Defeating Balk:

Balk is a difficult enemy to beat. At first glance, this battle in Murond Death City looks fairly simple: Balk is standing in the midst of four monsters (one of each of the following: Behemoth, Hyudra, Hydra, and Tiamat). You find out pretty quickly that this battle isn't going to be one of the easy ones.

Here's my take on how to beat Balk and his crew of beasts.

First, use the sword duping trick to make a number of "Excalibur" and "Save the Queen".

Change Ramza's job to Knight if you don't have him there already, and equip both the swords stated above (must have the Two Swords ability from the Ninja job class [900 JP]). This will automatically put him in [Haste] and [Protect].

Have whatever ability you want for your secondary action ability. Use Blade Grasp for your Reaction ability, Two Swords for Support ability, and Move-HP UP for Movement.

NOTE: This combination of abilities and items works well with ANY character, but you may not have spent enough time with everyone, having Ramza the only one capable.

For the rest of my team, I included Mustadio as an Engineer (with Mythril Gun), Orlandu as Holy Swordsman (with Excalibur and Save the Queen if possible), Agrias as Holy Knight, and a Ninja.

Equip the best armor you have (Reflect Armor works OK here). The Defense Armlet is the best accessory to have (so Balk can't use his Snipe skills on you), but Rubber Shoes (accessory) are useful when Balk tries to shoot you with his Lightning-aligned Blast Gun. Use whichever is handy, but equip the Defense Armlet(s) on your best character(s).

Use Mustadio's "Snipe" ability on the monsters to paralyze them. Pick each one off in turn with Ramza and the Ninja going up close with Two Swords, while Agrias and Orlandu get them with Lightning Stab (or the best skill you have).

Note: You can just attack the Behemoth until its health is "Critical". It'll leave you alone. The three other monsters can hit you with their firey breath (and from fairly far away), so make sure you kill them off completely.

You can't paralyze Balk, so you have to concentrate on surrounding him. He runs away easily and can hit you with his Blast Gun, so go after him quickly (once you've eliminated the monsters). Try to break his Blast Gun first with Orlandu's Hellcry Punch. After that, he's easy to defeat with ANY ally. Good luck!