Cave of Mysidia

B1 - First Basement

On the first basement floor, the layout branches in multiple directions from the entrance. Head east first through the winding passage to find an Ice Brand - this powerful ice-elemental sword is excellent for Firion or your primary physical attacker. Backtrack and take the west passage where you'll find a Flame Bow at the end - great for a ranged attacker like Maria. After grabbing both chests, find the stairs leading down to B2 in the center-south area of the floor.

B2 - Second Basement

On the second basement floor, proceed south from the stairs to reach a larger chamber where you'll find a Bell of Silence (casts Silence when used in battle). Navigate to the northwest corner of the floor where there's a hidden passage through the wall - walk directly into what looks like a solid wall to pass through and find a Mage's Staff, a powerful staff for spellcasters. The stairs to B3 are located in the eastern section of the floor.

B3 - Third Basement

On B3, the dungeon becomes more complex with multiple paths intersecting and hidden passages becoming more common. Near the entrance from B2, grab an Ether to help with MP recovery. In the center of the maze section, you'll find a Hi-Potion. More importantly, there's a hidden passage in the east wall that leads to an Elixir - don't miss this valuable item! If you hit what seems like a dead end, try walking directly into walls. The stairs to B4 are in the southeast corner, but you'll need to find the correct path through the maze to reach them.

B4 - Fourth Basement

B4 contains some of the best equipment in the dungeon. The floor layout is more open but watch out for tough enemy encounters, especially Malboros. In the south room, collect a Mythril Axe. Then find the hidden alcove by walking through the north wall to reach a Mythril Spear.

The real prizes on this floor are the robes:

• White Robe - Hidden passage in west wall (excellent magic defense for your healer)
• Black Robe - East chamber (perfect for your offensive spellcaster)

Equip both robes immediately - they provide significant magic stat boosts and defense. The stairs to B5 are in the northeast corner.

B5 - Fifth Basement

On B5, before proceeding too far, collect the nearby treasures:

• Cottage - Near the entrance (save for before the upcoming challenge)
• Phoenix Down - Side passage
• Saint's Spirit - West hidden room (permanently increases Spirit)
• Sage's Wisdom - East hidden room (permanently increases Intelligence)

Firion's Doppelganger

As you approach a door on B5, you'll find it blocked by a mysterious figure - Firion's doppelganger! This shadowy copy of your party leader stands guard, preventing passage. You cannot defeat the doppelganger through normal means. Instead, you must use the Black Mask from your inventory. The Black Mask dispels the illusion, causing the doppelganger to vanish and allowing you to proceed.

Important: If you don't have the Black Mask, you cannot proceed! Make sure you obtained it earlier in the story. You may need to backtrack if you missed it.

B6 - Final Floor

With the doppelganger dispelled, proceed through the door and take the stairs down to B6 - the final floor of the cave. Enemy encounters here are at their most difficult. Navigate carefully and conserve resources for the journey ahead.

Collect the final treasures:

• Spider's Silk - Near the final chamber
• Acid Bottle - South corner
• Hourglass - Hidden passage in the south wall
• Crystal Rod - Deepest chamber (key item)

The Crystal Rod is required for entering the Mysidian Tower. With the Crystal Rod in hand, you can now challenge the tower and seek the ultimate magic within. Cast Teleport to escape the dungeon, or retrace your steps if you want to encounter more enemies for experience.