baku and Zidane argue then you are left to control him again. Search near the globe on the right for some Bronze Gloves.

Exit to the left and you are given the choice of two ATEs, Time to Escape featuring Steiner, and Girl Who Was Left Behind starring Ruby. See them both then view My Little Baby with Cinna. Continue down the stairs and talk to Blank.

Go to the room on the right and speak with Vivi. 116 gil is on the top of the bed and an Ether is in the chest by the dresser. Exit and a flashback will ensue. No matter which option you choose, Zidane will decide to go look for the princess.

Chosing "Forget it" will incite another flashback and Zidane will make up his mind in a more dramatic fasion.

After this Blank shows up again. He and Zidane talk and you decide to go see Baku. Before you do a Wrist can be found in the background behind Blank. Go left and get the Ether from the chest in the foreground.

Equip your Optimum and go down the stairs to the right of Marcus. A Rubber Helmet is found in the back of this room. Go through the door to the right to find Baku. After he leaves grab the Potion from the foreground chest and return to the cargo (candelabra) room.

Speak to Baku then chose to fight him. Steal everything off of Baku (a Hi-Potion and an Iron Sword), then use physical attacks to lay the smack-down on him. After the fight Baku gives you a parting gift in the form of a sucker-punch.

Talk to Blank then go recruit Steiner and Vivi. An Ether is in the chest in the room where Steiner was.

Equip Vivi with the Silk Shirt that was on Zidane for the Thunder spell and equip Steiner's Bronze Gloves. It takes a while for Steiner to learn Beast Killer so be sure to transfer the Moonstone to Steiner after Zidane's finished with it.

If you got the Leather Wrist equip it on Vivi as well to learn Blizzard. Go south from the cargo room to find Blank who gives you some more seed-removal medicine for Garnet and a letter from Baku offering some advice.

After you're done talking return to the screen where Blank is and grab the Leather Hat from the chest. Outside Cinna will now sell you items. Stock up, Mognet, and save then return to the main part of Evil Forest.

Can you repeat the question?

Your main focus now will be to learn all of your available abilities. Zidane: Flee, Detect, Protect Girls, Flee-Gil, Beast Killer. Vivi: Fire, Blizzard, Thunder. Steiner: Minus Strike, Beast Killer, Antibody, Bug Killer, Bird Killer.

Equip the Iron Sword and Rubber Helmet together for double growth on Minus Strike, and Broadsword with the Moonstone for double growth on Beast Killer. View the Orchestra In The Forest ATE to listen to Rufus' Coronation Theme from FFVII. On the third screen in you can go left from the fallen log/root to view a waterfall.

Return and proceed one screen. A giant tree stump is spouting water that can restore your HP&MP, thus making Tents unneccesary here. An ATE pops up, then Mognet twice and save. Continue to run around and learn your abilities but don't go more than one screen further than the healing stump/spring.

The pattern you'll want to have in battle is: Have Zidane Steal at least once, then use Vivi's Fire spell or Steiner's physical attacks. The Dendrobiums (big flying flowers) give 2 AP after every battle so the quickest way to learn Abilities here is to fight them. You can also steal Eye Drops, Tents, and Ore from them.

They are most common on the screen after the healing stump.One other thing to watch out for is the Goblins' special skill Goblin Punch. It deals critical damage to it's target if it and the Goblin are at the same level. Be on your guard when your characters are at level 5.

Top Ten Reasons Why Blank Kicks Ass

After learning all your abilities level up some more if you like (it's good to have everyone at level 8 or higher) and save. If you have the room on your memory card I suggest you make an additional save to a different slot with your current data as you might want to revisit this time again some day. Continue past the screen with lots of Dendrobium.

A very brief CG occurs where we first see the Plant Brain. Continue through the dark opening to the north and your first boss battle begins. Eye Drops and an Iron Helmet can be stolen from Plant Brain. Get them both then open up a can of whup-ass. Don't bother using Eye Drops on Vivi until after the battle, just have him use Fire.

Steiner should use Fire Sword. Blank eventually joins the battle. With a full party Plant Brain should go down easy.

Garnet is given the seed removal medicine, our heroes are attacked by Plant Spiders, and some very cool music entitled "Run!" starts playing. On the next screen groups of Plant Spiders spontaneously come out of where you just came from. Battle them for as long as you like, they're very easy.

Be sure to switch the Silk Shirt Blank has equipped for a Leather Shirt, you'll see why in a minute. Equip the Iron Helmet on Steiner as well as it's Level Up ability.

10: He just looks cool. Gotta love the hair.

9. He has the speed of Zidane and the attacking power of Steiner.

8. He can see through that big leather belt he has strapped around his head.

7. He's the only guy the Tantalus crew call "Bro."

6. He knows how and when to make an entrance.

5. Has the balls to say that Princess Garnet isn't his type.

4. He's in the Fight Scene.

3. The only person I have ever heard use the phrase "hasta la vista" then refer to being eaten alive as becoming beef jerkey in the same sentance.

2. Can go through 2/3 of a play with a pouch of about 20 oglops hidden on him.

1. You'll see soon...

After you're done here go south where you jump down to a river bed near a giant skeleton of a monster. Kill off both groups of Plant Spiders and continue south. After a brief scene one of the coolest CGs in the entire game plays. I won't give anything away. You'll have to see for yourself.

That's all for now. Hope you tune in again for the next installment.

Leuthy

PART 2

The Alexandria/Lindblum Globetrotters

After the CG of the escape from Evil Forest, some brief scenes occur and everyone is brought back up to full strength. Garnet laments over Blank and the the moogle that was near the healing stump appears.

Teach Me Mogster: Lesson 1, an ATE, pops up and Mogster the Moogle teaches you some basics before your first foray out into the world. Be sure to pay attention.

After this you recieve the Moogle's Flute, with which you can call on a moogle, Moguo, from anywhere on the world map with the options of using a tent and saving your game. Everyone leaves the Evil Forest behind, for now.

The basic controls for the World Map show up, and after reviewing this you are given free reign on where you want to go, though two places in particular are worth going to.

As you trek around be sure to have Garnet learn her first slew of abilities: Cure, Panacea, Protect, and Shell (from the Moonstone.) Equipping her with the Silk Shirt Blank had will give her double growth on Cure. Also be sure to have Steiner learn Bright Eyes and Level Up from the Iron Helmet.

From your starting point head west past the small ridge to the arch-like struture (North Gate) and enter it. A scene ensues. After this go through the gap in the fence to find a chest with a bottle of Eye Drops. Then go to the Arch's doorway, listen close, and call out. A woman here is selling Potions. Stock up, if need be, then exit.

Go east from North Gate, following the ridge, and you'll come across a small patch of forest and the Ice Cavern. Continuing east from here will lead to a river, another patch of forest, and an eventual dead end. Be sure to have all you new abilities learned before entering the Ice Cavern.

Call up Moguo, Tent, Save, then procede.

Jingle Bells

Two brief scenes occur, then you are left to control Zidane and company. Random battles occur here but there is also another way to engage a fight. Certain paths will be crossed by a stream of wind at random. Walking into this stream engages a battle with the Weyrds. You can wait for the wind to pass to try and avoid a fight.

They have a nasty attack called HP Switching that does just what it sounds like. You can probably get into more battles this way than running around for random battles, but you usually gain less experience per battle.

Jump up to the ledge and grab the Tent from the chest. Get back down and continue north. Go up the right-most stairs and inspect the icy wall. Vivi will blast it with his magic and reveal a chest with an Ether. Continue around the path just to your left to find a Potion.

Return to the stairs on the left and go north again. Go right from the entrance of this screen up what looks to be a frozen log to grab another potion in a chest. Walk back down and inspect it. Vivi blasts it and you are free to get the Mage Masher from the chest below.

Another wall can be broken in the back of this room where the two paths converge. An Elixir is inside. Resume your journey to the next screen.

A Pheonix Down is in a chest just to the right of the entrance. Then take the left-most path to what looks to be a dead end. Vivi blasts this wall as well, revealing a tunnel to the chest on the small ledge you saw at the start of this screen.

It contains a Leather Wrist which has the Blizzard spell for Vivi if you didn't get the one back in Evil Forest. Continue north and into the western tunnel. A moogle is frozen in ice, but with a little magic from Vivi he is set free and we are treated to a second lesson from Mogster.

Pay special attention to what he says about Elemental Properties. After this Mognet and Mois will give you a letter for Gumo. Now is the time to level up some more, so remember to come back here to Save and Tent if need be. Just don't go through the windy right tunnel near Mois' dwelling for now.

Just make sure Garnet is at least at Level 10 and your other characters will be very strong.

When you are done leveling up equip Zidane with his optimum (Mage Masher, Leather Hat, Leather Wrist, Silk Shirt, and Moonstone if you like,) Tent, Save and procede to the windy eastern tunnel. A scene occurs where everyone falls asleep until Zidane wakes to the sound of a bell.

Proceed to where the wind is coming from. You'll find a strange frozen waterfall and the source of the wind, Black Waltz #1. At the beginning of the battle BW1 uses the Blizzaga spell (thankfully not on you) to summon Sea Lion, an ice beast. No doubt you'll Trance during this battle since you're the only target.

Tidal Flame can take out BW1 in one hit and seriously damage Sea Lion, but be sure to Steal all you can before killing them. A Mythril Dagger, Ether, and Pheonix Down are found on Sea Lion, and a Remedy and a Silk Shirt are on BW1.

What I did is just take out BW1 with Free Energy then be sure to Steal the Mythril Dagger off of Sea Lion before whupping him with Tidal Flame or physical attacks. If Tidal Flame does not kill Sea Lion outright it will retaliate with a water attack, Tsunami, so be sure to keep your health up with potions (you should have lots now.

After the battle Zorn and Thorn give Zidane an eerie warning, then everyone wakes up. Procede up the path near the now thawed-out waterfall, across the gaps and out the opening. Once outside a scene ensues and you get to rename Princess Garnet anything you like or the default, Dagger.

It's not my fault the defaults are good, but we will stick to calling Princess Orange Spandex "Dagger." All exit and you are now on one of the many high plateus on the Mist Continent. It's above the Mist but there are still monsters to contend with.

Extras! Extras!

Once again, kiddies, it's time to EXPLORE! Procede south from your starting point and you'll encounter another Gate. This is part of South Gate. Tell the attendant you want to rest and tell him you can wait. Talk with him and a girl will run up to sell you items and let you rest for 100 Gil. Rest and stock up, then exit.

Back outside battle around the giant tree root near the exit of the Ice Cavern. In here you will find the first of the Land Spirits, a friendly brown Mu. Give him the Ore he wants and he'll reward you with 10 AP, which will give you an added boost towards getting the Bandit Support Ability off the Mythril Dagger.

Be sure to learn it while you're out here and equip it.

The Ragtimer Quiz Game can be found in the large section of forest near South Gate. Your first question is "Chocobo's Forest it Located Between Lindblum and - South Gate." This is True. You get 1000 Gil for getting the question right.

After this your next destination is the small mountain on the cliff near the village. This is Observatory Mountain. In the foreground a Hi-Potion is in a chest and in the back at the end of the fence is 135 Gil. Enter the small house and speak with Morrid, then examine his Theater Ship figurine on the left. This initiates the Coffe Sidequest.

Morrid wants Burman, Kirman, and Moccha Coffee. I'll be sure to tell you where these are along the rest of your journey. There's nothing up the long flight of stairs so exit Observatory Mountain and enter the Village of Dali.

The Truth is Under There...

A couple scenes start up, one outside and one inside the inn, then you automatically rest. During the night Zidane hears someone singing. He wakes up and you are left to control him alone. A slew of ATEs pop up in Dali so have some time on your hands and be sure to see each one.

After seeing one of the two initial ATEs open the chest on the right for an Antidote. Another chest is hidden behind a plant on the left side of the screen. Open it for a Potion, then examine the machine on the left which tells you your fortune for 10 Gil.

The bookshelf on th upper right side of the screen contain books that, according to Zidane, suck. Exit the bedroom and view the ATE you didn't see inside the bedroom.

Give the letter to Gumo, the moogle in the inn, and Save. Exit the inn and an ATE of Hal the Inkeeper plotting something pops up. After viewing it go to the building on the left into Eve's Weapon Shop. A pamplet in the foreground contains info on equiping new weapons and the Card Game.

First buy a Dagger, 2 Mage Mashers, an Iron Sword, a Rod, a Mage Staff, 3 Leather Wrists, and 4 Feather Hats, 1 set of Bronze Gloves, and 1 Bronze Armor. You should have plenty of money from battling. My philosiphy is "It always pays to keep an extra on hand." You'll see why in a minute. Play a card game with Eve if you like, then exit.

Inspect the large wheel near Mayor Kapu's Home (sun picture above door.) If yoou try and enter the Mayor's house you'll always get kicked out, for now. This includes the entrance from the Windmill. Walk up to Vivi. A scene ensues and Vivi is kidnapped.

Two more ATEs pop up, another with Hal and another with Dagger. In the Dagger ATE either choice will end in the same result. Enter the Windmill and talk to the man sitting down. Search the back of the room behind the turning stone for the first of the Zodiac Coins, the Aries, then examine the door on the right.

The hall in the lower left leads to Mayor Kapu's house. Up the ladder are two treasure chests you can't get to, yet. Talking to the girl near the well will initiate a quick scene where you hear a Chocobo. Enter the house to the right of the windmill. Talk to the girl and you can buy items from her.

After you buy something Zidane asks the girl about Dagger. Speak to her again and chose not to buy something and a brief conversation starts. Exit and go east. Speak with the Old Lady then go around to the last section of crops and examine the markings in the field.

Return to the weapon shop to find Dagger. A funny scene ensues, then compliment her on her speach, and tell her you thought she was Ruby. Dagger goes back to the inn. Exit and go across the small bridge to the window of the inn. Look inside and you'll see Dagger working on her speech.

Return to the inn and speak with Dagger in the guest room. After their conversation a Steiner ATE pops up. When this concludes you control both Zidane and Dagger while they search for Vivi. Equip them with their optimum now, save, and go to the windmill.

A scene occurs and we find that Vivi is somewhere underground. Enter the windmill and pop open the hatch the man was guarding. Go down.

Climb down the ladder and ride the small lift. 156 Gil is waiting for you at the bottom in a chest. Go north for a scene with some of the village's adults. After the scene continue north again and grab the Potion in the hut Vivi was in and the bottle of Eye Drops in the foreground. Continue east.

Inspect the boxes and the barrel to find Kumop who has a letter for Mogki. Save, then grab the Ether on top of the stack of boxes and the hanging Potion by kicking the rusted wheel. On the next screen run up the nearby stairs and jump up to the top of the crates. An Iron Helmet is just across a wooden board.

Back down, grab the Leather Wrist from inbetween the stacks of supplies and continue northeast. A scene occurs where you find Vivi and he joins your party. Optimize him and go inspect the machinery. After this grab the 95 gil from the chest and open the doors.

The little Ghost enemies are undead, so Dagger's Cure spell is a quick way to destroy them. Ghosts have a lot of good stuff that can be stolen off them as well. Outside you'll find a Pheonix Down, a Potion, and a Pheonix Pinion near or behind the machinery.

Random battles now occur all over this area, but it's a good way to learn some of your new abilities and level up some so spend some quality time here. Remeber Kumop if you need to heal or restore MP.

After you have pumped (clap) yourselves up continue past the machinery making "eggs." On the next screen you'll see a Chocobo powering the conveyor belt and the eggs disappearing into the bowels of another machine. Continue down the hall and Zidane will hear a sound like eggs hatching. Go on to the next screen and prepare to be shocked.

Black Mages by the dozen being hauled around like giant dolls and packed into boxes like the one Vivi was in. To coin a phraze from the GIA.com, "Soylent Green is BLACK MAGES!"(it's in QUOTES so again, PLEASE DON'T SUE ME! thank you) We see that this business is why the adults have been away from town.

Zidane, Dagger, and Vivi end up being shut up into the strange boxes as well.

Not So Endless Waltzes

We rejoin Steiner at Observatory Mountain. Let Morrid past you then follow him into his house. Speak with Morrid and some funny antics will commence. After this exit his house and off Observatory Mountain. Steiner spies the cargo ship from afar and runs up to see what is going on.

Noticing that a large barrel is moving he runs around to inspect it. Chose either option and the outcome is the same: Zidane and company are freed from the barrel and Black Waltz #2 shows up.

A Leather Plate and a Steepled Hat can be stolen from BW2. When you use Vivi's magic BW2 will retaliate with the same magic. Since your Silk Shirts are weak against fire have Vivi use either Thunder or Blizzard. BW2 only attacks Zidane, Vivi, and Steiner so always have Dagger heal.

BW2 isn't too hard to take down. After the battle I suggest you chose to rest at the inn. Equip the Leather Plate on Zidane and the Steepled Hat on Vivi (Dagger should already have Protect.) Enter the inn and you automatically rest. Be sure to save and, if you can, save this "Memory File" to an empty block to keep there.

Stock up on items if you need to then return to where the Cargo Ship is and chose to board it. Answer Vivi's question however you like.

Zidane now makes a bit of a grab-ass out of himself as he, Dagger, and Vivi rush to board the departing Cargo Ship. After some funny conversation Zidane rushes inside the cargo ship. Inside, Vivi is habing considerable trouble communicating with the Black Mages.

You are then left to control Zidane. The thing that looks like a treasure chest in the foreground isn't really a chest. You can examine the engine and look out a window then climb up the ladder to the deck of the Cargo Ship. There, Steiner is lamenting over how the ship took off before he believes Dagger boarded it.

Zidane brings him to his senses, though. Examine the pilots from the outside then enter the cockpit. Steiner talks to himself then Black Waltz #3 attacks.

A very emotional CG plays then our heroes minus Dagger are left to fight the final Black Waltz. A Steepled Hat, Silver Gloves, and a Linen Curiass can be stolen from BW3. Vivi Trances at the beginning of the battle. Just have him use Blizzard or Thunder like with BW2.

After you have won the battle some action-packed CG plays and our heroes eventually arive in the giant castle-city of Lindblum.

That's all for now, folks. Keep in touch for the next installment.

Leuthy.

PART 3

And now... on with the Walkthrough!

It's time for action, action, action! In Lindblum's Grand Castle, Castle, Castle! With it's own indoor airship dock, dock, dock!

Our heroes wind up in Lindblum Grand Castle. Eventually they are escorted by Minister Artania to the royal chambers of Regent Cid Fabool. Eventually we se that Regent Cid has been turned into an oglop (Steiner: I HATE oglops!) After talking a bit everyone takes a break for lunch.

Zidane, not favoring the high-class food at the castle, returns to a favorite spot of his in the Industrial District (gotta love the music). He talks a bit with Bobo the Bartender (who looks a bit like Clyde from Outlaw Star) and Lillian the waitress until a Burmecian dressed in red at the bar interrupts.

After some conversation we get to name Freya. Freya kicks a whole lotta butt in this game so we will keep her file under Freya. Some more involved conversation between the two stirs up and everyone automatically rests.

Dialogue between Dagger and Cid is lengthy, but informative. You end up with Zidane in the Inn. After he and Vivi talk a "Teach Me Mogster" ATE pops up and you are told the basics of synthesizing items and weapons. This is where I get my philosophy from back in Part II.

After this talk to Moodon in the next room over and Mognet to recieve a letter from Ruby. Save, then it's time to hit the town.

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere...

It's that time again... to EXPLORE! On your way out of the inn pick up the 163 Gil in the foreground near the railing. Exit and an ATE of Steiner and Grandma Pickle appears. Just about everyone here plays Tetra Master so be sure to try and challenge some folks.

To the east is the Aircab Station, to the south is the Hunter's Gate, and going north leads to town. Go north then into the western alley. In the trees near the church you'll find a hidden Tent. Enter the church and climb up the ladder. A Leather Plate is at the end of the scaffolding.

Return to the way where Grandma Pickle is and enter the house between the two streets. Card Freak Gon has a Hi-Potion and Eye Drops in chests up here. Exit and go down the right path. The Weapon, Item, and Synthesis shops are all here.

At the Weapon shop buy a Javelin, 1 Mythril Dagger, 4 Glass Armlets, 2 Steepled Hats, 4 Headgear, and 2 Linen Cuirasses. At the Item Shop be sure to get some Softs. The alley on the left near the smokestack leads to the Synthesis Shop. In here get as many as you can of EVERYTHING. Synthed items and weapons often offer many new abilities.

After this go back to the weapon shop and get 2 Glass Armlets and 3 Steepled Hats. Once done here go south from the street with the inn and out the Hunter's Gate.

Outside you can now learn all your new abilities and level up before the Festival of the Hunt. You'll get massive EXP because only Zidane's fighting out here. I got all the way up to Level 20 before I went back into Lindblum.

Also, Freya will be at whatever level Zidane is at after the festival so that makes getting up to Level 20 even better. Two new types of enemies appear on the Lindblum Plateau: Axe Beaks and the infamous Bombs. The former can put you to sleep and the latter has very powerful Fire magic so be sure to watch yourselves.

Be sure to learn Soul Blade from the Ogre before battling in forests. Then equip the Butterfly Sword so when you use Soul Blade it can silence the Bombs you will only find in the forested areas here. What's That?! is good to use in Back Attacks when you have other party members to back you up.

Ragtimer will pop up in the small forest be the roots for questions 2 through 4, all of which are False. You may want to go visit Pinnacle Rocks now to get a Pheonix Down and an Elixir in the foreground after the second stone ornament near the path. You'll see more of Pinnacle Rocks later.

When you return to Lindblum you will find a new accessory in available in the Synthesis Shop, the Yellow Scarf. This Dr. Who-ish item will give Zidane the Bird Killer Support Ability, and is much stronger than the Glass Buckle. You can go back out the way you came to learn this before the Festival of the Hunt, or simply equip it and Bird Killer.

Enter the aircab station to the east of the Inn and a Vivi ATE will appear where he gets a Key Item, a Kupo Nut. You can challenge Old Margaret to a card game if you wish. After this select to go to the Theater District of Lindblum.

Broadway

After you exit the cab station an ATE will reveal the real villain of this game that could cause harm and degrade the entire world in just a few decades! Actually it's just a steam engine, which in this world is the better, cleaner, more efficient form of propulsion. Damn, I wish I had an airship.

Now that the engineering lesson is over go down the semi-hidden stairwell in the southeast corner of this screen. Here in Aspiring Artist Michael's chateau a piece of Ore can be found in a chest in the foreground. Go back out to the street and go down the stars to the far left.

Talk to the Lowell Fan Club member who runs off and is immediately followed by another. After speaking with them enter the Clock Tower, which is Tantalus' good ol' hideout. Zidane reminisces and then a Dagger ATE is force-fed to you. Antes de the ATE you meet Bunce and Lucella, the youngest members of Tantalus.

When they leave retrieve a lot of Gil from the chests laying about and the Mini-Burmecia doll from atop the bed.

Exit and you can see an ATE with the Tantalus Crew at a Gate. They talk of reviving Blank (yay!) Then go down the southern stairs to the Fuegert Memorial Theater. Attempt to talk to the second woman from the right near the entrance and a scene involving Lowell (cough cough diva cough) pops up.

He ends up running away from the groupies in a giant moogle suit. Return to Michael's basement to find Lowell. Talk to him and you'll recieve his Autograph. Then search near the bright red chair to find his Moogle Suit. Exit and take the air cab to the Industrial District.

I'm Cid, this is Cid, over there's Cid, Cid here teaches philosophy, and what might your name be?

Ironically the setting of the Industrial District reminds me more of plays than the Theater District. But, anyway, the first thing you'll notice is the statue of Cid VIII on which is inscribed:

Cid VIII

Developed the first Mist-powered

airship in 1762. Led the airship

armada in 1771 and brought peace

to the continent. Died 1780.

In honor of my father, Cid IX

Talk if you wish then go up the stairs. The Doom Pub is serving Dark Stew, but you can't buy it. You can speak with Bobo again by going around the back of the counter and up to him. You can play cards with Lillian the waitress (her cards aren't the only thing I'd like to play with *SLAP*).

North of the Bar is Roodle Faux's place, where you can find a Mimic Card and Steepled Hat upstairs. Also introduced is a new weight loss program for engineers working with steam engines if you talk to Ludruff. Return to the air cab station and fly to Lindblum Castle.

Wait, wasn't Locke that old guy near the air cab station in the Business District?

Return to the guest room and you'll find Steiner lamenting over the disappearance of Dagger (when isn't he?) After Steiner runs from the room grab the Glass Armlet and Ether from the chests and give Mogki a letter. Mognet again and he'll give you a letter for Atla. Save then return to the hallway.

Go back to the fountain room and you'll hear Dagger singing once more try using the lift and you'll be rebuked. Return to the previous screen, go down the stairs, and talk to the sleeping guard. You'll end up stealing his uniform, which reminds me... If you haven't played Final Fantasy VI, DO! At the upper level you'll take off your disguise.

Do not procede into the arched hallway, instead go to the left and up the many sets of stairs. At the very top you'll find Dagger and some birds. The birds leave. You'll end up in a sequence where you must find various points of interest using the large telescope. They are the Ceebell River, Chocobo's (???

) Forest, the Aerbs Mountains, South Gate, Qu's Marsh(land), and a second ridge of the Aerbs Mountains. In further conversation Zidane tries to put the moves on Dagger, but soon you'll see how Zidane get's hustled by Dagger, he he.

Steiner, Vivi, and Freya are seen in some scenes in the city (try saying that three times fast!) Cid is trying to fix problems with the Hilda Garde 2's engine, but he just can't do it as an oglop. This is another example of how infidelity makes you a dumbass.

Dagger accepts an offer from Zidane that states they will go on a date if he wins the Festival of the Hunt.

And we just run away from the animals?

At the castle guestroom you are told the general rules of the Festival. Zidane, Freya, and Vivi will be participating. If they win the party will receive a large sum of Gil, a Dragon Armlet, or a Tent Card, respectively. Okay, what determines the winner?

Basically it comes down to this: if you really, really suck Vivi will win. What determines the winner between Zidane and Freya is who makes the last blow on the Zaghnol, who is in the Business District. You need to have at least two minutes left on the clock to face the Zaghnol.

Go to the castle's air cab station and get on to make your way to the Theater District. Beat the Mu running around the old man and run down the stairs to the Clock Tower. Run to the end of the lane then turn and run back to fight a Trick Sparrow. Return to the air cab and go to the Industrial District.

Run up the stairs, then into the Fang chasing a cat around the Cid VIII statue. Run up the stairs in the background and a Mu will come right at you. Continue up the stairs to where a Mu is knocking at Ludruff's door. Return to the cab and fly to the Business District.

Exit the station and run to where a Mu is lifted away by a Trick Sparrow. Continue north and a Trick Sparrow will try and pick up you. Go north past the median you are near and a Mu will pop out of a building on the right. Kill it and continue to the square. A fang is in the alcove on the right.

Go to the alley of the church and kill the fang menacing a woman on the left. A Trick Sparrow is waiting for you at the church's doorstep. Return to the square and Vivi will run across the screen away from a Fang you can kill. Go to the right to the shop centre. Face the Zaghnol and Freya will join you.

Mythril Gloves and a Needle Fork can be stolen from this Zaghnol, but it's tough. Have Freya Jump or Attack, and have Zidane Steal all he can before killing Zaghnol. Using Freya to finish Zaghnol will earn you a Dragon Armlet which has some Abilities she can learn. Use Zidane and you'll get 2000 Gil and a date. It's your call.

Lab animals have rights, too!

Back in the castle you are informed of an attack on Burmecia by an army of Black Mages. While you wait for the Dragon's Gate to be opened everybody chows down, but it turns out Dagger put the sleeping weed she got from Zidane to taint everybody's food except Steiner's and her own.

They escape and you prepare to leave. You now have the options of going back into town if you still need to shop or take the lift down to the Base Level. Update everybody's equipment, then take the lift to the Base Level when you're ready. Use the eastern car to go to the Serpent's Gate where you can find a Wyerd Card behind a lamppost.

Use the car again to get to the Dragon's Gate. A Tent can be found behind the platform you arrived at. Speak with the Merchant in the blue cap if you need to do some last-minute item shopping, then Mognet and save with Moonte in the foreground before exiting.

If Strago, Kefka, and that ghost from the Ghost Train had a kid...

To EXPLORE, the time is now!!! Also, this is the time to learn some abilities and level up (especially Vivi.) You can get some double growth on a couple of Freya's new abilities so be sure to pay attention to what weapons and armor you have equipped. Have Freya equip Level Up as soon as she starts learning it.

As usual the forests around here yield more battles with large EXP, but it still is usually below 100 EXP/battle. Equip the Antibody ability to protect yourself from Serpions' stingers. Most enemies are weak against Vivi's Blizzard magic.

That weird, gourd-shaped thing is one of the four Qu's Marshes located around the globe, all nearly identical swamps. Enter and go into the opening past Mogster and his little brother and run straight north through the tall grass. Just be thankful there are no velociraptors living in Qu's Marsh.

You'll find a large, frog-filled pond with the head chef from Alexandria Castle running around for no apparent reason exclaiming how hungry he/she is. Okay, to end the debate whether Quina is, in fact, a male or female (at least in this guide,) I will use my keen power of observation and compromising abilities.

Quina's name ends in the suffix -a, which in the Spanish language denotes something of feminine value. Using this knowledge, I will refer to Quina as a female, which evens out the main cast to four men and four women. If you have any complaints about this, keep the anger or irritation bottled up inside of you until it goes away.

Catch a frog and give it to Quina. Do this and you will be treated to a brief scene with Quale, Quina's master. During this chose to have Quina come along with you.

Once back in control of the party, go back to the frog pond and catch 6 of the frogs there, EXCLUDING the Golden Frog, which serves to help regenerate the frog supply in the pond much quicker, because is can mate with both sexes of normal frogs.

And now a list of things Quina can eat and gain Blue Magic from in this general area:

Serpion: Mighty Guard - casts Safe, Shell on all party members (yay)

Hedgehog Pie: Pumpkin Head - damage = max HP-current HP

Vice: Vanish - causes Vanish status

Gigan Toad: Frog Drop - #of frogs caught times level

Axolotl: Aqua Breath - Water/Wind elemental attack on all enemies

Bomb (back on Lindblum Plateu): Mustard Bomb - inflicts Heat status

Carve Spider ( || ): Level 3 Defenseless - Lowers defense for enemies with levels at multiples of 3

Axe Beak ( || ): Limit Glove - causes maximum damage at 1 HP

A lot, huh? Mighty Guard is great, but if you use it now it will almost completely drain your MP, not very practical. Use Mustard Bomb for some instant-death goodness. Aqua Breath isn't as good as it was in previous FFs, rarely connecting.

Quina's Support Abilites include the for-now exclusive High Tide, which enables you to Trance more quickly, and Millionaire which increases the Gil you get every battle. For now return below the Mist and travel east to the big, dome-shaped forest across the small bridge.

Kweh, kweh kweh, kweeeeeh? Kweh kweh wark... I mean kweh.

Upon entering Chocobo's Forest you'll see a Moogle and a Chocobo running towards you. They are Mene and Choco, respectively, and you'll see a whole lot more of them during your quest. During your conversation with Mene Choco runs off and Mene gives you some Gyshal Greens to help get him back. Go back outside to the chocobo footprints and use the Gyshal Greens to call Choco.

Mount him, then re-enter Chocobo's Forest. You can only enter here, and two other places I will get to in time, while riding Choco. Everywhere else you must dismount before entering.

Ask Mene about the big secret after re-entering, and he'll tell you about Choco's past, along with his treasure-finding abilities. Then it's on to your first game of Chocobo Hot-And-Cold. My best strategy for this mini-game is set up a pattern of where you run, then dig every few seconds to see if anything is along the route.

Playing Chocobo Hot-And-Cold is a great way to stock up on basic items. Eventually, you'll find a Stone With Patterns - your first Chocograph! Now you can use Choco's amazing tallents on the World Map to find even more weapons, armor, and items.

The Streamside Chocograph can be found across the bridge near the start of the beach which contains 2 Elixirs, 3 Hi-Potions, 4 Ethers, and 2 Germinas Boots.

Continue playing and you'll eventually come across the first of six Chocograph Pieces, which provide clues to a secret locale shrouded in mystery, which I already know everything about. Other Chocographs you'll be able to get at this time are Between Mountains, Uncultivated Land, Healing Shore, Abandoned Beach, Cold Field, Faraway Lagoon, Bird's Eye Lagoon, and Small Beach.

Between Mountains is right where it says it is, and it contains 5 Potions, 5 Hi-Potions, 2 Tents, and 2 Cotton Robes. All the others are inaccessible for now, so exit Chocobo's Forest, then follow the large roots to the entrance of Gizamaluke's Grotto.

That's All For Now! See You Again Soon!

Leuthy.

PART 4

Hey, Everybody! I'm back with more pointers, predictions and... something else exciting and informative that starts with "p"!

Supercalufragilisticexgizamaluke's Grotto

Upon entering the Grotto you'll find that it has been attacked by the Black Mages. Freya attempts to rouse her defeated comrades to no avail, then rushes of in fear for the life of Burmecia's king. First off, I just like the music in the Grotto, so if you like take a moment to enjoy it.

Gizamaluke's Grotto and Burmecia are both areas with a "bell" theme; in that you will need to collect mystical bells to be able to open their passages. I'll be sure to tell you where to find and use the bells.

Enemies in this area include Skeletons, Hornets who use Buzz to Berserk your party members and can be eaten to get Vanish Blue Magic, and Lamias. Lamias are extremely annoying, but they do offer the Blue Magic Level 3 Defenseless.

Start off your venture by taking the right fork in the hall to find a wounded Burmecian soldier. He will lament over his failure and give you your first Gizamaluke Bell. To proceed examine the large door back in the hall and use the bell. The bell will shatter, but you can proceed further.

After entering you will see some Black Mages running rampant, blasting a Burmecian soldier with Fire. Zorn and Thorn drop in, and you are engaged in a battle with some Black Mages. Don't bother trying to Eat them, they don't yield any Blue Magic.

Zorn and Thorn run like the cowards they are after the pair of Mages is defeated, leaving you to continue your exploration. Engage yourself with the Black Mage walking around this room and he'll somehow turn into two Black Mages when you battle him. Don't ask me... Anyways after your battle you will receive another Gizamaluke Bell.

Use it on the door to the left of the large center door. Follow the small corridor out onto the bridge where a Bronze Vest, which teaches the Jelly support ability, can be found behind the two slender rock formations connecting the bridge and ceiling. Run to the wounded Burmecian and he'll give you another Bell. Use this one on the far right door.

A pair of Mythril Gloves can be found on the stairs above and to the right of the large bell in the center of the room, and a Magus Hat which teaches Vivi Slow underneath the arch. Run to the bell and a scene will ensue where the Kupo Nut Vivi got back in Lindblum is put to use.

Mogmi is concerned over her husband Moguta who has been trapped underneath that huge bell. After Mogmi is done sniffing Vivi let her have the Kupo Nut. Due to his Kupo Nut addiction, Moguta uses super-moggle strength to break himself free from the bell. This makes me wonder about the Scooby Snacks...

After they are done cavorting you can find a Gizamaluke Bell where the huge bell once stood. Use this on the right door, and here you will once again find that "crazy couple." Mognet with Mogmi to read a letter about your exploits in the Festival of the Hunt.

When you try to exit back the way you came Moguta will give you the Holy Bell, which will open the left door in the large bell room.

On a note, you can climb up the vines in the back of the room with Moguta and Mogmi. This will take you to a plateau above the Mist with some very powerful enemies, in particular the Garudas and Grand Dragons.

Garudas are very tough and use extremely powerful magic but if you can Eat them they yield the awesome White Wind Blue Magic, a healing spell for Quina that heals all party members. It is a great asset to learn this now, because your next opportunity is a bit far away. Try using Quina's Mustard Bomb to avoid a protracted battle.

A rainbow colored Garuda, one of the Land Spirits, can be found here asking for a Lapis Lazuli, which you don't have yet. You will not be able to kill a Grand Dragon, but Quina can provide an easy solution to them later on... Your main aim up here is to learn White Wind; once you do quickly go back to the Grotto.

Once you are done leveling-up and learning abilities use the Holy Bell to open up the door on the left (the pretty one.) Inside here you will face Master Gizamaluke himself, after he has gone under the control of the Black Mages. Naturally, they want him to KILL! Gizamaluke is a giant water serpent, so Thunder works best on him.

Be careful, though because he can Silence your party members, so be sure to have some Echo Screens on hand. An Elixir, Ice Staff, and a Magus Hat can be stolen from Gizamaluke. Getting the Ice Staff will help you a lot in Burmecia.

Other than counteracting the silent treatment he gives you Gizamaluke shouldn't be to hard to defeat, after which you receive a Tent and 5 AP.

Public Transit

The actions switches over to Steiner at the Grand Citadel of South Gate. He is carrying a very large sack of Gyshal Pickles. After you get inside, you must find a way to clear an alley of any bystanders, so start talking. Speaking to the man on the far left will give you an option of KILL/Not kill.

This is a public place, so no blood stains are allowed. Speak with the Earnest Young Man and tell him that you're here to work. Steiner tells him of the gate-repairer's laziness and the young man runs off. Speak with Part-Time Worker Mary and console her. She will run off to encourage Jobless Jeff whose shop named Altair recently ran out of business.

Walk to the alley and the Short Guard will appear. Go to him and he will give you a Gate Pass necessary to be able to cross the border. Return to the alleyway and Dagger will get out of the bag of gyshal pickles. Next you are given the choice to either stay where you are or run back to the other side of the alley. Dagger's changing behind the boxes...

Well, the decision is up to you. Either way nothing embarrassing happens. Oh, well.

On the next screen you can buy some items from the shop on the right, find out where you are by checking the board to your left, and grab a Potion from the chest on the left. Mognet with Grimo and he'll give you a letter for Nanza.

Be sure to equip Steiner and Dagger with armor and accessories that will offer them new abilities to learn and save. Speak with the Conductor and chose to board and depart in the cable car. After entering chose to a foreground seat on the right and Mary will enter, after which you will depart.

Dagger and Steiner speak, and then this sequence ends.

A Little Bit Forward and A Little Bit Back

As we return to the action with our other heroes another Burmecian soldier gives his last words to Freya, and then you exit to the World Map. Luckilly, the enemies out here aren't quite as tough as the ones on the plateau connected to Gizamaluke's Grotto.

Yetis can blind your party members so be sure to have Zidane and Freya equip the support ability Bright Eyes. Lizard Men can cast Protect on themselves, se be sure to have Vivi use Blizzard or Blizzara which you can learn from the Ice Staff you stole from Gizamaluke.

To the east of the exit is North Gate, where you can find a Hi-Potion and a Tent. Travel west and you'll spot a huge whirling sandstorm. You can't enter now, but you'll be back soon... The area close to the sandstorm is a desert, and in it you'll find Sand Scorpions, who give the most experience around.

Go even farther west and through the small passage between the two mountain ranges. You'll find a small strip of beach and some Chocobo tracks. In this area you'll encounter little blue enemies called Nymphs who can silence party members and can be eaten to learn the Blue Magic Night.

Night casts Sleep on everything on screen, so the only way to get any real use out of this is to equip the Insomniac support ability, which no one has yet.

After getting Night summon Choco with some Gyshal Greens and find the Healing Shore Chocograph (it's right around here), which will earn your first visit to Chocobo's Dream World and the first of many upgrades to Choco, the Reef ablility, which will allow him to delve into shallow water.

Now, if you want to, you can go back through Gizamaluke's Grotto and find the Bird's-eye Lagoon Chocograph, which can e found by using the eastmost beach in the area and following the small islands to the back of the large ending one. Bird's-eye Lagoon gives you 8 Potions, 4 Phoenix Downs, 3 Ethers, and 1 Magician Robe.

The Magician Robe can give Vivi the support ability Auto-Potion, and it can give Quina both that and MP+ 10%. After getting this Chocograph return through the Grotto to the World Map and train and learn your new abilities.

Tragedy

When you are ready enter Burmecia, which lies north of Gizamaluke's Grotto's exit. After an emotional scene, you enter the city, but first Freya notices something. A barrel of apples near the entrance has been BLATANTLY knocked over, spilling its delicious contents all over the hard, cold earth. OH, THE HUMANITY! Ahem...

the enemies, right. Basilisks can cast Gradual Petrify on you, but Zidane, Vivi, and Quina don't have to worry because they have the support ability Jelly. Basilisks are weak against Blizzard. No, wait; let me reword that: Basilisks are just weak.

Magic Vices can Steal just as well as their fighting counterparts, but these can be Eaten for the Blue Magic Magic Hammer, which bonks away the enemy's MP. Ironites, the large pink dragons, offer lots of experience and the very useful Blue Magic Angel's Snack, which casts Remedy on the entire party.

In the first screen, you can find the Cancer Stellazio Coin behind the small overturned wooden wheelbarrow. Proceed north through the arch and on the next screen Zorn and Thorn will send some more Black Mages to fight you. After you whup them Zorn and Thorn talk about "the general" and run off.

Enter the door on the left. A Soft and a Potion can be found on either side of the foreground here. You cannot proceed, because there is a gap in the path up the stairs. Go back outside and enter the far right door up the stairs. Behind the staircase here lies a Soft, but the other chest here is actually a Mimic!

Mimics use Call to summon Magic Vices to help in their assault against you. Take out the Mimic first, or both if you use Blizzara. Run to the left, past the large door and you'll enter into the room on the left where you were before. Try to cross the bridge and it will fall to the lower level. Backtrack to this room and you can proceed past the staircase.

The chest in the foreground is a Mimic.

Proceed to the right, through the cluttered room and hop across the balconies. Talk to the Burmecian soldier and he will use his dying words to tell you the location of the bell needed to open that large door you passed earlier. Return to it and use the Protection Bell to open the door. Enter and a scene will occur where you meet Sir Dan, a friend of Freya.

Proceed up the steps to another rainy courtyard. Go in the center door and you will meet Wei and Kal, newlyweds. Zidane saves Kal, and the couple escapes to Lindblum. Enter the left door up the stairs and go around to collect a Tent, a Phoenix Down, and a Mimic. Kill that last one.

Go through the double doors at the back of the room.

Enter the left door and Freya collects the Mythril Spear from the statue. The Dragon ability Reis's Wind can cast Regen on all party members. Go back and enter the right door, and collect the Lightning Staff from the chest this statue is holding.

The Lightning Staff teaches Poison and Thundaga to Vivi. Stiltzkin shows up selling a Soft, Hi-Potion, and Ether for 333 Gil. Give Atla her letter and she'll give you a Kupo Nut and a letter for Monev. At her Mogshop buy a 3-4 Magus Hats, a couple Barabuts, a Bronze Vest, and some Tents.

The area outside is great for leveling-up and learning abilities. Once you are done heal up and save, then proceed up the stairs to the smoldering Palace.

Upon arrival, prospects don't look good. Chose to talk to Freya, then let her be. Freya will hear someone inside the palace and use her superior jumping talents to gain entry.

Zidane follows, and we see none other than Queen Brahne and General Beatrix, who according to Freya have long plotted a forced seizure of Burmecia. The sight of Beatrix incites an emotional flashback where Sir Fratley begins his journey, leaving Freya behind.

Our Mystery Man (Kuja) appears and we learn that he is in fact the source of the Black Mage army. The King of Burmecia has fled to the "Sandy Treehouse" of Cleyra, which will be a tough nut to crack, even for the Black Mages.

Freya reveals the Cleyrans' ties to Burmecia, then a lone soldier confronts the sinister trio. The party jumps into action to protect the lone defender, and you are engaged in a battle with Beatrix. A Phoenix Down, a Mythril Sword, and a Chain Plate can be stolen from her.

Beatrix uses very powerful attacks, but if your levels are high even Shock won't be able to take down Vivi with one hit. After doing the damage needed, Beatrix uses her Stock Break attack to bring the whole party down to 1 HP, after which the battle automatically ends.

A CG sequence ensues, showing your party devastated by Beatrix's attack. Kuja then hops onto his Silver Dragon and leaves Burmecia for Cleyra. Thus ends Disc 1 and Part IV of my walkthrough. Ciao for now!

Leuthy.

PART 5

Welcome To Disc 2! Please watch your step while exiting the vehicle. Overhead contents may have shifted during your 'net surfing.

The Trains Were A Lot Bigger In VII...

Disc 2 opens back at Bohden gate, where the two Abbot and Costello-ish guards converse about war and pickles. Steiner reflects while Dagger sleeps in the cable car. The cable car reaches Summit Station and you disembark. Both are very glad to be home. You gain control of Dagger again and are free to roam about Summit Station.

Speak to the man in the center between the two sets of stairs if you wish to learn more about the Berkmea Cable Cars. Enter the rest area on the right and speak to the official behind the desk. Dagger will hear a familiar voice, but before exiting collect the Phoenix Down in the chest near the stairs.

Talk around and shop for an Air Racket, Mythril Rod, and any other supplies you may be in need of. Mognet with Nazna twice to receive a letter from her to Mochos. Here in the rest area you can talk to the chef about the famous South Gate Bundt Cake. Once finished in here exit back to the station.

Of all people, Marcus and Cinna are here. Cinna missed his ride back to Lindblum, but will make up for it by eating some more South Gate Bundt Cake. Enter back into the rest area and you'll find Steiner confronting the Tantalus boys.

Speak to either Marcus or Cinna and then reprimand Steiner for his rudeness. Be sure to equip your optimum, or something you feel fit, and save with Nazna. Exit and go to the northern platform where Cinna sees Marcus off.

Speak with Cinna and he gives you a vague explanation for Marcus's going to Treno. Enter the car and Dagger and Marcus will discuss their reasons for travelling. Speak with Marcus again and Dagger will offer her services, but before that an old friend comes calling...

Oh... now I get it; KILL!

Black Waltz Number 3 is back and he's... got a hernia? BW3 babbles mindlessly about his mission and you engage in a battle with him. A Steepled Hat, Lightning Staff, and something else can be stolen from BW3 by Marcus. BW3 uses level-1 magic against you, except for one new addition.

He now has the magic Freeze which makes a party member so brittle that any physical attack against them instantly kills them. Watch out for this and use Life when necessary. BW3 goes down easy, after which your party arrives at the Alexandria Station.

Go north from the station and take a look at the nifty commemorative plaque, after which you can go to Dali or Treno. If you do go back to Dali and talk around Dagger will often reminisce. The old lady on the farm is out of the way of that chest now, and it contains an Elixir.

Not much has changed in Observatory Mountain, so after a quick stop there head back to South Gate. Take the other fork, hop across the dilapidated bridge and go down the stairs to collect 1610 Gil from the chest. Speak to the guard and he'll let the gate down for you to proceed.

Getting Caught Up

As you can tell, your characters here are nowhere near the levels of your other party, so its time to train, and EXPLORE! You'll fight mostly basic enemies around here, except for in the forest. There reside the Mandragoras. These little critters use their special attack Chestnut which does the same thing as Minus Strike, and Shriek which silences you.

It's a good thing to concentrate on one Mandragora at a time. After she's gained a few levels have Dagger in the front row to attack with Steiner and Marcus at the same time at a single Mandragora; it should go down after everyone has attacked. Since you attacked no other Mandragoras, their Chestnut should do 0 damage to you.

Mandragoras give the most experience around here (200 for 2, 300 for 3.) Battle near Treno itself and you can encounter a little white Ghost with a halo asking for some Ore. Gladly give the Ore to this Land Spirit and you will receive 10 AP in return.

Following the long portion of forest in this area between the two mountain ranges, you will come across a cave opening in the eastern-most portion of the Bentini Heights. This is Quan's Dwelling, a small cave with many secrets to uncover. Follow the land bridge to the right and go down the stairs to collect the Ether in the chest.

Go back around the large pillar of rock and climb down the rope. Down here you will find another Ether in a chest, along with the Scorpio Stellazio Coin in the center of the foreground. If you drink the steaming waters here your HP and MP will be restored, making Tents somewhat unnecessary here.

Enter the space through the darkly colored rock archway and climb up the ladder to find an Ether at the top. Search the back wall and you will find some odd writing perhaps relating to Vivi's past. Exit to the right and examine the clock and the end of the platform. There's nothing else here, so exit Quan's Dwelling for now.

Remember you can always come back to restore your health at the steaming spring.

At Level 19 Dagger will finally have enough MP to be able to Summon one of her Eidolons: the Mistress of Ice, Shiva. However, using her will effectively drain almost all your MP, making it very impractical unless you’re in the habit of visiting Quan’s Dwelling often.

When everyone is at Level 20 or higher de-equip Marcus and enter Treno, the City of Nobles.

Soldier in the Big City

Upon entering Treno a funny scene occurs and your group naturally splits up. After this two ATEs are available: Treno Tradition and Ambition. The former involves Dagger getting tricked by the wallet inspector and the latter involves two kids discussing Marxist ideals.

Most of the time in Treno you’ll get an option of two ATEs with the former starring Dagger and the other featuring Marcus and the Tantalus gang. Throw thirteen coins into the fountain on the left to receive the Gemini Stellazio Coin.

Go to the right and you get another option of two ATEs, Confusion and Meeting Place. Back with Steiner, climb down the ladder and open the chest which contains a Yeti Card. Further to the right is a chest with 1 Gil in it, and in the back of the item shop by the red tarp is the Taurus Stellazio Coin.

Climb back up and continue north. Go north then west to force a moogle and a dog from the small pillar. Mognet with Mogrich and there’ll be a letter from Stiltzkin to read. Save and enter the weapons shop on the right.

Update your equipment and weapons. I recommend that you keep 6 of every vest/plate/hat/wrist and 2 of every armor so that for now you’ll have extras and will be able to equip every character. You can chose to fight the Griffin in the cage below you and if you win you will receive a Tonberry Card. I suggest you open up with a physical attack then watch of your HP to go down about half way.

Then start using Minus Strike to do extra damage and use Hi-Potions when necessary. Exit and go northwest to view an ATE involving Kuja at the Auction House, which is where you’re headed now. Enter and Dagger will join your party. Update her equipment and head back south past the weapons shop.

Continue west past the Card Stadium and then north to Queen Stella’s place.

Scorpio: 1000 Gil

Cancer: Phoenix Pinion

Gemini: 2000 Gil

Taurus: Blood Sword

Aires: 5000 Gil

The Blood Sword gives an equal amount of HP to Steiner for how much damage he does with his attack, and its Darkside is good for when you don’t want to use up MP attacking enemies with strong armor. Go back and enter the doors on the left. Travel down the hallway to find the Synthesis Shop.

While here be sure to get at as many as you can of the Yellow Scarf, Chachusa, Coral Ring, and Gold Choker. The Chachusa offers Dagger the extremely valuable Ability up, the Coral Ring teaches Insomniac, and the Gold Choker gives you Auto-Potion.

You may want to take some time now to learn your new abilities; when you exit the city Marcus automatically rejoins the party. Exit here and go up the leftmost stairs back outside. Continue left and open the chest near by the entrance to the large tower for a Mythril Dagger.

After learning your new abilities go to the Auction House and get ready for some bidding. After your extensive battling, you should have more than enough to buy all you need, upwards of 200,000 Gil. There are seven items available at the Auction House you should be intent on getting.

Four Key Items, Griffin’s Heart, Une’s Mirror, and Doga’s Artifact, which can be sold to people outside or inside the Synthesis Shop, cam be bought with relative ease; the Mini-Cid doll is also available for purchase. Four accessories are also available: Pearl Rouge, Madain’s Ring, Reflect Ring, and Fairy Earrings.

These all have very useful skills to learn, and you’ll have plenty of time to learn them soon. After shopping (but not quite dropping) save with Mogrich and enter the inn near the Item Shop. Go down the stairs and inspect the Wanted poster, then tell Marcus you’re ready.

Dr. What’s-his-name

Run down the short and winding path to the dock and speak with Baku before departing. On the way, Steiner and Dagger reflect on how Zidane has affected their lives. During your search for the Supersoft the group meets Dr. Tot, the scholar that tutored Dagger in her younger years.

He agrees to give you the Supersoft at his place, so follow his directions and get truckin’. Inside the tower follow the winding stairs up to Dr. Tot’s room where Marcus picks up the Supersoft. Speak with Tot again and a flashback will occur highlighting Dr. Tot’s research with Eidolons.

After this scene climb up the ladder and enter the well for your first visit to Gargan Roo.

This would so clear up the congestion on the Beltway.

There are many objectives to complete down here, but first you’ll want to learn the abilities you can from the rare accessories you bought at the Auction House. The best place for this is right here where the Crawlers will give you 2-3 AP. Phoenix Downs, Hi-Potions, and Antidotes can be stolen from Crawlers.

Be absolutely sure Dagger has learned or learns Ability Up from the Cachusha. The Pearl Rouge offers Level Up, Loudmouth, and Reflect-Null. The Fairy Earrings also teach Level Up along with Body Temp; which is also found on Madain’s Ring. The Reflect ring teaches Auto-Reflect, Distract, and of course Reflect.

If you need to tent up Mochos is here ready and waiting. Mognet with him to give him his letter from Nazna. After you have learned all your abilities take off any new accessories so as the other group will be able to learn them coming up.

Dagger will probably be able to Summon Ifrit, the Demon of Fire, and Odin, the Black Knight of Death.

Take the left route from the entrance and collect the Chain Plate from the chest. In these outside areas you will battle Dragonflies who use Buzz to Berserk your party members. Go left to find a Phoenix Down and a large lever.

Flip the lever and return to the entrance where you can take the right path to the now unblocked sequence activator and boarding platform. Go to the right first, where you pull a lever to summon a gargant, a huge insect-like creature with a small trolley hanging from him. Go back left and Tent/Save with Mochos.

Be sure to have some good abilities equipped, including Antibody. Return to the outside and flip the small switch on the left you passed earlier. Your party will hop aboard the gargant trolley only to be attacked by Ralvurahva. A Bone Wrist, among other items can be stolen from Ralvurahva.

It uses mainly String to slow your party down and Devil’s Kiss to poison them, but with Antidote only Marcus will be affected by this. After dealing a good amount of damage the little worm runs away, leaving you to finish your journey.

Shortly after arrival Marcus, Steiner, and Dagger are captured by Zorn and Thorn.

Very Huge Driftwood

As the story continues we are back with Freya’s group in Burmecia. As they recover from Beatrix’s attack they resolve to travel to Cleyra. Your party automatically ends up back on the World Map, and Cleyra is just a stone’s throw to the west.

Set up your new equipment on everybody, keeping in mind that there are some opportunities for double growth on abilities. The Coral Ring will give Freya the Lancer Dragon Skill that cuts down an enemy’s HP and MP. The newly bought Fire Staff will give Vivi Fira and Sleep.

Go west, young gamer, and enter the whirlwind surrounding Cleyra’s Trunk.

A beautiful CG signifies the beginning of your journey up the huge tree. Go forward, then on the next screen flip the lever on the far right to open the door. A Phoenix Down is contained in the chest on the right of this, the first of many sand-filled screens.

Speaking of sand, the Sand Golems in this area can only be defeated by attacking the red Core in their chest. Go north and then grab the Magician Shoes in a chest in the foreground of the next screen. An Ice Staff is in a chest hidden behind the leaves of the tree in the center of the room.

Go to the right, and outside you’re likely to encounter Zuus, large birds with an appetite for your party members. They teach the White Wind Blue Magic if eaten. Go north and re-enter the tree where an Ether can be found.

Stick your hand into the hole at the bottom of this screen that will trigger a chain reaction that allows you to proceed by opening the large center door on the outside. The room inside has been completely flooded with sand, but you can proceed through the newly available tunnel on the right.

Go up the ramp and to the right to find Monev, who is awaiting a letter from Atla, which you have. Dragonflies you battle here can be eaten for the Blue Magic Matra Magic.

Continue north and on this next screen you will encounter little enemies called Carrion Worms. They are VERY weak, have little HP, and can inflict Trouble on your characters, but if you eat them you will gain the almost invaluable Blue Magic Auto-Life. Start off by having Vivi attack one of the Worms, and kill off the other.

The Carrion Worm remaining will probably use Drain a couple of times, then use Vivi to attack again. The Worm’s HP should be at critical, and so you will gain Auto-Life, which acts like Life 3 from FFVI in that when cast on a character he/she will be automatically raised when his/her HP reaches zero.

After taking some tome to have everyone learn Insomniac from the Coral Ring, you can also use Quina’s Night to cast sleep on all your enemies. Just be sure to have everyone equipped with Insomniac before using it, though. Follow the path up to a chest to find a Flame Staff within.

If you feel like proceeding, follow the sign’s directions to go to the right.

After crossing a short bridge you will enter into a seemingly confusing room with many tunnels. Search behind the large trunk growing in the center of your path to find a pair of Desert Boots. Follow the sandy path to the right and you’ll find a chest containing a Remedy.

Continue and the path will lead back to the center where you can proceed forward. A set of Mythril Gloves greets you right away on this new screen. Follow the path to the north and you’ll find a large wheel. Leave this for now and return to the main room.

Search the arched doorway to your left for a Mythril Vest which has the Auto-Potion ability. Take the far left path and grab the Potion by the flowing sand. Return to the wheel and pull the lever on it, which will cause a small wooden gate to halt the flow of sand by the chest near it.

Go there and an Elixir awaits you in the chest. Remember Monev if you need to Tent and Save while learning your abilities here. One odd thing about this area is that when you fight Sand Golems the camera will be at a very strange angle and sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re attacking the Core or the Body.

To continue take the left fork from the path where you stopped the flowing sand.

This room is full of whirlpools. If you fall in you’ll need to quickly tap the X Button to break free. Slowly edge along the rims of the whirlpools to grab a Hi-Potion and 900 Gil in the two chests to the north. You need to intentionally fall into the leftmost whirlpool to proceed through the hallway on the left.

Continue around the corridor to find a ladder and a chest hidden to the left of it with some Gyshal Greens inside. Climb up the ladder and up the stairs to the right and you will finally reach your destination, the beautiful treetop city of Cleyra.

I hate to leave you hanging, but wait til’ next time for the continuation of the guide.