Final Fantasy XII - 34 - The Ridorana Cataract

Overview: After finishing the events at Giruvegan, you should head back to Balfonheim and talk to Reddas at his Manse to progress in the story. However, by this point you're likely in the 50's, and you should perhaps consider investing some time in side pursuits. Hunting down the loot to make some of the better or best weapons in the game, doing some of the harder hunts, or fully exploring areas like the Lhusu Mines, Henne Mines, Zertinan Caverns, the Nechrol of Nabudis and others. Or looking into some of the Sidequests. Your main party character should have the top section of the License Board completed, all Spells, Augmentations, Technicks, and Accessories. And you should have a significant portion of the lower board completed, so that all of your main party characters have weapon options for various situations. When you're ready to continue with the story, Reddas is your man.

Port Balfonheim

Guide: After Giruvegan, there are a lot of new things to buy: New spells, new Gambits, new weapons, etc. Some of the most important: Arise, Esunaga, Foe: (element)-weak Gambits, Holy Lance, and so forth. You should have a fair bit of cash from Giruvegan/The Great Crystal. If you need more, I recommend going back with Foe: HP=100% - Steal, and working your way through again.

Ready to continue with the story? Head to Saccio Lane and head up to Reddas' Manse and talk to the Manse Watch to go see him. Watch the cutscene, then Reddas will join your party as a Guest and the Strahl will be back in business. Now, not only can you fly out to the Ridorana Cataract, but to nearly every significant exterior location that doesn't have an Aerodrome... and you can fly to those too. It's a good tool if you want to quickly work your way around, and you can go more places than the Teleport Crystals.

When you select fly to the Ridorana Cataract, you'll watch a stunning cutscene.

Ridorana Cataract/ Footfalls of the Past

Guide: I strongly recommend Foe: ice-weak - Blizzaga and Foe: wind-weak - Aeroga for the coming areas. Also, remedies will be useful. As you approach the exit to the next area you can save. Do so, and head forth.

Ridorana Cataract/ Echoes from Time's Garden

Enemies: Cassie, Deathclaw, Abelisk

Treasure: Near the center of this area, next to the shallow pool, you might find a chest with an Opal Ring in it.

Guide: A few new enemies here, and two exits, one north and one south. Take the southern exit for the moment.

Ridorana Cataract/ Colosseum

Treasure: This map may contain chests with a Cloud Staff and a Penetrator Crossbow.

Guide: From the entrance head to the central circle in this area, then turn north and head down the stairs, and turn west at the first side tunnel. Follow that into a small room where you'll find the location map for this area. After that you can explore the rest of the side tunnels, then head north, though I'd recommend Float on this map, due to all the traps. The side tunnel reached through the western stairs has a small off-map area with a treasure chest.

Ridorana Cataract/ City of Other Days

Enemies: Cassie, Deathclaw, Pallicant (Rare Game)

Treasure: In the northeast of this area a chest may contain an Ivory Pole.

Guide: The side area down the stairs from the main path always has a few chests in it. Also, you can easily make Pallicant appear here, by defeating all the monsters, leaving one map and returning. The reward? You can steal the strongest crossbow in the game from him, and it's the only thing he has, so you're guaranteed to get it. Crossbows are quick and great for late game tasks like filling out the bestiary entries or hunting down specific loot. I recommend moving two maps away and stealing three while you're here.

Ridorana Cataract/ Path of Hidden Blessing

Guide: Watch out for the absurd number of traps near the Save Crystal. Honestly, anyone who doesn't have a constant Libra Gambit by this point is asking for it. Save up and head east to the next area.