Getting the Rune[edit]
To reach Muse you will have to pass through the destroyed village of Toto. Here Pilika will run to the shrine cave northeast of the village, which you couldn't enter before. Follow her and enter the cave, examining the rock. Inside you will meet Leknaat, who will tell you that one of the 27 true runes he recognized you. You will be asked if you need the rune's power. Answer as you like, you can't refuse in any case. After another sequence, the hero will get the Bright Shield rune and Jowy the Black Sword rune. Eventually, you will find yourself outdoors again, with your group. Resume the path towards Muse.
Once in the city, the guard will prevent you from entering, despite your protests. In fact, these days, no one is allowed to enter Muse without a pass. So you'll have to find another way to enter.
The Sindar Ruins[edit]
Go back a few steps on the world map and go to the White Deer Inn, which you have certainly already noticed before. Entering the inn, Hilda will be joined by her husband Alex, who will say that he has finally found a way to enter the Sindar ruins behind the inn. You can then go to sleep. The next morning, Alex will return, saying that he has been to Muse and that he has not found anyone willing to help him find the treasure of the Sindar. It is therefore clear that he has a pass to enter the city. You will then make a pact with him: if you accompany him to the ruins, helping him find the treasure, Alex will lend you his pass. Answer his question however you want, you will help him anyway. Before heading to the ruins, you can make purchases from two patrons of the inn: the kobold can sell you items and the lady sitting at the table some magical runes. Then reach the entrance to the ruins, behind the inn. Alex will open the door and you can enter.
Once inside, inspect the thing right of the next door, and Alex will use it to open the door. In the ruins you will have to face random battles with enemies, which will be somewhat more challenging than the ones you have faced so far. In the next screen go north and at the fork go left,to find two treasure boxes. Inside them you will find a Stone of Magic and Mega Medicine. Go back and take the other path. At the next fork go north (the path south is a dead-end) and reach the next screen. At the fork go right and then south, to find a chest containing an Angry Blow. Go back to the fork, follow the path and cross the bridge. Go north to find a Gauntelet, than go south, left and than north, to reach te next screen. You’ll come to a door with a hole next to it which you can't open yet, so head left. Push the statue back into place to open the next door. Inside, you will find Shoulder Pads and a Round Plate. Take it and place it in the hole you saw before to open the door. At the first fork go north, at the second go left. To the north you will find a Triangle Plate. Further left is a door with an octagonal hole, but it's broken, so you can enter and find a chest containing a Fire Lizard Crystal. Go back to the fork and proceed north. At the crossroad go right and go up the stairs. At the bottom you will find a triangle hole. Use here the Triangle Plate to stop the water. Now return to the crossroad and go north, to find a Chain Mail. Go back and use the destroyed bridge to enter the canal. Go left and than head all the way south, until you reach the previous screen (the other paths are all dead-ends). Immediately after the bridge go left, to find the Square Plate. Return to the main canal and go south again. Go left to find a Water Crystal. Now head all the way north and exit the canal. Go south and then right at the second fork, the one with the statue. Open the door with the Square plate to find an Old Book Vol. 2 and a Magic Drain Crystal. Finally, return to the crossroad just before the destroyed bridge and go left. You’ll find a save point. Open the north door with the square plate, enter and analyze the stone etching by the door. Than reach the next room and prepare for a boss fight.
Boss Fight – Double Head[edit]
HP: 2500
This boss isn't too difficult, as long as you don't underestimate it. Use your best magical attacks, especially Jowy's Black Sword rune, and constantly keep the party healed with the hero's Bright Shield rune. When the party doesn't urgently need to be healed, you can also use the hero and Nanami's Family Attack. If you have other characters that can perform combo attacks against a single enemy, they'll come in handy. If you do this, the battle won't be very long. Once defeated, the boss will drop some money and a Spark rune. Assign it to some fast characters when you get the chance (Nanami is fine).
After defeating the boss, you can reach the treasure chest. You'll be asked for what is most dear to you, answer as you like. Finally Alex will open the chest, however, you will only find healing herbs inside. Exit the ruins and arriving at the gate Alex will throw away the healing herbs, disappointed. When you enter the inn however, you will find that Hilda is very ill. Go outside and retrieve the healing herbs that Alex had thrown. Return to the inn and, with the herbs you have found, you will prepare a medicine capable of healing Hilda. From now on, Hilda will let you rest for free in her inn whenever you want. Alex will also respect the agreement and give you his pass. Head to Muse.
Muse City[edit]
In front of the city gate you will see a funny scene. You can answer the questions however you want. At the end anyway you will be arrested and put in jail. Even while you're in the cell, Jowy and Nanami will ask you more questions, no matter how you answer them. Eventually you will go to sleep.
The next morning Viktor will bid you good morning, getting you out of jail. He will tell you to go to the tavern, where you will find Leona and then to City hall. Then go to the tavern. Leona will take care of Pilika and you can change party members if you want. You will then be free to wander around the city and shop. In particular, go through the east side of the city, near the rune shop, where there is a covered walkway. You will meet a woman named Elza, who will tell you that they are chasing her and she will ask you to hold two packages: accept them. Go north and you will find a character named Clive, who will ask if you have seen Elza, informing you that she is a criminal. Answer him as you like, in any case he will continue to look for her. Then head to the entrance to the city to meet again Elza, who will take back the two packages and give you a Sound Set. Clive will also arrive, who will set off in pursuit of the fugitive. It is very important not to skip these steps if you want to recruit Clive later. At the inn bar you will also meet another recruitable character, Anita. Talk to her repeatedly. If she asks you for drinks or antitoxins, always agree. Maybe you go out and back from the inn or the city, to get her to talk to you in another way. Eventually, you may have the option to ask her out on a date. Do so and Anita will join you.
- Anita recruited
In case you don’t succeed to recruit her at this time, you will have other possibilities later in the game, in Banner's village so don't insist too much. When you're ready, head to the City hall. Viktor will be waiting for you in front of the entrance and will join the group.
Inside, you will meet Mayor Annabelle and the chamberlain Jess. It seems that Annabelle knows very well who you are and she will ask you about master Genkaku. She will also tell you that she wasn't able to atone the crime against him. Answer her however you like, she will tell you that you’ll talk about it later. Annabelle will then turn you over to Jess. You will be free to explore the City hall; in the room where Jess is, you will find an Old Book vol.4 on a shelf. Then talk to Jess, who will ask you to infiltrate the Highland base camp and find out how much supplies they have. To continue the story you will be forced to accept. Jess will give you two Highland uniforms, then you can exit City hall.
Outside of the City hall you'll find Tuta. Talk to her and answer as you like. You’ll head to Dr. Huan House. Huan will ask Tuta to help you.
- Tuta recruited
Talk to D. Huan again and he will give you |Recipe #3. Now go back to the inn and talk to Leona to choose your party members for your next mission. Finally, exit the city.
Highland Army Camp[edit]
The Highland - Muse border is northeast of the city. Go there. Enter and talk to the guard, that will let you in. Talk to the guard again in the entrance of the forest then head to the Highland Camp. The forest may seem labyrinthine at first, but in reality there is only one path to follow. The only item to collect is a Circuret, which you can get by going right at the first fork. Random encounters with enemies shouldn't bother you. Then follow the path through the woods until you come to a point where you and Jowy have to proceed alone.
Once at the camp, Jowy will show you which is the provision tent. Reach it. Talk to the soldier and answer whatever you want, he will let you in anyway. After checking how many supplies there are, exit the tent and Rowd will spot you. Quickly grab the Fire Sealing Rune from the chest next to the tent, then enter the large white tent in the center to meet Jillia Blight. Jillia will push Rowd away and offer you tea. You can answer her questions as you want, this won't affect the plot. Apparently, Jillia doesn't have much sympathy for her brother and his war plans. You will eventually be able to exit the tent, but just as you are about to flee into the woods, Rowd will spot you again and you will have to fight a group of soldiers. Use the Buddy Attack and you'll take them out in no time. After that Jowy will tell you to warn Nanami and the others, while he will join you later. Answer as you like, you will be forced to leave. Once you reach the group, you will have to fight against other soldiers. After the fight, Nanami will ask you what's going on. Tell her that you have to get out of there first, otherwise you'll have to fight again. Jowy meanwhile, will drive away soldiers with his rune. Exit the forest and return to Muse.
The Fall of Muse[edit]
Once in the city, head to the City hall to report. However, a guard will stop you, warning you that there is an important meeting in progress. Then go back to the inn, where Viktor and Flik are waiting for you. They will join the group. Now return to the Town Hall. Viktor will dash the guard and you can enter. When asked how much provvision the Highland Army has, give the information. Annabelle will apologize for putting you in danger, but she will tell you that she can do nothing to help Jowy. Go back to the inn. Nanami will be worried about Jowy. Answer her as you like, she will head to the city gate, to wait for him. Follow her, to wait for Jowy with her. Eventually Jowy will come. In the meantime, Nanami will offer you many times to go back to the inn: you can choose to agree, going directly to Jowy's arrival, or wait with her until he comes. When Jowy arrives, you can greet him however you like. Eventually, you will go to the inn to sleep.
The next morning Nanami will wake you up and tell you to go to Jowston Hill, northwest of the city, which you have not been able to enter so far. Then go to the place. After some funny skits, you will be able to enter the meeting room and the meeting will begin. In addition to Annabelle and Jess, all the leaders of the City State will be present: Gorudo, Makai, Teresa, Gustav, Granmeyer and Hauser. Annabelle explains the situation to them, but she finds little support, except from Lord Granmeyer, the mayor of South Window. A guard will arrive, informing those present that the Highland army is approaching Muse. After the meeting, return to the inn. Annabelle will ask Viktor to try and slow down the Highland army. Jowy will say that he intends to fight them and ask you to fight with him. You won't be able to refuse, so agree immediately. Annabelle will tell you to go to her room after the battle, then go to sleep. The next morning, when you're ready, talk to Viktor to start the battle.
Major Battle #3[edit]
In this battle you will control two units. In this battle your main objective is to slow down the enemy troops. Viktor and Flik will recognize Gilbert among the enemy units and after wounding him they will convince him to take your side.
- Gilbert recruited
After a few turns, Matilda's knights will appear to help you. Thanks to their units, you should be able to cause massive damage to the Highland army. However, after a few turns, these units will retreat. By now, however, you should have slowed your opponents down enough. After a few more turns Solon Jhee will retreat and the battle will end.
After the battle you will find yourself at the inn, with Pilika and Nanami. Your sister will want to speak to you, answer her as you like. Eventually you will go to sleep. That night you will see Jowy talking to a shady individual named Kage: your friend is clearly up to something. The next morning, with Nanami and Jowy you can go to the City hall to talk to Annabelle about master Genkaku, but she will be busy and she will tell you to come back that evening. Jowy will come out of City hall. Nanami will be worried about your friend and you will go out as well. Just outside, you'll see Jowy talking to Kage again. You can try to interrogate him, but Jowy won't tell you anything and will run away. Go back to the inn.
That evening, Viktor will visit Annabelle and bring her a bottle of wine. The two talk for a bit, but sadly, for Annabelle that will be her last drink. You and Nanami can then reach her, to talk about master Genkaku. Before you arrive though, Jowy will enter Annabelle's room and stab her to death. When you arrive it will be too late, Annabelle will die in your arms. Jowy will flee and a moment later Jess will enter the room, accusing you of killing Annabelle. Jess will then go get a doctor, take the opportunity to quickly return to the inn. Here you will meet Leona, who will tell you that Viktor, Flik and the others will meet again at South Window. You will then flee the city with Nanami and Pilika. Nanami will ask you something, you can answer however you want, it won't affect the plot. Head south of Muse to reach the village of Coronet.
Coronet and Kuskus[edit]
In Coronet you will be free to go shopping, improving your equipment and upgrading your weapons. However, save at least 2000 potch. You will have to find a way to cross the lake and reach the village of Kuskus, on the opposite bank. However, the town is full of Highland soldiers. Talking to them and the inhabitants, you will learn that the Highland Army does not allow anyone to put the boat in the water. Then go to the inn. Here you will meet again the three acrobats Bolgan, Rina and Eilie. They too are headed for South Window, but don't know how to cross the lake. By talking to a person inside the inn, you will also get Recipe #5. Then head to an isolated house, which is located in the eastern part of the village, near the lake (you have probably already noticed it). Here you will meet Sheena, who will then leave. You will meet him again later in the game. Enter the house, to get to know Tai Ho and Yam Koo. After a short conversation, Tai Ho will be willing to take you to Kuskus in his boat if you can beat him at Chinchirochin, a dice game. The rules are very simple, if you don't know them he will explain them to you. If you lose, you will have the opportunity to challenge him again, but with each defeat you will lose 2000 potch. After beating him, Tai Ho will prepare the boat. Return to the inn to warn your three friends, then return to Tai Ho. You will then cross the lake to Kuskus.
- Bolgan recruited
- Rina recruited
- Eilie recruited
Once in Kuskus, you can explore the village, talk to the villagers and buy items in the shops, but you won't be able to do anything else here for now. Exit the village and head to South Window, directly south of Kuskus.
South Window and North Window[edit]
As you enter the city, you will meet Viktor, to whom you will tell the latest news. Viktor will then meet you at the inn. But first, you are free to explore this new city. There are many useful items that you can buy in the shops. Here you will also find a rune shop and the first trading point, where you can start learning how trading works. You'll also meet some new characters, but you won't be able to recruit them yet. Then go to the inn. You'll meet Viktor and Flik again, who will tell you that the others haven't arrived yet. Viktor and Flik will then join your group and you will have to go to the City hall. Here Lord Granmeyer will ask you to investigate North Window, Viktor's hometown. In fact, lately many girls have been disappearing around and it seems that something strange is happening in that place. He will also introduce you to Freed Y, who will join you.
- Freed Y recruited
Return to the inn and talk to Eilie, who will join you. Once you've bought everything you think you might need, exit the city and head to North Window, west of Kuskus.
Once in North Window you will have an overview of this desolate place, which has been uninhabited for years. Viktor will tell you his story and explain what happened to that place because of the vampire Neclord, who apparently resurfaced. In fact, Neclord will come towards you, accompanied by zombies and will try to kidnap Nanami and Eilie. At this point, you will have two options. If you choose the first one, you'll have to fight Neclord, who will attack you along with three zombies. However, during the battle, you will find that Neclord is immune to your attacks. You will then be forced to flee. If you choose the second option instead, you will escape immediately. Viktor will tell you that to defeat Neclord you need the Star Dragon Sword, which is found in the Cave of Wind. Neclord will sarcastically tell you to go and get the sword and that he will be waiting for you at the castle. Then exit the North Window and head to the Cave of Wind, which is directly to the south.
The Cave of Wind[edit]
The cave of wind is a fairly large and labyrinthine dungeon. Upon entering, you will have the option to save the game. Enter and follow the path, which for some screens will be very linear. At the first fork you come across, go to the top left, to enter a hidden opening and find a Sun Badge on the next screen. Go back and take the other path. Head left as far as you can, across two screens and at the bottom you will find a Fish Badge. Go back and take the path to the right that you passed. Follow the path and at the next fork go left to find a Fire Wall. Go back and go right. After a couple of screens you'll need to push rocks to continue. In the following screens it will be gusts of wind coming from the north. To proceed, you'll need to push the boulders in front of the openings and then move south of them, otherwise the wind will blow you into the opening below and you'll have to start over. In the third screen, the one with four boulders, you can also find three chests, containing 3000 potch, medicine and a Blue Gate rune. Talking to the old man near the chests, you will have the opportunity to immediately return to the cave entrance: do it in case you are low on supplies. Then continue to the left. After a while, you'll come to another screen with a fork in the road. Go south, then south again and finally right. At the bottom you will find a Stone of Defense. Go back to the last crossroads you passed and this time go left. At the bottom you will find a Half Helmet. Go back to the fork, go north and then left (taking the other path is useless, you'll go back) and enter the opening to the north. On the next screen you will meet a new character, Kahn, who has the same goal as you. He will then temporarily join your party. Go north. From here on, the path is very linear. Go through a few screens and at the end you will finally encounter the Star Dragon Sword. However, you will discover that the sword, the incarnation of one of the True Runes, is able to speak and that the relationship between her and Viktor is not the best. After a short spat, it will attack you.
Boss Fight – Star Dragon Sword[edit]
HP: 2500
The Star Dragon Sword attacks twice per round. It's a good idea to put your toughest characters in the middle, because they'll be the ones most susceptible to its attacks. Other times, the sword will cast a spell that does moderate damage to the entire party. Use all your most powerful magical attacks, including Kahn's. If Eilie has a Fire or Lightning rune, it will be very useful. Keep the party healed with the hero's Bright Shield rune. If the party doesn't need healing urgently, you can use the Unite Family Attack, which deals massive damage. Viktor and Freed Y will have to use simple physical attacks instead. If you keep the party healed, you shouldn't have any problems winning the fight.
After the battle, the Star Dragon Sword and Viktor will temporarily reconcile. Coming out of the opening at the bottom, you will return directly to the entrance of the cave. Go back to North Window.
Back to North Window[edit]
Go forward until you enter the castle. You will often encounter zombies as you progress through the castle, but they shouldn't bither you. Try to save your magical attacks for later. Take the passage to the right to find a Fire rune in the corner. Go back and take the left passage. Go left (the path to the right is a dead end). You will come to a large room. Go down the stairs to the south to find a Stone of Mag-Def. Ignore the passage on the north wall, you won't find anything there and go left. Follow the path until you reach a room with statues. First, move the statue to the left as you like. A door will open on the north wall. Inside you will find a Darkness rune. Go back and move the statues so that they are all on the brown rectangles, to open another door. Enter and follow the path, until you arrive in a room with lit torches. You can turn them on or off by simply examining them and pressing X. First, turn on all of the top row ones, leaving the others unlit to open a door on the north wall. Before proceeding, however, light the torches again so that those in the row below match those in the row above. Another door will open on the north wall, where you can find a Blue Ribbon. Go back and exit the other door. From here on, the path is very linear. You will come to a room, between stairs, where you will find a Necklace and a Chain Mail, on the right. Continue until you reach a large hall where you will finally meet Neclord. The vampire will try to bribe Viktor. Answer as you like, Viktor in any case will not fall into the trap. However, Neclord will manage to escape and will leave you to fight against Abomination.
Boss Fight – Abomination[edit]
HP: 4400
This hideous creature attacks twice per round. Sometimes it will use an attack that does moderate damage to the entire party. Other times, it will attack a single character, dealing massive damage to him. However, its most dangerous attack is its breath, which causes massive damage to the entire party. Abomination will use this attack more and more frequently as you damage it. So constantly heal the group, using the hero's Bright Shield rune and possibly some items. Then use your most powerful magical attacks, especially Kahn's, which do a lot of damage to undead enemies. Viktor and Freed Y need to focus on their physical attacks. You can also use the Family Attack at the beginning, but then it's better to keep the hero free for healing.
The new Headquarter[edit]
Once the boss is defeated, exit the castle. Kahn will abandon the group to go after Neclord. At this point, you should return to South Window to report, but Flik, Leona, Apple and your other companions will meet you, informing you that Highland has occupied South Window and that Lord Granmeyer has been killed. It is therefore only a matter of time before the Highland troops reach you. Apple and Eilie will say that escaping again wouldn't be a good idea. At this point, you'll decide to settle in this abandoned castle, which will be your base camp for the rest of the game. When asked what you intend to do, answer with the first option (there must be a way) to continue the game. Apple will say that in order to fight the enemy, you need a strategist. You need to recruit Shu, from Radat.