Ipsen's Castle

Upon entering Ipsen’s castle you’ll have a small confrontation with Amarant who will then run off. After this you’ll want to equip your party with the weakest weapons possible. Then head up the stairs.

Inside search to the left for a Dagger. On the right is the Aquarius Stellazio. Then go through the door at the top of the screen.

In this room talk to Kumool the moogle, whom you have a letter for. Near the top of the screen is a chest with Cat’s Claws. When you’re ready slide down the pole to the next area.

Here make your way up to the ladder and climb it. Go along the balcony and out to the left. Now go through the door above the one you just came through.

Hop on to the ladder, climb up, and jump off to the left. Go along the walkway. At the end you’ll find a chest with a Javelin. Now go back to the ladder and jump off to the right. Go to the end of the walkway to get a Broadsword. Now go back to the ladder, climb all the way down, and jump off.

Go along the walkway and climb the steps. Get on this ladder and climb up. Jump off and run along the walkway to get a Rod. Then go back and climb the ladder to the top. Go through the door here.

Here examine the wall at the bottom of the screen. You’ll need to do things in the correct order to open this secret door. First examine it, then push it, then pound, then think. Push it again, try something drastic, and finally rest. Out on the balcony you’ll find a Barette.

After this go back to the other room and take the elevator at the top of the stairs. Here you’ll find Amarant and the key you need. Before you take the mirrors prepare for a boss fight.

This boss has two forms – compact and normal. When it is in compact mode it is nearly impossible to hurt Taharka. You’ll want to spend the time he’s in compact mode healing and stealing. When he’s in normal mode attack him with Flare and Flare Sword. Make Zidane steal every round. Orichalcon is the hardest item to steal. You’ll want to equip Bandit on Zidane to get it.

After the battle exit the same way you came in. When you get to the courtyard with the pole check out the trap door just below the chest at the top of the screen. You’ll fall down to the top of the balcony below. The chest here contains a Maiden Prayer. Now hop down and climb back up and go to the entryway.

Climb up the newly appeared stairway, cross the bridge and enter the door here. Go along the balcony and enter the door here. At the back of the area you’ll find an Air Racket. Then use the elevator. The chest in this room contains a Golem’s Flute. Now you’ll want to move the vases along the shelves in a counter-clockwise direction until you receive the Ancient Aroma. After this you can climb the pole in the courtyard to get the chests on the chandelier containing a Fork and a Mage Staff. When you’re done here head outside the castle.

Outside you’ll discover Amarant hasn’t returned. Zidane will head back in to find him. He’s at the bottom of the area underneath the courtyard. After you’ve got him head back outside.