Ah, I forgot about Astos. Yeah, most people that try a FF1 Solo Thief usually give up or start using savestates. Level 24-25 is the minimum level to beat him (Unless you get alot of lucky shots).

I like the rune sword too, but the dragon/coral sword gives 1 extra point of power, which is a giant help late in the game (Because its the most powerful sword a thief can have other than the masamune). Im asuming that your playing the American NES FF1 so element bounses dont apply...

But if you ARE Playing the JPN FF1, then the Rune Sword will be a GIANT help against Kary

I would have used Coral but:
1) Its pink... pink is just not my color...
2) Its in a diffucult spot to get while the Dragon pretty much comes with TNT...

Also in the pirate fight, This is really the only battle where you should use heals... Also being at lvl 6-8 helps too