Rabanastre

After that very dramatic opening you are taken to the sewers of Rabanastre where a punk kid named Vaan is showing his fighting prowess to Kytes by killing rats (very big ones). The objective here is to kill the three rats in the area. You can't leave this room and there are no items so don't bother exploring - just eliminate the rodents.

Upon completing that short mission Kytes suggests that the item shop owner Migelo might have some errands to run. Then you're whisked topside and greeted by a beautiful cinematic of the city. When that's over we witness Vaan stealing a rude guard's pouch and meeting up with Panelo, a long time friend. She also suggests Vaan visit Migelo's shop.

So, your destination's rather obvious. Don't worry about the shops just yet - it's time to visit Migelo's. If you open your map (select) you will see your location marked by the orange pointer and a large red X marking Migelo's. When you get there Migelo explains his situation and asks Vaan to fetch Kytes from the Sandsea. The Sandsea (also marked on the map with an X) is located in the northernmost part of East End.

Upon entering you see what's kept Kytes occupied. With him is a guy named Tomaj who explains that a monster's been harassing the couriers. Ask Tomaj for more details on this Rogue Tomato and he'll give you a Clan Primer and explain its uses. He'll also give you a lengthy tutorial on the LP Board. Then you'll receive the Writ of Transit you need to leave Rabanastre and an Orachea Armlet. Make sure to equip it.

Now it's time to take out your first Mark. Before leaving Rabanastre you have to option of visiting the shops but not much is available to you. That will change after a bit of leveling up. To find the exit to the Estersand go down through East End to the Southern Plaza and down the stairs to the East. A guard harrasses you but lets you through. Make sure to save and then head into the Estersand. Note: Should you need to get back into Rabanastre (where all the shops are) simply talk to the Imperial at the end of the line of people and wait in line. Make sure not to step away or you'll loose your place. Keep in the mind that you won't receive money from enemies. Instead you receive loot to seel to shop owners. Also remember you have the Steal Technick - use it well.

Estersand (The Stepping)

You now have the opportunity to level up in this one area of the Estersand as much as patience allows. Between the wolves and the cactites the cactites have the better drop. Note that they and the Wild Saurian have a green life bar at first, meaning they are neutral and won't attack unless you attack them or one of their kind. The Wild Saurian is somewhere between level 30 or 35 so leave it be. It only takes one hit from him to take Vaan out. To save on Potions make use of the save point back at Eastgate.

When you're ready to progress locate the Rogue Tomato on the high bluff near the center of the area. It's got the pink leaved tree on it. You'll also see that the Rogue Tomato's red dot on the map is much larger than the others.

This Mark should not be difficult at all. Simply pound the tomato into the ground. When its life gets to a certain point it turns tail and jumps off the bluff. You can't jump down so run around the right side of the bluff to where it landed below. Repeat the beating you gave it atop the bluff and you'll have defeated your first mark (and the only one REQUIRED in the course of the game).

The tomato won't drop anything. With marks you have to return to the petitioner to receive your bounty. Vaan does pick up a handful of Galbana Lilies before you head back to Eastgate. When you get there find Kytes amidst the crowd and a cinematic starts that lets you back into Rabanastre. After the long scene you'll be back in control of Vaan in North End.

Rabanastre

You're going to Old Dalan's in Lowtown very soon but you have some unfinished business. First stop - to the Sandsea for your Bounty. He also gives you a tip about a "mysterious building" in North End. Make your way there (it's marked by question marks on your map) and speak to the Conspicuous Bangaa who lets you inside. The people in this hall are members of an Elite Hunt Club headed by the moogle perched on the banister at the top of the stairs. Speak to him to learn about the club and also about the Clan Provisioner in the Muthru Bazaar who provides you with supplies based upon your rank. For more information on Clan Centurio and hunting in general visit our Hunt's Page or our Clan Centurio Page. You might also consider checking out the shops now that you've got some money.

Warning: before you take one step towards Lowtown we need to point out a sort of sidequest. The ultimate weapon of the game, the Zodiac Spear, can only be obtained if you fulfill certain requirements. Four times in the game you need to avoid opening boxes. If you open the said boxes the chest with the Zodiac Spear will not appear. The first such box is found in Lowtown right across from Old Dalan's pad. So, make sure you watch yourselves (especially those who must open EVERY box that crosses their path) and don't open that box. To find out the rest of the boxes to avoid check out our Zodiac Spear sidequest page.

With that said, you're free to proceed to Old Dalan's in South Sprawl. Now, feel free to expore Lowtown - Old Dalan's is marked on the map. But, if you're looking for an easy way to find the place use the rusty looking freight door in Southgate and you'll end up right around the corner from his place. Speak to Old Dalan and he gives you your next mission - obtain a Sunstone from the nomads living on the Giza plains. When you're ready to head out enter Giza from Southgate. However, remember to sell your loot and upgrade whatever Magick and equipment you can before heading out.