Rains in the Giza Plains: Chapter Seeking Power

Navigate the flooded Giza Plains in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age! Learn enemy changes, find the Regen magick, and discover how to open new paths by toppling Withered Trees.

Alright, so you've done some adventuring, grabbed some gear, and maybe even taken down a few marks. Now it's time to head back to the Giza Plains, but this time, it's a bit different – it's raining! Before we do that, though, let's swing by Rabanastre's Sandsea and check the Notice Board. We're looking for the Croakadile Mark. This guy only shows up in the Giza Plains when it's raining, so it's the perfect time to hunt him. While we're at it, grab the Enkelados hunt too, since we'll be heading to the Ozmone Plains soon anyway. Once that's done, head to Rabanastre's Southgate and exit south.

When you get back to the Giza Plains, you'll immediately notice how the rain has changed things. The areas are the same, but the low spots are now filled with water, altering the landscape quite a bit. The enemies have changed too. You'll still see Hyenas, but other creatures like Gigantoads and Ichthons have moved in. They might look familiar, but they're tougher now, with more HP and hitting harder.

Their drops are a little different too. Hyenas can now drop Fire Stones, Wolf Pelts, Green Berets, or Hi-Potions. You can steal Fire Stones, Wolf Pelts, or Festering Flesh, and Poach them for Wolf Pelts or Festering Flesh. Ichthons drop Fish Scales, Water Stones, Traveler's Vestments, or Potions. You can steal Fish Scales, Eye Drops, or Phoenix Downs, and Poach them for Fish Scales or Potions. Honestly, none of this loot is really worth grinding for, and the gear they drop can be found in chests more easily.

Hyenas are the only native Giza Plains creatures that stick around during the rainy season, though they're tougher now (left). Keep an eye out for white, Withered Trees and knock them over (right).

Throne Road

You'll start in the Throne Road area. It's now filled with Gigantoads and Hyenas, but they shouldn't give you too much trouble. The middle of the area is a shallow pond, but you can still get to the Nomad Camp to the south by going around. The chests here usually have Lightning Fangs or healing items, which might be uncommon ones, so they're worth grabbing if you pass by, but don't go out of your way for them.

There's one main thing to do here. Head towards the southern end of the area, going clockwise around the pond. You'll pass through a narrow, tree-lined path with a Gigantoad guarding it. After this, you'll reach the southern edge of the pond. To the south is the path to the Nomad Camp, but look to the western shore of the pond. Just south of a trap, you'll find a small white tree – a “Withered Tree.” Give it a whack with your weapon, and it'll float away. Sometimes nature needs a little help, right? Plus, clogging up the river might open up new paths, so let's keep an eye out for more dead trees to push downstream.

Nomad Camp

Once you're done with the trees, head south to the Nomad Camp. There are three things to check out here. If you took the Croakadile hunt back in Rabanastre, you'll find Sadeen near the Cockatrice pen. He's pretty upset and will mention a ring before asking you to hunt down the beast that took it. This officially starts the “A Ring in the Rain” hunt.

Next, head east into the empty Cockatrice pen. Inside an urn, you'll find the Regen magick. This spell helps against Sap and gradually heals your party over time. It's not ideal for tough, fast-hitting enemies, but it's great for grinding against weaker foes to keep your HP up.

Finally, leave the pen and search the eastern shore just south of it. You'll find another Withered Tree. Knock it over and watch it float away, helping to build your makeshift bridge. After that, head west. You can use a Save Crystal here if you need to, chat with a Moogle and a Seeq traveler, and then exit west to reach the Toam Hills area.

Toam Hills

This area doesn't have much in the way of significant treasure, but there are a few enemies worth noting. Besides the usual Hyenas and Gigantoads, you'll find Ichthons near the water, especially in the southeastern part of the area. You'll also encounter a Wooly Gator along the southern edge.

Wooly Gator: These hairy, strange-looking reptiles start out calm, but if you anger them, they're a bit tougher than the smaller enemies in the rainy Giza Plains, though not as tough as their size might suggest. Their Sonic Fangs attack can hit hard, and their Flash attack can blind your party.