Burmecia & Cleyra

Burmecia & Cleyra

Following the events at the Evil Forest and Lindblum, your path leads to the rain-soaked, war-torn kingdom of Burmecia, and subsequently to the sacred, wind-swept sanctuary of Cleyra. These interconnected chapters are pivotal, introducing new party members, deepening the narrative, and presenting significant challenges, including multiple encounters with the formidable General Beatrix. Prepare for a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense boss battles.

Burmecia: The Ruined Kingdom

Upon arriving in Burmecia, you'll immediately notice the devastation wrought by Queen Brahne's forces. The city is in ruins, and the atmosphere is heavy with despair. Your primary goal here is to navigate the ravaged streets and confront the invading Alexandrian army.

Walkthrough:

• Entrance & First Area: Zidane, Freya, and Vivi will enter Burmecia. Head north. You'll encounter several Alexandrian Soldiers and Black Mages.
• Northwest Passage: Take the path to the northwest. You'll find a save point here – use it! Continue through the door.
• Courtyard with Fountain: In the next area, you'll find a broken fountain. Examine it for a hidden item (often a Potion or Tent). There are multiple paths here.
• East Wing: Head east first. You'll find a room with a chest containing a Mythril Spear for Freya.
• West Wing & Staircase: Return to the fountain and head west. You'll ascend a grand, but damaged, staircase. At the top, you'll encounter more enemies.
• Throne Room Approach: Continue north. You'll eventually reach the antechamber leading to the Throne Room. This is where the first major confrontation occurs.

Burmecia Key Items & Loot:

• Potion: Found in various chests and enemy drops.
• Tent: Essential for resting and saving.
• Phoenix Down: Always useful for reviving fallen allies.
• Mythril Spear: (Chest) A significant upgrade for Freya.
• Soft: (Chest) Cures the Stone status.
• Lightning Staff: (Chest) Boosts Vivi's Thunder magic.

Boss Battle: Beatrix (Burmecia)

Your first encounter with General Beatrix is in the Burmecian Throne Room. This battle is designed to be unwinnable in the traditional sense, but you must survive for a set number of turns or deal a certain amount of damage before she uses her signature attack, Stock Break, which ends the fight.

Strategy:

• Objective: Survive and deal as much damage as possible to gain experience and AP.
• Party: Zidane, Freya, Vivi.
• Recommended Level: 15-18.
• Abilities: Equip Auto-Potion if you have it. Bird Killer for Freya and Zidane can be useful. Vivi should focus on Thunder magic, as Beatrix is not immune to elemental damage.
• Tactics:
  • Have Freya use Jump to avoid some damage and deal high physical damage.
  • Zidane should use Attack or Flee if low on HP.
  • Vivi should cast Thunder.
  • Use Potions liberally. Don't be afraid to use your best healing items.
• Outcome: After a few turns or sufficient damage, Beatrix will use Stock Break, reducing everyone's HP to 1. The battle ends, and the story progresses.

Cleyra: The Sacred Tree Sanctuary

After the devastating events in Burmecia, the party, now including Quina, makes their way to Cleyra, a sanctuary built within a colossal tree, protected by a perpetual sandstorm. This area introduces unique environmental puzzles and further narrative developments.

Walkthrough:

• Cleyra's Trunk: The journey to Cleyra involves navigating the trunk of the massive tree. This is where the unique sandstorm puzzles come into play.
• Sandstorm Puzzles: The sandstorm will periodically blow through certain paths, pushing your characters back or revealing hidden routes.
  • First Puzzle: You'll encounter a path blocked by sand. Wait for the sandstorm to blow, then quickly run across before it returns.
  • Second Puzzle (Branching Paths): Later, you'll find multiple paths. Some are blocked by sand, others are cleared by it. The trick is to observe the sand flow and choose the path that is temporarily clear or that the sandstorm helps you traverse. Often, you'll need to let the sand push you into a specific alcove or onto a different branch. Look for sparkling spots – these indicate items or clues.
  • Hint: If you get stuck, try letting the sand push you in different directions. Sometimes, the solution is to be pushed off a ledge onto a lower branch.
• Cleyra Settlement: Once you reach the top, you'll enter the Cleyra settlement. Explore thoroughly, talk to NPCs, and visit the shops. There's a lot of lore and helpful information to be found.
• Antlion Cave: A significant portion of your time in Cleyra will be spent in the Antlion Cave, where you'll confront a boss and rescue a familiar face.

Cleyra Key Items & Loot:

• Desert Boots: (Chest) Found in the Cleyra Trunk. Protects against Earth damage.
• Mythril Vest: (Shop/Chest) Good defensive gear.
• Lamia's Harp: (Shop) A weapon for Eiko (though she's not with you yet, it's good to know).
• Remedy: (Chest) Cures multiple status effects.
• Emerald: (Chest) An accessory.
• Phoenix Pinion: (Chest) Used for Eidolon summoning.
• Elixir: (Chest) Fully restores HP and MP.

Boss Battle: Antlion

The Antlion is encountered in the Antlion Cave within Cleyra, after a dramatic sequence involving Puck and the Cleyrans.

Strategy:

• Party: Zidane, Freya, Vivi, Quina.
• Recommended Level: 18-20.
• Weakness: Ice.
• Resistances: None notable.
• Abilities:
  • Sandstorm: Deals Earth damage to the whole party.
  • Counter: The Antlion will counter physical attacks with Sandstorm.
  • Blaster: Can inflict Confuse.
• Recommended Abilities:
  • Clear Headed (Zidane, Freya) to prevent Confuse.
  • Auto-Potion (all).
  • Bird Killer (Zidane, Freya) is still useful.
  • Insomniac (Quina) if you have it.
• Tactics:
  • Vivi: Spam Blizzara or Blizzard if you don't have Blizzara. This is your primary damage dealer.
  • Quina: Use Aqua Breath if learned, or Frog Drop if you've caught enough frogs. Otherwise, use Attack or heal.
  • Freya: Use Jump to avoid counterattacks and deal damage.
  • Zidane: Focus on Stealing (Mythril Fork, Antlion Card) and then Attack. Be prepared to heal with Potions or Hi-Potions.
  • Healing: Keep an eye on HP, especially after Sandstorm. Use Potions/Hi-Potions or Quina's healing abilities.

Boss Battle: Beatrix (Cleyra)

General Beatrix makes her second appearance during the Alexandrian invasion of Cleyra, after the Antlion battle. This encounter is similar to the first, designed to be survived rather than won definitively.

Strategy:

• Objective: Survive Beatrix's onslaught for a set number of turns or deal sufficient damage.
• Party: Zidane, Freya, Vivi, Quina.
• Recommended Level: 20-22.
• Abilities:
  • Auto-Potion is highly recommended.
  • Clear Headed for Confuse protection.
  • HP +10%/20% if available.
• Tactics:
  • Vivi: Cast Blizzara or Thunder. Beatrix is not weak to any element, but elemental magic still deals good damage.
  • Freya: Use Jump to deal damage and avoid Beatrix's attacks.
  • Zidane: Focus on Stealing (Ice Brand, Survival Vest, Phoenix Down). The Ice Brand is a valuable weapon for Steiner later. After stealing, use Attack or heal.
  • Quina: Use Aqua Breath or Attack, or provide support with White Wind if learned.
  • Healing: Beatrix hits hard. Use Hi-Potions or Potions every turn if needed. Don't be afraid to use your entire stock.
• Outcome: After a few turns or enough damage, Beatrix will use her powerful Sword Art, Climhazzard, ending the battle and reducing everyone's HP to 1.

Common Pitfalls & Missables:

• Burmecia: Ensure you collect the Mythril Spear for Freya before leaving.
• Cleyra Sandstorm Puzzles: Don't rush. Observe the sand's movement. If you're stuck, try letting the sand push you in different directions; sometimes, it's the intended path.
• Beatrix Steals: During both Beatrix encounters, always prioritize Stealing with Zidane. The items (Mythril Sword, Ice Brand, Survival Vest) are excellent and can only be obtained here.
• Cleyra Loot: Explore every nook and cranny of Cleyra before the invasion. Once the events unfold, many areas become inaccessible.