The Original Breath of Fire! [Warning! MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!]

The first Breath of Fire game opens with Ryu being awakened by a Dragon. He is a member of the Light Dragon tribe, and the village is engulfed in flames. Ryu must escape immediately or perish - although you can still take the time to take a V.Ptn from the nearby chest of drawers.
Ryu is rudely awoken.
Ryu is rudely awoken.

On reaching the doorway, where much of the village is gathered, Ryu is informed that the onus of defence is on his sister, Sara - shortly before the scene is interrupted by the arrival of the Dark Dragons. Zog the Dark Dragon King, has vowed to conquer the world.

Sara warns the villagers that they stand no chance. Although they vow to help her, seeing that they are determined to fight, she says she must stand alone. She then turns the majority of the villagers to stone, in order to protect them from harm. Before leaving, she whispers in her brother's petrified ear;

"Be strong. When you're a warrior, you'll bring peace to the world."

Heading outside, Sara is immediately captured by Dark Dragon guards, and taken to their commander, Jade, Zog's assistant. When she asks why he has attacked their peaceful village, he informs her that he was merely following orders - to destroy all Light Dragons. Sara becomes enraged and attacks him. The guards run away, and they are left to a one-on-one confrontation.

During the battle, Jade informs Sara that the Dark Dragons are in possession of artefacts known as the 'Goddess Keys'. Although these are not yet explained, Sara is shocked at the news. She asks what he will do with Tyr, the goddess. He doesn't answer. The following text is displayed;
When the Dragon Family was at the peak of its power, a Goddess of Desire appeared.

The goddess Tyr granted wishes. The Dragons fought with each other for her power.

Tyr encouraged the fighting and watched the war between the Dragons escalate.

When the world was at the brink of destruction, a warrior stepped forwards.

The warrior battled Tyr with his 7 Companions and locked her up using his 6 keys.

These "Goddess Keys" were scattered throughout the world and hidden away.
The Light Dragons balanced the power of the family and peace reigned again.


After Sara's defeat, the villagers awaken to a destroyed village. They debate between the protection of the Light Dragons, and their own safety, with some of them believing that the foretold Warrior of the Dragon is merely a myth.

The destruction of the village forces their hand, and most villagers escape. With only the clothes on his back (and 300g), Ryu is sent out into the hostile world. It's generally a good idea to level up a little before going any further. Try to reach level 4 before entering Camlon. Do not buy any new weapons or armour - you'll be able to pick some up in the first dungeon.
Camlon

On reaching the nearby town of Camlon - where most of the Light Dragon family have fled - Ryu finds it in ruins (although still not as bad as Drogen). The castle has been invaded by monsters, and Ryu is the only one capable (and willing) to go in and defeat them.

Shortly after the entrance, you will find a spring of healing water. There are also walls you cannot break.

Shortly after the spring, Ryu will come across two chests containing 70g each - right next to another spring. Since the monsters here give fairly good experience, you may wish to level grind for a few minutes, until reaching level 5.

On the second level of the basement, Ryu will soon find two chests behind a locked door. They contain a herb and a Bronze Sword. Another two chests are nearby, containing a Herb and a Gauntlet.

A set of stairs in the corner will take you back up to another part of the first basement floor. However, this section is very short, as Ryu soon finds another set of stairs leading back down to Basement Two. Fairly quickly, Ryu finds another Herb and a Suede Cape, and a visor and another herb fairly close by. Soon, Ryu comes across another set of stairs, leading back up to the first floor.

The first chest on this floor is a trap - one that heals all HP and AP. Ryu also finds an antidote (known as 'Antdt' within the game). Over to the left is another chest containing an antidote, although the trap on this one results in the loss of AP. Perhaps it would be best to open those in another order.

On heading up the stairs, Ryu will find himself attacked by an outsize frog. This is the first enemy you will meet with a second wind, although you'll soon find that this feature is common to most bosses. After the frog's defeat, Ryu will be able to access the final two chests - a herb and 150g.

Upon exiting the castle, the King hails Ryu with the complement 'not a false hero'. He also claims to recognise Ryu's scar. As an earthquake hits, the King abandons this line of conversation with the more urgent message that the Dark Dragons must have the 'Quake Control'. Ryu is asked to head to Nanai and turn it off. As the world map is essentially very linear, it is unlikely that you'll get lost on the way. You'll need to go through the desert.

You may also notice a few odd marks on the world map. Their use will become apparent later.

Nanai

Nanai is heavily guarded, so Ryu will need to enter at night. Once past the first guard, you'll find a Dragon Temple (complete with statue) and a S.Ptn in a chest of drawers in the Inn. You'll also find two chests containing 150g each in a house to the north of the Inn. In a house in the Northeast corner of town, are two chests, each containing a herb.

It will take a little trial and error to get past the guards, but there's no penalty for taking as many goes as you like. However, soon, you should head to the castle in the centre of the town. Head downstairs (you can explore a bit first, but there's nothing else there).

Head right from where you start first, to find a Antdt. Then head back. Head down, left and up, to find a chest with 650g. Then head back down and over to the right to get a B.Stn. Follow the only remaining path to reach the stairs.

After going down a few more floors, you'll find another confusing one. Go right for 70g and an armpad. Then head back to the entrance and go down and left for a F.Stn, then over to the right for a Cure. Take the only available path to the next set of stairs.

The next floor is the one that contains the quake machine - and the second boss. After defeating the Knight, take the key from the machine.

A sinister voice says "...run while you can for I am returning..."

Step on the blue hole nearby to transport yourself out of the dungeon. You will then be taken back to Camlon, where Ryu is informed that his actions destroyed Nanai - and that it was the right choice to make. You are advised to head to Winlan in the East. From there, you should be able to reach another Kingdom.


Winlan
Again, it is a fairly linear path to Winlan. Head Northeast from where Nanai was. Once there, you will find that no one can use the tunnel to the next land without the King's permission.
Ryu, Nina, Bo and Ox outside of Winlan.
Ryu, Nina, Bo and Ox outside of Winlan.

On entering the castle, Ryu finds a rather tense situation. The King has refused to betray the other kingdoms to the Dark Dragons.

Ryu asks to speak to the King, and overhears a conversation between the maid and the Princess Nina. It seems that the King has been poisoned.

Nina asks that this be kept secret until they have located the remedy. Ryu is shown to one of the guest rooms while Nina heads out in search of the cure for her father. You now take control of the Princess Nina.

On the lower floor, you can find two chests containing herbs, and another four to the west containing a SuedeSH, SuedeHT, a herb, and an antidote. Head down another floor. There are more chests here - two in the southwest corner, containing an antidote and a herb. Then head back up to the ground floor and leave the castle. Leave the city, and head west to the cave. There, the two guards will temporarily join the party.
Aura Cave

Inside the cave, head forwards and down the stairs. On the third floor down, take the ramp to the left in order to reach the treasure chests. The second contains a SuedeGN, and the third has 150g. The fourth contains I.Ore, and the fifth chest contains 70g. Once you've opened all of these chests, head back to where you were and head north. You'll soon pass another chest containing a herb, and after the bridges, yet another. Before heading up the stairs, go down the ramp to the left for a B.Stn.

On the next floor, again, head left before going up the stairs for a C.Stn.

Outside of the cave, head east to Romero.


Romero

After talking to a few villagers of Romero, it becomes apparent that some of them are zombies. Try not to panic. They claim that this is due to the effect of the Remedy.

Talking to a few more of the villagers will reveal that girls have begun disappearing, ever since the Wizard of Karma began using his potion. It may be worth buying Nina a Gown and a BronzRP. Despite its price, the SilkGN is not better. Do not upgrade the soldier's equipment - they'll be leaving soon.

Head to the house above the Inn (the one on the right), and fall down the hole in the floor. Push the jars out of the way (one can be pushed into the wall to the left), then head up and push the barrel. Search where it was to find the Map. Once you have that, exit the town to the west. Keep going straight west, and you'll find yourself in Ramui Woods.


Ramui Woods

While Nina can heal the party, her AP may be depleted fairly quickly due to the high encounter rate. It will be effective to use the E.Key Ryu picked up in Nanai to take care of large enemy groups. The E.Key will unleash an earthquake attack against the enemies and can be used infinitely. Early on in the next area, you'll come to a healing spring, so don't worry too much about your party being weakened.

Head left until you come to a crossroads, then head north. Over to the left of this area, you'll find a treasure chest containing a herb. Head back to the crossroads.

From this point on, it becomes a little complicated. In order to find the other three items in this forest (another herb, 150gp, and a bandage) you may find it best to consult a walkthrough. This one has an ASCII map which may help. The bandage is a new shield for Nina.

Once through the forest, you'll find yourself just outside of Karma Tower. Enter it.


Karma Tower

Head down the stairway just to the north first, to find two treasure chests containing herbs. Back on the ground floor, head to the right, and then up. Ignore the ghost for now, and take the path next to it. Go south for a chest containing an M.Drop. Then go north and head left along the northern edge of the tower.

Go south when you can, and when the path splits, keep to the eastern side. You'll come to a set of stairs going up, which lead to a room containing a treasure chest with an M.Drop. Once you have it, head back down, and go to the ghost that you saw before.

After defeating Morte, head up the stairs that he was guarding.

Once on the next floor, head east then south until you come to a set of stairs going down. Back on the ground floor, you'll find a treasure chest containing a Charm. Head back to the first floor, and go to the passageway just north of those stairs. There'll be another set of stairs leading up, which go to a single room containing a treasure chest on the second floor. This chest contains a Cure.

Go back down to the first floor, and head back up the path to the east. This time, go along the passageway at the northernmost edge of the floor. Go down the south west passageway when you can, and you'll come to another set of stairs going up. Head to the second floor.

Go north, then take the western passageway going south. At the end of it, you'll find a treasure chest containing another Charm. Head back up to where you were, and this time, go east along the northern edge of the floor. Go south when you can; at the end of this passage will be a set of stairs going down. Go back down to the first floor.

Go north. You'll find two holes in the floor and a set of stairs going up. Go up the stairs, and you'll find a chest containing another Charm and four holes. Falling down the lower two will take you back to the previous room. Falling down the left of the upper two holes will result in you falling through two floors in succession, while the one on the right results in falling only two floors. Either way, the latter is what you want to do.

Falling down two floors will take you to another room, with a set of stairs going up, and yet another hole (falling down here (or through the left hole) will you take you back to the basement room containing two treasure chests, and a set of stairs leading up, which are just north of the entrance to the tower). Go up the stairs, to find a room containing another set of stairs going up. If you go up, you'll find another set of stairs going down, and another ghost guarding a passageway. Take the stairs first. You'll find another set of stairs going down, then a treasure chest containing a Life2. Finally head back to the other ghost and defeat Mortea.

Once defeated, head up the stairs she was guarding. You'll find yourself in a large, round room with a bridge over to the left that appears when Nina steps on the switch.

In this next room, you will find three girls who say they were kidnapped by the wizard, for use as guinea pigs. Flip the switch, as they ask, by opening the door and having Nina step on it. Head up the nearby stairs for another healing spring and a statue of the Dragon god. There's nothing on the topmost floor at present, so head back downstairs. Go down the now unblocked stairway near the three girls. Note that if you left the room after flipping the switch, you'll need to do so again.

Pick up the Cure in the chest and head down the next set of stairs. Follow the linear path on the next floor to find the next set of stairs and reach the room where the remedy is kept.

There you will be interrupted by the Wizard of Karma. He will defeat the party (don't even try to struggle). Fortunately, one soldier will escape, taking word to Winlan of the princesses capture before he passes away from the force of the Xeon gas. Realising that it is only Winlan people who are affected by the gas, the soldier's ask Ryu to help. Pick up some chainmail and save at the Dragon Temple before leaving Winlan.

Outside, Ryu joins a part of Winlan soldiers. One of them carries him to Karma Tower on his back (since Ryu can't fly).

Ryu will find himself with the soldier on top of Karma tower. Head downstairs to the room with the remedy. The solider will leave the party just before the stairs.

Take the leftmost path first, to a treasure chest. It is trapped, and will recover all of Ryu's HP and AP. It contains a foil, which you may wish to equip since it hits all enemies in battle. Now head back to the centre path.

After defeating the Wizard, Ryu will gain the remedy. Nina will collapse, and Ryu will carry her up the stairs, where they will both be flown back to Winlan. On arrival, Nina will leave to take the remedy to the King.


Return to Winlan

Ryu heads upstairs to the King's room. There, he finds Nina giving her father the remedy. She fears that it isn't working, until the King announces that he feels better and jumps out of bed. Nina thanks Ryu for saving her father's life.

In return, Ryu asks for permission to use the tunnel. Nina announces that she wishes to go with him; Zog's power can no longer be ignored. After realising how serious she is, her father grants his permission, and Nina joins the party.

Assuming you do not wish to visit the weapon or item shops, head to the castle basement. After Nina tells the guards that they have permission, the party are allowed to enter the tunnel. Remember to come back here with Karn later to access the treasure chests behind the locked door.

Once on the other side, explore a little. Press 'start' to bring up the map you found - you're heading to the twinned towns on the river. Go to Tantar on the western bank first (the bridge across is to the north).

Tantar/Tuntar

Talking to the townsfolk reveals quite a dilemma. The Dark Dragons have used a large rock to block the river, resulting in a drought. In exchange for removing this rock, Zog wants the Ring that is Tantar's treasure. The rock is far too big for any of the townsfolk to move, and the neighbouring village is suffering too, yet the Chief of Tantar refuses to give up the Ring. The Chief of Tuntar is all for giving in to the Dark Dragons.

Go to the Blacksmith's house (the one to the south east) and exchange the I.Ore from Aura Cave for a Saw.

Now head to Tuntar, on the eastern bank. You'll need to exit Tantar and cross the bridge to the north.

In Tuntar, the townsfolk will talk of a Stone Robot, in a place known as the Stone Cemetery to the north. The chief of Tuntar will announce that he doesn't wish to get involved, and that Tantar should just give up their treasure. Inside the chest of drawers in the Inn you can find a Cure.

Now, leave Tantar/Tuntar. To the Northwest, you'll come across a slope heading upwards. Follow the path, ignoring the second slope, until you come to the centre of a forest. Ryu will use the saw to clear it. The Saw will break at this point.


Lament Woods

Be careful here - some of the stronger enemies are faster than you. Use the Foil and the E.Key, and remember to keep your HP over 25 or so.

Head north along the path, then west. Go south until you can go north again, and open the treasure chest. It contains a herb. Backtrack a little, and take the western path north. Keep heading north until you come to a chest containing a T.Drop.

Go south, and take the first path you come to heading east. Keep going east, and you will see a chest slightly to the north. Head towards it. It contains a Wrist, which you may wish to equip on Nina. Either can equip it, but it will lower your speed. While Ryu can sometimes get the first blow in, Nina will rarely do so, so it's easier if she takes the speed drop. Furthermore, she has lower defence, and could do with the bonus.

Head south from here, as far as you can, then west. You should come across two treasure chest soon, one containing a T.Drop, and the other a Life.

Now, head for the North-easternmost part of the woods and enter the building.


Dark Dragon Fort

Talk to the guards, and they will attack you. After defeating them, head through the doorway to the north. A trapdoor will open, dropping you into a room containing four chests. These contain two Life, a LongSD, and a T.Drop.

Think carefully before equipping Ryu with the Long Sword. Although it has stronger attack power, it will only hit one enemy. Head up the stairs, and follow the linear path around. When the path splits, head north. If you go south, you will fall through the floor again, ending up in the same room as before.

Heading north, you will soon come across another set of guards. This battle is identical to the previous one.

Before heading down the stairs, go south. You'll come to a room containing four chests - a herb, a T.Drop, a Life2 and an Acorn.

Now, head down the stairs, then down the new set of stairs right next to you. You'll come to another room containing four chests - two herbs, a T.Drop, and a WolfHT. The south-eastern chest, which contains the WolfHT, will trigger a fire, damaging your lead character by 50hp. Head back upstairs.

You should be able to see a chest to the north-east. Don't head directly towards it - instead, walk around to the east, and then north. There is another pit trap which you will run into if you head directly north. Once you've opened the chest (which contains another herb), go as far west as possible, then south for a chest containing another herb. Head north now, and face the three guards. They assume you're here to rescue the Chief of Tuntar.

After defeating them, the chief will thank you for saving him, and suggesting looting the place before leaving. Although that was probably what you were thinking anyway, this chief seems a little odd...

You have no choice but to say yes.

After doing so, the chief will lead Ryu and Nina down the corridor, before asking them to step into a room while he opens the secret passage. Being innocent, trusting and naive, they do so, and the gate closes behind.

The chief will celebrate Ryu and Nina's gullibility, saying that they will make a nice snack for Pog. Pog is the two-headed dragon-like monster that Ryu and Nina are now forced to fight.

After the battle, the fake-chief will be furious, and scream that "you're not getting away with this warrior!"

Fortunately, at this point, Bo interrupts with a few well-placed arrows. He tells Ryu and Nina that he snuck into the Fort from the back, and rescued the real chief while Ryu and Nina kept the guards occupied.

The chief will reveal himself to be the general, and engage all three party members in battle.

After the battle, the chief will stalk off, yelling sulkily that the party may have won the battle, but they haven't won the war. The river is still dry.

The real chief tells the party that the Dark Dragons were searching for the Ring,and tells your party of their new mission - to find a way to move the rock that's blocking the river.

Bo now officially joins the party, on the grounds that Zog is his enemy too. Leave the fort and the woods now - there is nothing left here.

Return to Tuntar

The party return to Tuntar to speak with the newly rescued Chief. He tells them that the Stone Robot can move the rock - and that they should look for the Robot's secret in Agua.

Agua is near Romero. Head back there, past Winlan and through Aura Cave. Put Bo at the head of the party so you can walk through the forests (use the L button to switch).


Return to Romero

Once in Romero, upgrade your equipment, and head to the north-easternmost house. The man there tells you that if you rid them of the zombies, he'll tell you about Agua. Head out to the world map, and walk around until it's dark. Once night falls, head back to the old man's house, and talk to the people upstairs. One will mention Cleansing Water, that might save the soil. Head back to the front of the town, and talk to the old lady.

At first, she refuses to tell you anything about the Cleansing Water - then her zombie husband persuades her otherwise. She relents, and he opens his tomb, which contains a water jar for you to bring the Cleansing Water back in.

Jump into the grave (no, really), and take the Water Jar and the Herb from the chests. Leave Romero, and head to Karma Tower.

The forests here are a good place to hunt - while Bo can walk through the woods, the animals can't.

From Karma Tower, head south. You should see a cave nearby. Walk around the western edge and enter from the South.


Ease Cave

From the entrance go north and take the first right turn, to find a treasure chest containing a Herb. Head back to where you were, and take the left turn. When the path splits, go right for a chest containing another herb. Then take the left split. As the path turns, you'll come across a chest containing a NiceHT, which should be equipped on Nina. Follow the path around, and take the next right turn. Follow the path, past the stairs, until you come to a chest containing an F.Stn. Then go back to the stairs, and go down.

Take the south-eastern path first, for another chest containing a herb. Then backtrack to the stairs, and go north. Take the first right path for a T.Drop, then backtrack and keep heading north. Follow the path around till you reach the stairs, then go down to the next floor.

Take the north-west path to a set of stairs heading up, and pick up the last two chests from the previous floor - a BronzHT and an Apple. Then back track and take the south-western path.

Head downstairs, and walk into the water (you won't get very far). Press A and the Water Jar will fill with Cleansing Water. The party hurries back to Romero, where they sprinkle the water over the soil. The Cleansing Water purifies the soil and the zombies disappear. The party heads to the old man's house.

The old man thanks the Warrior (again, ignoring the other two party members) and gives them the Tablet they need to enter Agua. The other four treasure chests contain a herb, a cure, and antidote and 900gp.

As they leave Romero, the party hears a number of rumours - firstly, the key in Agua is guarded by a boss...and secondly, that the tower has something to do with the Goddess.

Agua

Head to the floating tower, just Northwest of Romero. Your lead character will read the inscription on the tablet, and the tower will float near enough to be entered.

Walk up the stairs, and head to the floating tablet to the south. Float across the gap, and go left for treasure chests containing a herb, a Life2, an apple and an acorn. You cannot reach the other treasure chests on this floor at present - later, you will need to return here with Ox, to break down walls, and Karn, to open locked doors. Follow the path around and go up the stairs.

Take the floating platform south, then take the north-western one for a SunHT. Take the only platform east, and you'll be back on the first platform.

Go south again, and take the south-eastern platform. You'll find a chest containing an IronSH here. Take the only platform back to the entrance.

Go south again, and this time take the south-western platform to reach a chest containing a ThiefCL. Take the Northern floating platform, and you'll reach the stairs to the next floor.

On the next floor, head left and down for a chest containing an Acorn. Then take the platform east.

Take the south-western platform for a chest containing a Hairband. Go north to reach the chest containing a Herb, then take the platform going east to be back in the middle again. Take the south-eastern platform this time. You'll find a chest containing a Bracelet. Take the northern floating platform, which will take you to the stairs. Go up.

Walk to the right. You'll find that you can walk right into one wall, just before the path goes south. Press A here to find a Steel Bow. Go south and take the platform to the left. Heal before inspecting the purple orb, as when you do the Guardian of the Key will challenge you.

After defeating him, you will be told that you deserve the key. Examine the pillar, as Wisp advised to receive the KngKey. Have your party make their way out of the tower, and, if you wish, use Nina's warp spell to get back to Tantar.


Stone Robot
From Tantar, head Northwest until you see a slope. Walk up it, then head northeast. You're aiming to reach the northern edge of this area. You'll find a slope to the far north; walk up it, go east, then go down the next slope. Go east, and down into the pit where the Stone Robot is standing. Your party can enter from its left leg.
The Stone Robot.
The Stone Robot.

Inside the robot, go straight ahead, to the stairs in the northwest corner. Keep walking up the floors of the robots leg until you reach its pelvis. There you will find two chests (and you may not wish to consider which part of the robot's anatomy you are currently located in). The chests contain a BronzHT and a Herb. Head up the stairs on the right.

Here is the Robot's heart, guarded by Dark Dragons. Have Ryu equip the Foil again, to make this battle a little easier. The general will demand that you give him the key before attacking you.

After the battle, have Ryu head up and examine the panel in front of the heart, in order to use the KngKey on it.

After using the key, the transporters dotted around the area will begin to work. You cannot avoid stepping on the one in front of the heart, but it will simply bring you straight back to itself. Head back up to the stairs, and step on the teleporter to the left.

Ignore the teleporter straight in front of you, and follow the path around to the next one. In this second room, take the western teleporter, in order to reach the Acorn. Now teleport back, and you will find yourself in front of the heart again.

Get to where you were before, and this time take the eastern teleporter. Take the nearby teleporter for two chests containing a Life2, and a Marbl1.

Go back, and this time take the further teleporter. Follow the linear path, until you come to a strange room. This is the Stone Robot's mind. Examine it to control it.

Nina commands the robot to take them to the lake. The robot does so. Bo exclaims "When the robot destroys the rock we'll restore the river!"

Nina commands the robot to do so, and the Stone Robot uses a laser beam to destroy the rock. Bo says "Yes, Ryu! We did it!"

Nina responds "Now we can return to the village!"

Make your way out of the robot and head back to Tantar.

The Chief of Tantar gives the party a new mission - to find the Forest Clan's treasure, the Ring, which is hidden in a cave upstream - the one that the Stone Robot is now standing next to. The Chief will allow the party to access the two treasure chests under his chair; they contain a Herb and the Key. You may wish to buy some more Acorns before continuing - relying on Bo's magic will make the next boss battle much easier.

Lake Cave

Head north from Tantar to the cave next to the Stone Robot. Once inside go north and follow the linear path. Along the way, you'll pass a treasure chest containing a W.ptn.

Once you're back out on the world map, head to the other cave entrance nearby. Go down the stairs.

Continue through the cave until your party falls down the waterfall. From there, go south, until you come up on the island with a treasure chest containing a Life. Go to the island south-east of there, and make your way to the chest containing a Life2. Take the nearby stairs down.

The next few rooms are extremely linear. Once you come out into another large room, head north to find a chest containing 2000gp. Go down the nearby stairs into the water, and make your way to the island to the east, with a chest containing a Herb. Continue to the eastern edge.

Go south for a chest containing an acorn, then take the only remaining path and fall down this waterfall.

Head to the island just to your right, and pick up the SkySH in the chest. Finally, make your way east again, and pick up the Ring from the unusual treasure chest. This ring can be equipped as an accessory, and picking it up will start the teleporter working. Step on it to find yourself near the entrance to the cave. Once on the world map, warp back to Tantar.

Back in Tantar, your party will be greeted with the news that they are "ready for the ceremony". Save now.

Speak to the Chief of Tantar to become witnesses to a wedding ceremony. The chief will then tell you that you can reach the town in the South using the Stone Robot - as your party will have learned earlier, the Dark Dragons destroyed the bridge to the port town.

On exiting Tantar, you will find another Dark Dragon General has stolen the Stone Robot, and is planning to destroy the village. He destroys Tuntar as the party watches - fortunately, it has been abandoned for the wedding.

As the general prepares to destroy Tantar as well, the Robot freezes, and the party seize their chance. Running to the Robot, they make their way to its brain, where they face the general.

After the battle, the general will disappear, and the Stone Robot will start moving. They get out near the southern volcano, shortly before the Stone Robot walks into it, destroying himself. This causes the volcano to overflow, and the magma solidifies over the river, creating a bridge.

Nina says "There was a quiet voice. It said 'Goodbye...'"

Bo replies "And it asked us not to make the same mistake."

The party decides to cross the river and head south.
Dragon Shrine

There is a very small building hidden in the cluster of trees nearby. With Ryu in the lead, head inside.

When Ryu addresses the guard, he will say "You need proper training to break the seal" before allowing Ryu (but not the others) to pass. Take the chest from the right-hand side, and drink the healing water to the left. Then walk towards the Dragon God in the centre.

The Dragon God will say "You'll have completed this step, if you can survive this test," before attacking Ryu.

After the battle, Talon will congratulate Ryu on completing his training, and advise him to use his powers to restore peace to the world. Ryu will be completely healed, and can now transform into SnoDr, FlmDR or ThrDR in battle.

Leaving the shrine, to the south, you will notice a little round glade in the forest. Enter there to talk to the fairies. They won't say anything very interesting, although they will threaten to cast a spell on you should you cut down any trees. If you go west from here to a flower circle, you will find a man who cannot leave.

Head to Cape Cave, in the south-west.


Cape Cave

The cave is extremely straightforward and contains no items. Follow the linear path until it splits, then head south, as the western path is blocked. Once outside, head south to the portside town of Auria.

Auria

As soon as you step inside the town, you will find yourself imprisoned. Examine the sink in the corner for PrisnCL, then talk to the man sleeping in the bed. He'll open the door for you.

Head to the weapon shop next door first. Here, on the upper floor, you will hear two interesting rumours - that Zog can transform into a dragon, and that there was once a kingdom of skilled thieves that was destroyed by the Dark Dragons. Push the drawers away from the hole in the wall, and head through it. Push the urn forwards, and then examine it for a Life2. Now head downstairs and buy a vitamin for the man with hiccups - although it costs 650g, he will reward you with 5000g. A very fair trade. You may also wish to pick up a pouch, a rod, and maybe some bait (worms).

As you explore the town, avoid the guards, as they will promptly return you to jail. In one house, just above the stairs, to the left, you can find a Life, in the north-western corner, and an S.Ptn in the nearby drawer. In a drawer upstairs, you'll find a Cure, and another chest containing a W.Ant. In the house next door, you will find a chest containing a Life, and a V.Ptn in the nearby drawers. Upstairs, you'll find 2000gp in the drawers, and a chest containing a mrbl1.

Go the houses behind them now. In the one to the left, you can find a SmartRG in the drawers, and an Acorn in the chest. This is an accessory that you may wish to equip on Nina. Speaking to the woman in this house will reveal that she is the mother of the boy stuck in the fairy ring. She will ask you to save her son. Upstairs you can find a Life and an Antdt. To help the boy, head back to the Fairy Woods,talk to the fairies there, then head to the ring and talk to the fairy there. Head back to Auria and talk to the boys mother to receive your reward of 20,000gp. It may be quicker if you warp between Tantar and Auria, rather than walk back through Cape Cave. While doing this, you may also want to warp to Winlan, or somewhere else with Storage, and retrieve any coins you have saved.

Talking to a few of the townsfolk will reveal that darkness never falls on Auria due to the L.Key - and that you must go through the safe to reach it.

Once you have your 20,000gp, head to the house just to the east of here. In here, don't touch the chest on the ground floor - it's rigged to a burglar alarm, and you'll find yourself thrown in jail again. If that happens, simply ask the man in the bed to let you out again.

The drawers on the ground floor contain a L.Ptn, while upstairs you will find a Marbl3, and a Cure.

A man in the bathroom will ask Nina to fix his aching back. Should you agree, the screen goes mercifully black, and Nina leaves with another 20,000gp.

Head to the docks now, and talk to the man by the ship, who will inform you that it is owned by Ross. Head to the northernmost mansion to talk to Ross about borrowing it. You may also wish to upgrade your equipment on the way past the weapon's shop.

Head to the second floor, where you can find 2000gp in a room to the north-east. You can also find a Cure and a GTiara inside the two chests - enter the room from the room just to the south of it.

Head back downstairs and talk to Ross. He'll agree to lend you his ship if you can get his daughter out of the safe. Agree, although that isn't possible right now. Head to the item shop, and buy a G.Bar (remember, you can sell the GTiara for 10,000gp). Once you have it, leave town and head east to the nearby cave.

The men at the entrance will warn you to be careful of thieves in Bleak.
L & D Cave

Most of the dungeon is closed off by locked doors. Simply follow the linear path around.

Your best strategy in battles will probably be to have Nina use the E.Key while Ryu and Bo attack separate monsters. It's unlikely that the stronger monsters will attack in groups of greater than two.

At one point, your party will be walking south, against the eastern wall. When the path splits, take the left path, instead of the southern one, to reach two chests containing a Cure and a ShellHT. Go back and take the southern path.

Shortly after the path turns to the west, you'll see a set of stairs. Head up them.

This new floor is, again, completely linear. Near the end, you'll come to a north/south split. From here you can head South, to exit immediately, or go north, in order to press the button which will open the gate near the entrance. This will allow you to return to Auria, although the gate will have closed again when you next enter.

On leaving the cave, make sure your HP is healed. While most of the enemies in this new area are fairly run-of-the-mill, the G-Slimes are fairly powerful. While they offer 1000exp each, running into a large group of them may well wipe your party out. Unlike in most multi-enemy battles, have Ryu and Bo target the same enemy while Nina uses the E.Key. You should be able to kill one each turn this way, and hopefully reduce the number of attacks your party suffers. have Nina use the E.Key even when only one remains, as it is stronger than her normal attack.

Once you exit the L & D Cave, you will see a tower just to the east. The town of Bleak is south of the tower, on the opposite bank of the river. Head north, and then go around clockwise around the river, until you are south of the tower.
Bleak

Talking to the townsfolk will reveal a few rumours - that the sky's been dark since the L.Key was taken from the L.Keep, and that an old man there has the river. And that there's a connection between the Goddess and the DkKey.

Don't have your fortune told by the fortune teller behind the Dragon Temple - she's a con artist. However, do look in the house behind her for a Life2. Simply move the barrel in the south-western room, and press 'A' to examine the floor where it was standing.

In the north-western house behind the shops, you'll find two chests containing Herbs on the second floor. Downstairs is a magician, who will offer to show you a trick for 100g. This is also a scam, but if you answer "yes", twice, then "no" twice, and finally "yes", you'll see a cameo of Chun Li from Street Fighter. You'll find another two chests containing herbs in the house next door.

The Inn offers free lodging, but do not take them up on this unless you have the pouch in your inventory. The owner of the Inn will attempt to steal your money in the middle of the night. Should you have the pouch, the party receives 5000g in return for their silence.

Finally, head to the northernmost house.

People here will discuss the Book of Thieves, a mythical book which lists the tricks of thieves. It's rumoured to be in Krypt.

The old man in north-western corner will tell you that Karn could open the safe, and rescue Ross' daughter - but he's gone to Krypt, in search of the book. He offers to trade you an Icicle for your G.Bar, so that you can travel in the desert. Upstairs, you'll find chests containing a Life and a W.Ant. Now leave Bleak, and head west until you reach a cave.

Desert Cave

There are no items here. Follow the linear path to the exit. At the end, Ryu will use the Icicle, and your party will be able to exit the cave.

Outside, head south across the desert - the town of Arad is in the centre. Along the way, you'll pass a moving town. This will be relevant later.
Arad

Speaking to the townsfolk reveals that the Fife can create a bridge, allowing one to enter Krypt. This Fife is owned by the mayor.

Head to the northern house and speak to the mayor. Should you wish to heal and/or save first, the Inn is the western building just in front of the entrance. A dragon temple is in the northwestern corner of it. The Inn is free.

The Mayor says he will allow the party to use the Fife - if they defeat the Sandworm which appears every new moon. Fortunately, tonight is a new moon, so your party will not have long to wait after agreeing. Leave the building, and head to the north-eastern corner of the town to fight the Sandworm.

After the battle, you will find yourself back in the mayor's house. Take the Fife from the chest behind him.

Heal and safe if you wish (it's free, remember), then leave Arad and head south, to a town surrounded by whirlpools. This is Krypt. Stand on the cement tile to the south, and press 'A' to make the bridge appear.
Krypt

The E.Chest's in Krypt don't seem to be terribly bothered by physical attacks. Use the E.Key to take away the bulk of their HP, and have Ryu and Bo whittle away at what's left. They have around 50hp, and give over a thousand experience each.

For the first floor, simply follow the linear path around to the stairs.

On this next floor, you'll find yourself in the middle of a large room. There are quite a few chests in here, but they are all booby-trapped (this is where the legendary books of thieves is hidden, after all). There are also pit-traps which will drop you to a lower floor. Should you happen to fall, simply make your way to the north-eastern corner, where there are stairs leading back up. You'll come up just to the north of the stairs that you first entered this floor by.

From the first set of stairs, head slightly south. Do not walk directly inbetween the two platforms in front of you, as you will be unable to avoid a trap. Instead, walk around to the west of the platform with a chest on it in order to reach it. The chest contains a herb, but will trigger a fire trap, damaging your lead character by 50hp.

The next treasure chest is directly west of here, two platforms away. Simply walk down from that first chest, and go straight west. Do not walk along the northern edge, as doing so will mean falling through the other pit-trap. This chest contains a Life, but opening it will poison your lead character.

From here, move to the western wall, and head north against it. The third chest is in the top north-west corner. It contains a DreamRG, but opening it will cause a fire to damage your lead character by 50hp again. Although not stated, the dream ring will protect your character from the "Sleep" status.

From here, head east, and around the platform with the stairs. The fourth chest is on the northernmost platform directly east of it. This chest contains a herb, and will poison your lead character. Now, walk to the northern edge of the room, and go two platforms east to reach the next chest. Should you walk along the southern edge, you will fall into a pit-trap. This chest contains an IronSH, and will curse your lead character.

Walk along the eastern edge of the platforms, and go south to the final chest. Should you go west, you'll fall through yet another pit trap. This time, the stairs are in the centre of the northern wall.

The final chest contains a Dagger, and will cause your lead character to lose 50AP. From here, the stairs are just to the west.

On the next open floor, there are two items to the north. The one on the left, the B.Rang cannot be accessed without smashing the rock, which none of your characters can do at present. The chest on the right contains HeadGear, but will kill your lead character. With luck, Nina will have 'Renew' by this point - just make sure it's not her who gets hit. Heal whoever was killed before heading north, as there is an enemy waiting.

After its defeat, the EyeSpy will exclaim that "you're only human! You're not supposed to have this much power!" before disappearing. Walk down the stairs he was guarding. Make sure to open the red chests first - they contain an antdt, an IcyHT, two SkullHTs, and a Cure. Open the blue chest and the room will begin to flood.

After Nina admits that she can't swim, Bo suggests searching the room for a way out. As the party frantically search, Karn appears, commenting that only a fool would be caught by such a simple trap.

Karn asks the party why they were searching for him, and Bo explains that someone is trapped in the safe in Auria. Karn agrees to help if they bring him the Book of Thieves, and Nina suggests that he come and search with them. After a little persuading, Karn agrees to join the party. Follow him down the stairs.