Final Fantasy XII - 5 - Garamscythe Waterway Before the Fete

Overview: Before you head into the Waterway, I recommend having a decent stock of Potions, as many of the Spells from Nalbina as you could afford (preferably all), at least a Broadsword, though a Mage Masher, Iron Sword, Silver Bow, or Altair would be best, and at least Chromed Leather armor, which is easy to get from the Bazaar. Also, it is helpful if you took all of Penelo's equipment before she left. There are three Hunts you could have completed at this point, and they're all manageable with Penelo in the party, and even without, and I strongly recommend doing them. They're the Thextera and Flowering Cactoid Hunts. Once you're ready, head to Storehouse 5 in the North Sprawl of Lowtown, and meet Kytes.

Garamscythe Waterway/ Central Spur Stairs

Enemies: N/A

Guide: This is a jumping off point. Use the Save Crystal before heading deeper into the waterway. Going south will take you to a dead end section of the No. 10 Channel, so go north.

Garamscythe Waterway/ Northern Sluiceway

Enemies: Dire Rat, Steeling

Guide: The enemies are more of an annoyance than a threat. The Dire Rats have a habit of running off after attacking, or when their health is low. When looking for chests, check dead ends. Head North, then East across the bridge, then still further East across the sewage waterfall and then north. While the map might make it look confusing, you only have one path at the moment.

Garamscythe Waterway/ Northern Spur Sluiceway

Enemies: Dire Rat, Steeling, Ichthon, Razorfin (Rare Game)

Treasure: This area contains two chests, one of which might have an Oak Staff, the other might have a Mage Masher in it.

Guide: The Ichthons here are weak to Thunder, and one casting will kill them. There are lots of chests in the dead ends that point north and the dead ends near the stairs. After heading West, head North and you'll come to the stairs leading to the Palace. You'll be asked if you really want to proceed, but you should be more than prepared by now.