FFIX L1E2PG FAQ

**Ok, what is this L1E2PG thing?**
L1E2PG stands for Level 1 Excalibur II Perfect Game.  What this requires is obtaining a truly perfect file-meaning 0 missed items, max stats and the Excalibur II naturally must be obtained. The Excalibur II puts a timer on the challenge of 12 hours to beat Lich, the 2nd to last boss before the point of no return. Max stats can only be obtained from Level 1 due to equipment boosting the stats by a slight amount during a level up-having the best equipment equipped results in slightly higher stat points.

**You just got some EXP**
Unfortunately, a true Level 1 game isn't possible due to 4 fights-Tantarian, and the 3 Pandemonium battles. The survivor of these battles was selected to reduce stat point losses, but it's as close to a level 1 game as possible. I can't avoid EXP from the Plant Spiders on Disc 1 either, but everyone surviving a 2 spider encounter results in no one leveling up.

**How do you know what to do?**
There's a very good FAQ on GameFAQs, as well as quite a few video uploads of the challenge on YouTube. I'm following "Justin Credible"'s Path C (Balanced Quina) method, and obtaining 10 Promist Rings.
[L1E2PG FAQ] http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps/197338-final-fantasy-ix/faqs/41181
[Video Playlist] https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqFaI-OBXqQMbZe0SsqOCt9OnhctA7xRD

**Wait, 10 Promist Rings? Huh?**
It can show up the Treno Auction house if and only if you have 0 in the inventory-they can be equipped.  You also get one in Kuja's Palace. That one MUST be the tenth if you want 10.  This is accomplished by getting a Mountain Chocobo to return to Treno before entering the Desert Palace.

**But...but the gil requirement!**
~14,000 is a valid price for a Promist Ring to be sold it. Double the 60,000 or so that you can get with the Cotton Robe trick (also with a Mountain Chcobo in the same timeframe) and you have enough to obtain 9 Promist Rings pre-Desert Palace.

**What about the recently discovered Protect Ring on Disc 4?**
The -nero family sidequest...it will require 5 stops to Lindblum during Disc 4 at varying points pre-Excalibur II, though thankfully the last 4 required visits can occur past obtaining it. I'll be stopping by the Tantalus hideout after the following points:
1. The beginning of Disc 4. Benero&Zenero
2. The battle with Nova Dragon. Genero
3. The battle with Maliris. Denero
4. The flashback of Alexander. Penero
5. The scene where Zidane talks to himself. Benera
6. The battle with Lich. (technically sooner, but this is the last event between the sword and the window of opportunity) Zenera
7. The scene where Garland talks about the beginning and the Crystal. Genera
8. The scene where the party enters the Crystal World. Denera
9. The battle with Deathguise. Penera&Protect Ring

**Is this possible?**
Quite, though very luck reliant in places.

**Any other insane challenges you want to attempt?**
Well...no one has technically completed an NSGNSNCNONENNENBB run...