Castlevania II: Simon's Quest/Bodley Mansion

After two relatively short chapters, the trip to and from Bodley Mansion can seem long. It's also much more difficult as not only are their new enemies, but the old ones are stronger. You will be getting a new whip soon, which makes it a bit easier.

Town of Aldra
Despite being a large town, there isn't too much to gain here. You should still have an ample supply of Garlic and Laurels, so the only things of note are the Red Crystal trader near the bottom and the Chapel at the top. If you're low on health (and you might be if you fought Death in the last mansion), head straight for the Chapel, and if it's night wait near the entrance of town, where it's Zombie-free, until daybreak.

Once you have everything, head out of town from the left to get to the Sadam Woods.

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Sadam Woods
The first thing you'll encounter is Slimes, which are much harder to fight outdoors since they don't have a ceiling to move up to. The can't whipped if they're on the ground, even if you crouch, so you have to hit them when they jump. You can also use the Sacred Flame fairly effectively, but watch your Hearts. The Bone Dragons aren't that hard, just remember that you aren't shielded as you walk towards them and the Slimes will probably return and attack from behind as you fight the Dragons.

In the next screen, you'll see Skeletons and Dark Skeletons. While the Dark Skeletons attack just like regular ones, they are much more powerful, so don't let them close in on you. Head down the stairs and head left, but watch out for fake floors, which will dump you in the marsh below.

Storigoi Graveyard
At first this isn't too hard - just Hands and Skeletons, but then a whole lot of Slimes show up. Defeat them quickly and then continue on before they return. At the very end drop a clove of Garlic and an old man will appear in order to give you the. Once you have it, head back to Sadam Woods.

You'll have to use a Laurel to get through the marsh unscathed, and the two Skeletons at the top of the stairs can be difficult to dodge. If you are low on health, it may be best to head back to Aldra, otherwise continue to the left. After another screen of Slimes, you'll reach the Town of Oldon.

Town of Ondol
More Laurels for sale, more useless clues and statements from the towns people. On the other hand, you get a new whip, so it makes the trip worthwhile. It costs 200 Hearts, so go back and fight the Skeletons if you don't have enough.

Once you're done here, head left into the Deborah Cliff.

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Deborah Cliff
Deborah Cliff is at the far left side, so head that way. The Mummies and Ghosts are easy enough to avoid and kill, but don't let them surround you. After that you'll encounter more bouncing blocks over water, but they are only three of them this time. Again, time your jumps so you leap right when the block hits it's peak and you'll be able to go further than normal.

On the far side, go flat against the wall of the cliff, equip the crystal and crouch. After several seconds a whirlwind will appear and take you to a new section of the world (it's actually on the far east side of the world, past the Aljiba Cemetery). You'll land right in front of the entrance to Bodley Mansion.

Bodley Mansion
As soon as you enter, you'll be attacked by a Knight. Head left and up three flights of stairs, while looking out for fake floors. Be extra careful, as the Slimes can jump through the fake flooring to get to you. Up top, stick to the upper platforms, and jump through the right wall when you get to what appears to be a dead end.

Head down, but try and jump as far out when you fall so you don't land on Skeletons. When you can't go any further, break the wall on the right and continue to the right. Once you reach the stairs, head up and left for a clue book (right wall after you drop down to the lower ledge) or head down to the very bottom. Jump through the wall on the left and you'll be in the black backdrop. You'll find the old man here, so buy yet another, then drop through the floor to the left. Head left, down, and right to get to the Crystal Ball containing.

Getting out is actually very fast, since there's a shortcut that bypasses most of the area. Go up two sets of stairs on the far left and you'll be able to get back into the first area of the mansion. You'll be on a set of ledges over water. You can break the blocks with the whip if you equip the Nail first, or just use Holy Water as usual; you can also just go up the stairs and over. In any case, once you get past the water, jump through the fake wall on the left and you'll be near the entrance. Once outside, you'll be ready to begin the long trek to Laruba Mansion.