Final Fantasy III/Saronia

Suggested party for this chapter: four Dragoons, as soon as you get their equipment.

Saronia in war
After retrieving the airship from Goldor's clutches you are free to search the world for the Earth Crystal. There are actually less destinations available that you might think.

You can visit a few places, but it's too early now for shopping there: you'd better come back in the next chapter. Head straight to Saronia.

From Amur, where your ship was anchored, travel North along the coast, then keep following it westward. When you get to the westmost peninsula, cross the sea. You cannot land in Saronia, but if you fly over Saronia castle, they'll get you down.

In the Castle, in NW Saronia and in NE Saronia there is nothing useful for now. In SW Saronia you can meet Prince Alus, who joins the party. Talk to two old men to get a free Dragoon Armor and Wind Spear: turn one of your characters into a Dragoon. In a house you can summon the Fat Chocobo for free as many times as you want; moreover, in the same house there is a secret passage that leads to 11 Gysahl greens.

People talk about the king, about the shadow of Garuda, about the fact that only Dragoons can defeat it: this is a clear hint for the next party.

In SE Saronia there's the Dragoon Spire, your next stop.

The Dragoon Spire
At the top of the Spire there is free full equipment for a party of four Dragoons: four Dragoon helms, three Dragoon armors (you already have one) and three Thunder spears (you already have a Wind one). Switch all your characters to Dragoons and head to the castle. Equip any shields and gloves you already own to the Dragoons (remember the free Fat Chocobo in town).

BOSS: Garuda
The only party that can defeat Garuda is made of four Dragoons, thanks to their defensive Jump ability. If all four Dragoons jump at the same time, Garuda will miss one or even two turns.

Saronia in peace
After defeating Garuda, prince Alus becomes King of Saronia, and he gives you the airship Nautilus as a parting gift.

In the room on the ground floor of the castle there is a secret passage in the wall opposite to the beds. In there you will find several useful items, weapons and armors for your water Crystal jobs. The shops of Saronia are now open and you can purchase some useful pieces of equipment: purchase a Light Rod, a White Robe and a Black Robe; anything else can be found for free soon.

Now it's time to leave Saronia and to change your heroes jobs for a new party.