multiple signs for me. I never beat that battle unless I leave with all of that guys armor. Its really not that bad to do. Kill the assassins/demons, cast Chicken till his brave is 0 (He wont turn chicken but it will remove his blade grasp ability). From there its just having enough people who can heal and use item commands, as well as using the gems to be immune to bloodsuck. Once his Brave is 0, its like 10-20% chance to steal his Shield, and after that his other items are even easier.