Author Topic: Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (Read 6994 times)

Lurkerson · « **on:** November 28, 2009, 08:40:05 AM »

Sorry if this isn’t very good, but it’s my first time attempting this kind of thing. That being said… *ahem*

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is an RPG originally released as a cell phone game in Japan, and more recently on the Wii through the Wii Ware downloads.
A brief explanation of status terms
HP: You need this to live. Lose all of it and the character is KO’d. If everybody in your party is KO’d then the game is over.
MP: Use these to make the people go boom.
Strength: How hard a character hits things
Speed: How quickly a character gets their turns and perform actions. Some moves require charge times before they can be used. I have denoted this with CT, for “Charge Time”. 1 CT is equal to approximately the same time it would take that character to take a turn. Thus ½ CT is equal to half the time for a turn, 1 1/3 CT is equal to the time it takes to get a turn plus another third of that, and 3 CT is why you will never see Meteor being used in a duel. Please keep in mind that these times are only estimates, as measured in an amateurish fashion with a watch. I do not guarantee absolute accuracy here.
Stamina: Physical toughness
Intellect: How powerful a character’s black and summon magic is.
Spirit: How powerful a character’s white magic is.
Attack: Where you see X*Y, X = the possible number of attacks, and Y = how powerful each attack is
Accuracy: how likely each attack is to hit
Defense: Where you see X*Y, X = how many times a character can try to avoid a physical attack, and Y = how much punishment the person can take
Evasion: how likely a character is to avoid an attack
Magic Defense: see Defense, only with magic instead of physicals
Magic Evasion: see Evasion, only with magic
Status Ailments
Sleep: unable to act
Paralyze: unable to act
Confuse: will attack party members, including themselves. Getting hit cures this.
Curse: attack and defense cut in half
Poison: occasionally take damage. Not entire sure how much this is for.
Darkness: miss a lot with physical attacks
Silence: unable to use magic
Berserk: increased strength, but only attacks
Pig: the only spell you can use is Pig
Toad: Drastically reduced attack and defense. The only spell that can be used is Toad.
Mini: Drastically reduced attack and defense.
Petrify: turned to stone and unable to act. If party is petrified, then game over.
Slow: half character speed
Stop: unable to act
KO: You have Died
Unfortunately I do not have percentages for how likely a character’s status attacks are to hit at this time. Sorry.
Positive Status Effects
Protect: cut physical damage by ¼
Shell: cut magical damage by ¼
Haste: double character speed
Reflect: spells bounce off the person with this and hit their opponent.
Float: avoid earth elemental spells
Blink: avoid two physical attacks
Awakened: Ceodore does his best Terra impersonation
The Equipment Dilemma
Normally in the RPGDL a character is limited to what is unique to them. Unfortunately in this game, that is impossible. Furthermore, going to the final area cuts you off from all equipment stores, and the best equipment you can buy in the game is pathetic compared to what you find lying about in the final area. Unfortunately, most of the equipment in the final area is one-of-a-kind, and the only completely unique equips are Edward’s harps. Thus, in an effort to make things fair when testing, I gave each character the best equipment they can use, excluding the Adamantine and Colored Tail items (because I pretty much missed the opportunity to get those). Mind you, this does mean you have several characters tossing the Ultima Weapon between themselves, so the legality of this is questionable.
Damage Testing and the Moon
The phase of the moon in this game, which changes each time you rest or after a certain amount of time without resting, will power up and power down certain kinds of attacks, depending on the phase. In order to keep things fair, all results were tested when the moon had no effect on that kind of attack. The creature used as my punching bag were Goblin Princes, due to their having the same amount of physical and magical defense (this being 0 is mere coincidence). However they are weak to lightning, so to get around that I averaged the results of other elemental attacks and applied that number to the lightning spells. In the case of Zangetsu, who only has lightning spells, I divided by two to compensate. Damage the amount of damage done with any particular attack is not set in stone, so results may vary, void where prohibited, etc. etc.

All character levels for this are 65. By this point everybody, except Leonora due to her mighty Magicarp powers, has learned all their spells. Now, on with show.
_____________________________

Ceodore (Red Wings)
Status
HP: 4584
MP: 412
Strength: 61 (71)
Speed: 45 (65)
Stamina: 49 (64)
Intellect: 25 (28)
Spirit: 51 (54)
Attack: 10*31 (13*213)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 5*24 (12*105)
Evasion: 30% (60%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*39)
Magic Evasion: 9% (42%)

Equipment
Ultima Weapon: 180 attack, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina
Lunar Shield: 9 defense, 5 magic defense, +5 speed
Lunar Helm: 14 defense, 10 magic defense, +3 intellect, +3 spirit
Lunar Mail: 30 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, protects against status ailments
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3619 damage (6727 Awakened)
Awakening: Full HP recovery; double attack, defense, and magic effectiveness for three turns; reduced to single digit HP after three turns; usable once per battle, 1 CT
White Magic:
   Cure: 276 healing (589), 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Libra: see enemy HP and weaknesses, 1 MP
   Protect: reduce physical damage by ¼, 9 MP
   Raise: cure KO, 9 MP
   Cura: 831 healing (1734), 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, 1/2 CT, 20 MP
   Float: cause Float status, ¼ CT, 8 MP
   Shell: reduce magic damage by 1/4, 10 MP
   Blink: avoid two physical attacks, 8 MP
   Reflect: reflect spells toward opponent, 30 MP
   Haste: double target speed, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Curaga: 2634 healing (5211), 1/3 CT, 18 MP

Cecil (Paladin)
Status
HP: 5264
MP: 270
Strength: 77 (87)
Speed: 38 (58)
Stamina: 64 (79)
Intellect: 34 (37)
Spirit: 38 (41)
Attack: 12*35 (14*217)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 4*32 (11*112)
Evasion: 30% (60%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion: 9% (41%)

Equipment
Ultima Weapon: 180 attack, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina
Lunar Shield: 9 defense, 5 magic defense, +5 speed
Lunar Helm: 14 defense, 10 magic defense, +3 intellect, +3 spirit
Lunar Mail: 30 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, protects against status ailments
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3728 damage
White Magic:
   Cure: 236 healing, 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Sight: see mini-map, 2MP
   Libra: see enemy HP and weaknesses, 1 MP
   Cura: 619 healing, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Teleport: escape dungeon or battle, 10 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, ½ CT, 20 MP
Cover: take damage for one ally
   Cease Cover: stop taking damage for one ally

Rosa (White Mage)
Status
HP: 3631
MP: 558
Strength: 46
Speed: 33 (38)
Stamina: 39 (49)
Intellect: 26
Spirit: 68 (88)
Attack: 8*27 (8* 136)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 4*19 (4* 72)
Evasion: 30% (42%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4* 42)
Magic Evasion: 11% (51%)

Equipment
Perseus Arrows: 80 attack
Perseus Bow: 90 attack, +10 spirit
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Robe of Lords: 19 defense, 18 magic defense, +10 stamina, +10 spirit, resists all elements
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1392 damage
White Magic:
   Cure: 421 healing, 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Hold: inflict Paralysis, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Slow: half target speed, ¼ CT, 14 MP
   Libra: see enemy HP and weaknesses, 1 MP
   Sight: see mini-map, 2MP
   Raise: cure KO, 9 MP
   Protect: reduce physical damage by ¼, 9 MP
   Cura: 1421 healing, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Silence: inflict Silence, 1/3 CT, 6 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Shell: reduce magic damage by 1/4, 10 MP
   Blink: avoid two physical attacks, 8 MP
   Confuse: inflict Confuse, ¼ CT, 10 MP
   Teleport: escape dungeon or battle, 10 MP
   Berserk: inflict Berserk, ¼ CT, 18 MP
   Curaga: 4066 healing, 1/3 CT, 18 MP
   Mini: inflict or cure Mini, 1 CT, 6 MP
   Dispel: remove beneficial status, 1/3 CT, 12 MP
   Haste: double target speed, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Float: cause Float status, ¼ CT, 8 MP
   Reflect: reflect spells toward opponent, 30 MP
   Curaja: 8310 healing, 1/3 CT, 40 MP
   Arise: cure KO & full HP recovery, ½ CT, 52 MP
   Holy: 9593 holy damage, 2/3 CT, 46 MP
Aim: 1353 damage, 100% accuracy, 1/4 CT
Blessing: 665 healing, 22 MP healing, chance of failure, MT, 1/2 CT

Kain (Holy Dragoon)
Status
HP: 5090
MP: 270
Strength: 72 (82)
Speed: 48 (63)
Stamina: 60 (70)
Intellect: 31
Spirit: 42 (51)
Attack: 13*34 (14*216)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 6*30 (11*99)
Evasion: 30% (55%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (3*34)
Magic Evasion: 9% (37%)

Equipment
Crystal Shield: 7 defense, 4 magic defense, +3 spirit, strong against undead attacks
Ultima Weapon: 180 attack, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina
Crystal Helm: 12 defense, 8 magic defense, +3 spirit, resist all elements
Crystal Mail: 25 defense, 10 magic defense, +3 spirit, protects against status ailments, strong against undead
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3732 damage
White Magic:
   Cure: 280 healing, 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Cura: 801 healing, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Haste: double target speed, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Blink: avoid two physical attacks, 8 MP
   Hold: inflict Paralysis, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Teleport: escape dungeon or battle, 10 MP
Jump: 7225 damage, invincible while in air, 1 CT + ½ CT in air

Rydia (Summoner)
Status
HP: 3034
MP: 694
Strength: 33
Speed: 29 (44)
Stamina: 31
Intellect: 62 (82)
Spirit: 50
Attack: 6*24 (7* 124)
Accuracy: 66% (91%)
Defense: 3*15 (5* 63)
Evasion: 30% (42%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (5* 39)
Magic Evasion: 14% (56%)

Equipment
Mystic Whip: 100 attack, +10 intellect, holy element, can paralyze enemies
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Sage’s Robe: 19 defense, 15 magic defense, +10 intellect, +10 speed, protects against silence, strong against mage attacks
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1079, inflict Paralysis
Black Magic:
   Fire: 437 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Blizzard: 437 ice damage,1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Thunder: 437 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Sleep: inflict Sleep, 2/3 CT, 12 MP
   Poison: inflict Poison, 1/3 CT, 2 MP
   Warp: go back one floor, 4 MP
   Toad: Inflict or cure Toad, 1 CT, 7 MP
   Stop: inflict Stop, ½ CT, 15 MP
   Fira: 1752 fire damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Blizzara: 1752 ice damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Thundara: 1752 lightning damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Pig: inflict or cure Pig, 1 2/3 CT, 1 MP
   Osmose: 388 MP absorb, 1 ½ CT, 0 MP
   Bio: 3172 damage, gradually drain HP, 20 MP
   Drain: 511 HP absorb, 2/3 CT, 18 MP
   Blizzaga: 6918 ice damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Firaga: 6918 fire damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Thundaga: 6918 lightning damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Break: inflict Petrify, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Quake: 5710 earth damage, MT, misses flying opponents, ½ CT, 30 MP
   Death: inflict KO, 1 ½ CT, 35 MP
   Tornado: reduce to single digit HP, ½ CT, 25 MP
   Flare: 9163 damage, 2/3 CT, 50 MP
   Meteor: 9999 damage, MT, 3 CT, 99 MP
Summon:
   Chocobo: 997 damage, ¾ CT, 7 MP
   Sylph: 3126 damage + 625 healing, MT, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Ifrit: 2070 fire damage, MT, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Shiva: 2070 ice damage, MT, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Ramuh: 2070 lightning damage, MT, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Titan: 3981, earth damage, MT, misses flying opponents, 1 CT, 40 MP
   Dragon: 3181 holy damage, MT, 1 CT, 35 MP
   Odin: inflict KO, MT, ½ CT, 45 MP
   Asura: Protect spell, MT or 3120 healing, MT, or cure KO, MT, 1/3 CT, 40 MP
   Leviathan: 8882 water damage, MT, 2/3 CT, 50 MP
   Bahumut: 9999 damage, MT, 1 1/3 CT, 60 MP

Edge (Ninja)
Status
HP: 4588
MP: 305
Strength: 56 (66)
Speed: 52 (63)
Stamina: 47 (52)
Intellect: 49
Spirit: 27 (37)
Attack: 11*30 (12*205)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 6*23 (7*80)
Evasion: 30% (97%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion: 9% (40%)

Equipment
Mutsunokami: 75 attack, +10 strength, +10 spirit, casts Blink when used
Masamune: 65 attack, +3 speed, casts Haste when used
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Black Garb: 24 defense, 15 magic defense, +3 speed, high Evasion
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 2917 damage
Ninjutsu:
   Flame: 727 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Flood: 352 water damage, MT, ¼ CT, 7 MP
   Shock: 727 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Gale: 727 wind damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Smoke: escape from battle, 10 MP
   Heal Pill: 1681 healing, ½ CT, 6 MP
   Shadowbind: inflict Paralysis, 5 MP
   Mirage: avoid two physical attacks, 6 MP
   Blast: 2986 fire damage, MT, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Frost: 2968 ice damage, MT, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Blitz: 2968 lightning damage, MT, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Tremor: 2968 earth damage, misses flying opponents, MT, ½ CT, 20 CT
Throw:
   Shuriken: 1312 damage
   Cross Shuriken: 2640 damage
   Fuma Shuriken: 5239 damage
Smash and Grab: 3458 damage, steal an item, 1/3 CT

Cid (Engineer)
Status
HP: 4820
MP: 143
Strength: 83 (93)
Speed: 27 (32)
Stamina: 65
Intellect: 15
Spirit: 13
Attack: 12*36 (14*189)
Accuracy: 66% (91%)
Defense: 3 *32 (4*86)
Evasion: 30% (15%)
Magic Defense: 0*0 (1*27)
Magic Evasion: 3% (22%)

Equipment
Gigant Axe: 150 attack, +10 strength, can poison enemies, requires two hands
Dragon Helm: 11 defense, 7 magic defense, resists all elements, strong against dragon attacks
Dragon Mail: 23 defense, 8 magic defense, resists all elements, strong against dragon attacks
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3218 damage
Analyze: see enemy HP and weaknesses
Risk Strike: 4909 damage, lower accuracy, ¼ CT

Yang (Monk)
Status
HP: 5857
MP: 151
Strength: 85 (99)
Speed: 34 (69)
Stamina: 73 (99)
Intellect: 13
Spirit: 32
Attack: 13*153 (17*156)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 4*36 (8*101)
Evasion: 30% (62%)
Magic Defense: 2*0 (3*32)
Magic Evasion: 5% (29%)

Equipment
Godhand: +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, holy element, effective against ghosts and undead
Tiger Fang: +10 speed, +10 stamina, can paralyze enemies
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Brave Suit: 22 defense, 8 magic defense, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, protects against curse
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3518 damage
Focus: 7185 damage, 1 CT
Kick: 660 damage, MT, 1 CT
Cover Counter: take damage for one ally and counterattack
Cease Cover: stop taking damage for ally

Palom (Black Mage)
Status
HP: 3219
MP: 726
Strength: 34
Speed: 27 (42)
Stamina: 37
Intellect: 72 (92)
Spirit: 24
Attack: 6*24 (7*69)
Accuracy: 66% (76%)
Defense: 3*18 (5*66)
Evasion: 30% (42%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*39)
Magic Evasion: 12% (54%)

Equipment
Stardust Rod: 45 attack, +10 intellect, casts Comet when used
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Sage’s Robe: 19 defense, 15 magic defense, +10 intellect, +10 speed, protects against silence, strong against mage attacks
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 538 damage
Black Magic:
   Fire: 454 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Blizzard: 454 ice damage,1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Thunder: 454 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Sleep: inflict Sleep, 2/3 CT, 12 MP
   Poison: inflict Poison, 1/3 CT, 2 MP
   Pig: inflict or cure Pig, 1 2/3 CT, 1 MP
   Blizzara: 1723 ice damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Fira: 1723 fire damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Thundara: 1723 lightning damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Break: inflict Petrify, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Warp: go back one floor, 4 MP
   Toad: Inflict or cure Toad, 1 CT, 7 MP
   Osmose: 463 MP absorb, 1 ½ CT, 0 MP
   Drain: 612 HP absorb, 2/3 CT, 18 MP
   Bio: 3900 damage, gradually drain HP, 20 MP
   Stop: inflict Stop, ½ CT, 15 MP
   Blizzaga: 7731 ice damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Firaga: 7731 fire damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Thundaga: 7731 lightning damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Quake: 6369 earth damage, MT, misses flying opponents, ½ CT, 30 MP
   Death: inflict KO, 1 ½ CT, 35 MP
   Tornado: reduce to single digit HP, ½ CT, 25 MP
   Flare: 9999 damage, 2/3 CT, 50 MP
   Meteor: 9999 damage, MT, 3 CT, 99 MP
Bluff: lower enemy stats and raise own intellect. I didn’t notice much difference.

Porom (White Mage)
Status
HP: 3050
MP: 684
Strength: 33
Speed: 31 (36)
Stamina: 33 (46)
Intellect: 25
Spirit: 72 (97)
Attack: 6*24 (7*74)
Accuracy: 66% (86%)
Defense: 3*16 (4*69)
Evasion: 30% (42%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*42)
Magic Evasion: 12% (52%)

Equipment
Seraphim Mace: 50 attack, +15 spirit, casts Esuna when used
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Robe of Lords: 19 defense, 18 magic defense, +10 stamina, +10 spirit, resists all elements
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 704 damage
White Magic:
   Hold: inflict Paralysis, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Slow: half target speed, ¼ CT, 14 MP
   Libra: see enemy HP and weaknesses, 1 MP
   Cure: 512 healing, 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Sight: see mini-map, 2MP
   Raise: cure KO, 9 MP
   Cura: 1350 healing, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Protect: reduce physical damage by ¼, 9 MP
   Silence: inflict Silence, 1/3 CT, 6 MP
   Berserk: inflict Berserk, ¼ CT, 18 MP
   Teleport: escape dungeon or battle, 10 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Blink: avoid two physical attacks, 8 MP
   Confuse: inflict Confuse, ¼ CT, 10 MP
   Shell: reduce magic damage by 1/4, 10 MP
   Dispel: remove beneficial status, 1/3 CT, 12 MP
   Mini: inflict or cure Mini, 1 CT, 6 MP
   Curaga: 4270 healing, 1/3 CT, 18 MP
   Haste: double target speed, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Float: cause Float status, ¼ CT, 8 MP
   Reflect: reflect spells toward opponent, 30 MP
   Curaja: 9115 healing, 1/3 CT, 40 MP
   Holy: 9999 holy damage, 2/3 CT, 46 MP
   Arise: cure KO & full HP recovery, ½ CT, 52 MP
Pray: 1688 healing, chance of failure, MT, ½ CT

Edward (Royal)
Status
HP: 3164
MP: 260
Strength: 39 (59)
Speed: 40 (65)
Stamina: 36 (61)
Intellect: 34
Spirit: 37
Attack: 7*25 (12*128)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 5*18 (8*82)
Evasion: 30% (62%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*32)
Magic Evasion: 8% (32%)

Equipment
Loki’s Harp: 98 attack, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, effective against all monsters
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Brave Suit: 22 defense, 8 magic defense, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, protects against curse
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1769 damage
Bardsong: chosen randomly, positive only when targeting ally, negative only when targeting enemy
   Healing Harmony: 188 healing
   Life’s Anthem: 631 healing
   Guardian Ballard: casts Protect and Shell
   Hastemarch: casts Haste
   Alluring Air: inflict Confuse
   Silent Verse: inflict Silence
   Lullaby: inflict Sleep
   No Effect: Nothing! Absolutely nothing!
Salve: use an item on every member of the party, consumes 1 item per member, 1/3 CT
   Potion: 100 healing
   High Potion: 500 healing
   X-Potion: 2000 healing
   Ether: 50 MP healing
   Dry Ether: 150 MP healing
   Phoenix Down: cure KO
   Gold Needle: cure Petrify
   Maiden’s Kiss: cure Toad
   Mallet: cure Mini
   Diet Ration: cure Pig
   Echo Herbs: cure Silence
   Eye Drops: cure Blind
   Antidote: cure Poison
   Cross: cure Curse
   Remedy: cure status ailments
   Small Tale: 100 healing
Escape: leave battle, cannot be targeted or take action until returning to battle
   Return: return to battle, done instantly if only one in battle

Luca (Shop Hand)
Status
HP: 4765
MP: 150
Strength: 79 (99)
Speed: 29 (44)
Stamina: 67 (77)
Intellect: 15 (5)
Spirit: 13 (3)
Attack: 11*35 (15*190)
Accuracy: 66% (91%)
Defense: 3*33 (5*89)
Evasion: 30% (55%)
Magic Defense: 0*0 (1*24)
Magic Evasion: 3% (20%)

Equipment
Gigant Axe: 150 attack, +10 strength, can poison enemies, requires two hands
Dragon Helm: 11 defense, 7 magic defense, resists all elements, strong against dragon attacks
Minerva Bustier: 20 defense, 5 magic defense, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, -10 intellect, -10 spirit
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3491 damage
Analyze: see enemy HP and weaknesses
Big Throw: 3676 damage, same damage to/from back row, 1/3 CT

Ursula (Monk)
Status
HP: 4420
MP: 181
Strength: 65 (85)
Speed: 49 (84)
Stamina: 56 (91)
Intellect: 16
Spirit: 31
Attack: 12*148 (16*153)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 6*28 (10*97)
Evasion: 30% (62%)
Magic Defense: 2*0 (3*32)
Magic Evasion: 5% (29%)

Equipment
Godhand: +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, holy element, effective against ghosts and undead
Tiger Fang: +10 speed, +10 stamina, can paralyze enemies
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Brave Suit: 22 defense, 8 magic defense, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, protects against curse
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 2932 damage
Kick: 650 damage, MT, 1 CT
Tenketsu: strike at enemy weak point, 2/3 CT
   No message: 3151 damage
   “Weak Point Struck!”: 4103 damage
   “Weak Element Struck!”: 5946 damage, enemy must have an elemental weakness
   “Weak Point Struck!”: inflict KO
Chakra: 1112 healing + cure Poison ½ CT

Leonora (Epopt)
Status
HP: 2821
MP: 486
Strength: 41
Speed: 28 (33)
Stamina: 36 (46)
Intellect: 46
Spirit: 59 (84)
Attack: 7*26 (8*76)
Accuracy: 66% (86%)
Defense: 3*18 (4*71)
Evasion: 30% (42%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (5*42)
Magic Evasion: 13% (53%)

Equipment
Seraphim Mace: 50 attack, +15 spirit, casts Esuna when used
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Robe of Lords: 19 defense, 18 magic defense, +10 stamina, +10 spirit, resists all elements
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 733 damage
White Magic:
   Cure: 475 healing, 1/3 CT, 3 MP
   Raise: cure KO, 9 MP
   Teleport: escape dungeon or battle, 10 MP
   Esuna: cure status elements, ½ CT, 20 MP
   Libra: see enemy HP and weaknesses, 1 MP
   Sight: see mini-map, 2MP
   Hold: inflict Paralysis, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Cura: 1354 healing, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Slow: half target speed, ¼ CT, 14 MP
   Protect: reduce physical damage by ¼, 9 MP
   Silence: inflict Silence, 1/3 CT, 6 MP
   Berserk: inflict Berserk, ¼ CT, 18 MP
   Shell: reduce magic damage by 1/4, 10 MP
   Mini: inflict or cure Mini, 1 CT, 6 MP
   Confuse: inflict Confuse, ¼ CT, 10 MP
   Blink: avoid two physical attacks, 8 MP
   Float: cause Float status, ¼ CT, 8 MP
   Dispel: remove beneficial status, 1/3 CT, 12 MP
   Curaga: 4177 healing, 1/3 CT, 18 MP
   Haste: double target speed, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Reflect: reflect spells toward opponent, 30 MP
   Curaja: 7412 healing, 1/3 CT, 40 MP
   Arise: cure KO & full HP recovery, ½ CT, 52 MP
(Note: GameFAQs says she learns Holy at level 70, which would no doubt help her immensely)
Black Magic:
   Fire: 210 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Blizzard: 210 ice damage,1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Thunder: 210 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Poison: inflict Poison, 1/3 CT, 2 MP
   Sleep: inflict Sleep, 2/3 CT, 12 MP
   Stop: inflict Stop, ½ CT, 15 MP
   Drain: 291 HP absorb, 2/3 CT, 18 MP
   Osmose: 230 MP absorb, 1 ½ CT, 0 MP
   Fira: 1031 fire damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Blizzara: 1031 ice damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Thundara: 1031 lightning damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
(Note: at higher levels can learn the –aga spells and Flare)

Gekkou (Ninja)
Status
HP: 5403
MP: 179
Strength: 77 (87)
Speed: 35 (43)
Stamina: 68 (73)
Intellect: 24
Spirit: 19
Attack: 12*35 (13*187)
Accuracy: 66% (91%)
Defense: 4*34 (5*90)
Evasion: 30% (97%)
Magic Defense: 2*0 (2*39)
Magic Evasion: 5% (35%)

Equipment
Gigant Axe: 150 attack, +10 strength, can poison enemies, requires two hands
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Black Garb: 24 defense, 15 magic defense, +3 speed, high Evasion
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 2921 damage
Ninjutsu:
   Flame: 391 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Flash: inflict Blind, ¼ CT, 7 MP
   Payback Wave: Lower caster HP = more damage, 0 damage at full HP, 5077 damage at critical HP, 1/3 CT, 25 MP
   Blast: 1600 fire damage, MT, 1/3 CT, 20 MP
Shuriken: ¼ CT
   Shuriken: 1631 damage
   Cross Shuriken: 3276 damage
   Fuma Shuriken: 6555 damage

Zangetsu (Ninja)
Status
HP: 3815
MP: 383
Strength: 52
Speed: 42 (50)
Stamina: 44 (49)
Intellect: 54
Spirit: 23
Attack: 9*29 (10*169)
Accuracy: 66% (96%)
Defense: 5*22 (6*78)
Evasion: 30% (97%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion: 9% (39%)

Equipment
Holy Lance: 140 attack, holy element, casts Holy when used
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Black Garb: 24 defense, 15 magic defense, +3 speed, high Evasion
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 2137 damage
Ninjutsu:
   Shock: 904 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Flash: inflict Blind, ¼ CT, 7 MP
   Shadowbind: inflict Paralysis, 5 MP
   Blitz: 3250 lightning damage, MT, ½ CT, 20 MP
Human Kite: 3958 damage, invincible while in air, 1 CT + ½ CT in air

Izayoi (Kunoichi)
Status
HP: 3811
MP: 355
Strength: 48
Speed: 46 (54)
Stamina: 40 (45)
Intellect: 40
Spirit: 29 (39)
Attack: 9*28 (10*137)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 5*20 (6*76)
Evasion: 30% (97%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion: 8% (39%)

Equipment
Perseus Arrows: 80 attack
Perseus Bow: 90 attack, +10 spirit
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Black Garb: 24 defense, 15 magic defense, +3 speed, high Evasion
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1620 damage
Ninjutsu:
   Flood: 306 water damage, MT, ¼ CT, 7 MP
   Heal Pill: 1331 healing, ½ CT, 6 MP
   Heal Salve: 3154 healing, 1/3 CT, 21 MP
   Smelling Salts: cure KO, 1/3 CT, 9 MP
   Stealth Kill: inflict KO, 2/3 CT, 30 MP
   Frost: 2882 ice damage, MT, ½ CT, 20 MP
Illusions: inflict Confuse, ½ CT

Tsukinowa (Ninja)
Status
HP: 3305
MP: 230
Strength: 44 (54)
Speed: 56 (67)
Stamina: 35 (40)
Intellect: 29
Spirit: 21 (31)
Attack: 9*27 (11*199)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 7*17 (8*74)
Evasion: 30% (97%)
Magic Defense: 2*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion 6% (37%)

Equipment
Mutsunokami: 75 attack, +10 strength, +10 spirit, casts Blink when used
Masamune: 65 attack, +3 speed, casts Haste when used
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Black Garb: 24 defense, 15 magic defense, +3 speed, high Evasion
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 2826 damage
Ninjutsu:
   Gale: 431 wind damage, 1/3 CT, 7 MP
   Mirage: avoid two physical attacks, 6 MP
   Heal Pill: 1028 healing, ½ CT, 6 MP
   Restore Weed: cure some status ailments (which ones?), ½ CT, 15 MP
   Smoke: escape from battle, 10 MP
   Tremor: 1913 earth damage, misses flying opponents, MT, ½ CT, 20 CT
Steal: steal an item, chance to take damage if unsuccessful

Harley (Secretary)
Status
HP: 3451
MP: 239
Strength: 44 (54)
Speed: 33 (48)
Stamina: 41 (56)
Intellect: 49
Spirit: 40 (50)
Attack: 8*27 (10*138)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 4*20 (6*80)
Evasion: 30% (62%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*32)
Magic Evasion: 11% (36%)

Equipment
Perseus Arrows: 80 attack
Perseus Bow: 90 attack, +10 spirit
Red Cap: 10 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, resists fire
Brave Suit: 22 defense, 8 magic defense, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina, protects against curse
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1772 damage
Piercing Sight: remove positive status effects and add a weakness
Gil Toss: 1550 damage, MT, ½ CT

Golbez (Lunarian)
Status
HP: 4217
MP: 516
Strength: 64 (74)
Speed: 34 (56)
Stamina: 70 (85)
Intellect: 59 (62)
Spirit: 39 (42)
Attack: 11*32 (13*214)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 4*35 (11*115)
Evasion: 30% (60%)
Magic Defense: 4*0 (4*39)
Magic Evasion: 12% (45%)

Equipment
Lunar Shield: 9 defense, 5 magic defense, +5 speed
Ultima Weapon: 180 attack, +10 strength, +10 speed, +10 stamina
Lunar Helm: 14 defense, 10 magic defense, +3 intellect, +3 spirit
Lunar Mail: 30 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 stamina, protects against status ailments
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 3307 damage
Black Magic:
   Fire: 302 fire damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Fira: 1369 fire damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Firaga: 4689 fire damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Blizzard: 302 ice damage,1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Blizzara: 1369 ice damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Blizzaga: 4869 ice damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Thunder: 302 lightning damage, 1/3 CT, 5 MP
   Thundara: 1369 lightning damage, 2/3 CT, 15 MP
   Thundaga: 4869 lightning damage, 1 CT, 30 MP
   Bio: 2589 damage, inflicts Seizure, 20 MP
   Osmose: 298 MP absorb, 1 ½ CT, 0 MP
   Drain: 350 HP absorb, 2/3 CT, 18 MP
   Quake: 3850 earth damage, MT, misses flying opponents, ½ CT, 30 MP
   Flare: 7619 damage, 2/3 CT, 50 MP
   Meteor: 9999 damage, MT, 3 CT, 99 MP
Pressure: inflict Paralyze, ½ CT
Taunt: become target for enemy attacks

Calca (Doll)
Status
HP: 2867
MP: 325
Strength: 40 (50)
Speed: 29 (59)
Stamina: 45 (55)
Intellect: 38 (48)
Spirit: 25 (35)
Attack: 7*26 (10*113)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 3*22 (7*86)
Evasion: 30% (67%)
Magic Defense: 1*0 (3*39)
Magic Evasion: 7% (47%)

Equipment
Assassin Dagger: 85 attack, +15 speed, can instantly kill enemies
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Final Outfit: 30 defense, 15 magic defense, +10 to all stats, protects against Pig/Mini/Toad
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1401 damage, inflict KO
Jive: ½ CT
(Note: this move executes a random elemental attack or status attack. However, not only is there a lot of them he can choose from, they seem to be effected by his current HP count. Due to the large number of attacks, the random nature of the targeting and selection, and the varying effectiveness, I consider this move a headache and thus will not be bothering to test it)

Brina (Doll)
Status
HP: 2859
MP: 330
Strength: 30 (40)
Speed: 40 (70)
Stamina: 33 (43)
Intellect: 31 (41)
Spirit: 38 (48)
Attack: 6*23 (10*111)
Accuracy: 66% (99%)
Defense: 5*16 (8*80)
Evasion: 30% (67%)
Magic Defense: 3*0 (4*39)
Magic Evasion: 8% (48%)

Equipment
Assassin Dagger: 85 attack, +15 speed, can instantly kill enemies
Ribbon: 9 defense, 12 magic defense, protects against status ailments, strong against mages
Final Outfit: 30 defense, 15 magic defense, +10 to all stats, protects against Pig/Mini/Toad
Crystal Ring: 20 defense, 12 magic defense, +5 speed, protects against confuse & sleep, strong against dragons

Moveset
Attack: 1290 damage, inflict KO
Dance: ½ CT
(Note: see Calca’s Jive rant, but replace attacks/status effects with white magic effects/healing for allies. Not as many of them, but still a pain.)

OblivionKnight · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2009, 02:08:36 AM »

Always appreciated! I've been bugging Meeple to do this forever, and was half-tempted to do it myself >_> A few questions:

1) Any bosses that you have info on? Like major plot bosses similar to those from the original?

2) Are Ultima Weapons storebought or something? Same with the other stuff - it seems like loads of that stuff is the same, with very few unique things. Is that normal for the game?

3) Are all those characters final party members at once? Huge cast of people that are really similar if so.

4) Is it feasible to do averages of all the stats there? Just to see where people compare to each other (or at least a tiering).

Overall looks nice. Cool job!

Meeplelard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2009, 02:37:48 AM »

First off, OK, to do a stat topic, I'd have to PLAY THE DAMN GAME, and you know where I stand on that; furthermore, I've stated many times I refuse to do this stat topic especially when I have things like Pokemon Gen 4 to work on <_<

That said...

First off, the way equipment is generally handled is this way:

Storeboughts: If the equip is store bought (and not ludicrously overpriced. We're not talking merely pricey, we're talking going an extra digit further than is likely in a typical end game file, so yeah, it has to be EXCEPTIONALLY expensive), its generally allowed, at least as far as basic equips go; accessories are a little different, though it seems FF4TAY uses the same equipment scheme as FF4, where "accessory" was just a 5th equipment slot called Arm or whatever, so that shouldn't be a big deal here.

Uniques: "Unique"is a bit of a misnomer though; generally, it needs to be used by a minority of the cast; many people say "2 at most", outside of larger casts where the threshold is upped some. In a case like this game (where the cast goes up to like 25 for Permanent PCs?) I can see raising the threshold a bit. However, bare in mind, there's often another factor in the mix:
There needs to be enough of the equip to go around to support all who use it. If there's only one of the weapon and two users, many will say its illegal. Also, the object in question can't be stupidly hard to get (or get enough of); if its a chest or a reasonable drop by an enemy, that's cool. If its something that's strictly after game, requires beating an obvious super boss *OR* a rare drop like 1/64 odds, for example), many people frown upon it.

Initial Equips: If a character has a noteworthy initial equip (see Orlandu's Excalibur in FFT for the most famous example), people generally allow it for that character. This is often extended to equips forced onto characters, even if briefly, for a short while. Mario's Ghost Medal, for example, is randomly shoved on him (automatically placing whatever he has equipped in the inventory) in a plot scene, so many allow that.

Plot Equips: The shakiest and most controversial area; whether you allow these is up to you, and what counts as a "plot" equip is a grey area in itself. Its basically "if character has a strong plot claim to something, allow it." I can't think of a single universally accepted example that doesn't have some other factor in it (like Lenneth's Glance Reviver is a plot equip, but its also forcefully equipped on her too so it falls into the Initial Equip category too.)

Also, you might want to post Stat averages, as in, list the entire cast and their stats in order from best to worst, and the average of it; if there's too many characters, at least just list "Averages" at the bottom and average them out. THis is important in order to gauge where people fall.

Note you don't have to do EVERY stat. The Important stats to gain for stat averages are HP, Damage, Speed, Defense, Magic Defense and *MAYBE* MP, Accuracy and Evasion. Everything else sounds like it generally exists for algorithmic purposes and will work itself into one of the other stats, so its just becomes redundant, and saves you time.

Also, generally speaking, you can factor out temps from averages. Only taking the end game perms (which I know are still rather numerous) is what's important; while having Temps isn't a bad idea perse, it's not required.

Just follow these guidelines and it should help flehs this stat topic out. It looks good so far, mind.

Lurkerson · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2009, 03:24:16 AM »

I'm working on calculating the averages. I didn't realize I had forgotten them until about a minute after I posted that.

Concerning the equipment, I realize that what I have there is a bit of a problem, and trying to explain that in the section titled "The Equipment Dilemma". No, the Ultima Weapon is not a common item. There is only one of them. EVERY item you use in the endgame is like that. While I could have limited things to store-bought equipment from earlier, it would have seriously weighted everything in favor of the mages (more so then it already was), as opposed to actual in game performance. As for plot equipment, the only ones I can think off the top of my head that might count toward that is letting Rydia use the Mystic Whip and giving Cecil the Excalibur. I realize this makes their set-ups of questionable legality, but I honestly wasn't sure how else to go about it considering what this game gives you to work with.

As for the other concerns brought up, I haven't included any temps in there. Unfortunately I also do not have any boss statistics at this time. Really, I'm not sure how to even go about getting those without ripping from a FAQ somewhere.

Scar · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2009, 04:55:17 PM »

Kain has haste and heals now? GODLIKE!

OblivionKnight · « **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2009, 09:03:32 PM »

...wow, it does look like the "legal" weapons suck ballllllllllls.

The staves top out at 14 attack, +3 Spirit, +10% accuracy. They do have some effects (casts confusion, cures poison, etc.). Does anyone START with any of the better ones, by chance? Starting with a weapon would mean they avoid the suck of storebought ones.

Metal Claws are the best for claw users...+1 attack, +5 strength, +30% accuracy, the other storebought stuff being elemental stuff.

Rods are better, +7 intellect, 15 attack. Still not amazing, but also have other effects.

Icebrand...75 attack, ice element, 30% accuracy...

Best katana is 32 attack, 99% accuracy...

Best axe is 62 attack, +5 strength, 99% accuracy, but loses on magical stats

...god, no other weapons are worth mentioning. Godlike Edward on weapon choice, I suppose! I approve!

Ultradude · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2010, 05:00:29 PM »

HP - 4001.591

Damage (2/3 CT max) - 4491.409
Kill - 11228.5225

Damage (Tentative CT adjustment) - 3654.636
Kill - 9136.59

Speed - 53.7

Haven't played the game, but did some numbers grunt work because I was bored and my brain needed exercise. First damage average is just using anything with 2/3 CT or less, the second is a very sloppy adjustment to the average incorporating charge times, which is a bit nicer for the physical attackers.

Meeplelard · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2013, 06:36:40 PM »

Ok, figured I'd go through and grab equips that could be potentially useful for characters in the cast. Given the large cast, large variety of "interesting" gear, I'm just going to list the equip, it's stats, who can use it, and what potential use it sees on the character. I cannot get into raw depth per character analysis or I'd drive myself insane.

First and foremost though, I do want to say that I think while a more lenient view on FF4TAY needs to be taken given how bad Storeboughts are + size of the cast, etc. the topic is still a little TOO lenient. Ultima Weapon on 4 users, for example, strikes me as unreasonable. There's one in the game and all 4 may want it. Here, I'd argue Ragnarok should be their default; it's only 3 users (Golbez misses it) and it's a closer "minimum" to what Ceodore/Kain/Cecil will be using end-game, as using 2 of the 4 Ultima Weapon users is very viable. I'll have to go through with this part later, as there's a lot of cases like that.

Naturally, Crystal Rings on like everyone is wrong; that's the other big thing that sticks out given Crystal Rings are a random drop usable by everyone. Generally speaking, if item is a random drop, I'm going to ignore it unless the number of users is excessively low (doubly so if the item sees practical use on like one character.)

For weapons that are partially random drop reliant...uhh...I'll put them on the list anyway, just because. By partially, I mean you find one in a chest, but you can get extras via random drops.

Not gonna list weapons already listed on the characters default builds/useless on other characters.
So to start...

CLAWS
All Claws are used by Yang, Ursula and Edge, unless mentioned otherwise.
Flame, Ice and Lightning Claw: +30% Accuracy, Fire/Ice/Lightning Elemental respectively, Lightning Claw also hits Machine Weakness.
Uses: Hits elemental weaknesses for the Monks, as well as Species weaknesses. Unless weakness is drastic (like a Pokemon W4 or something) and Ice (he gets better Fire and Lightning elemental weapons), Edge doesn't make much use of these.

Fairy Claw: Random Confusion, +3 Speed
Uses: Confusion has obvious uses, I think FF4TAY follows same laws of FF4 in that "if slower than opponent, Status on weapons always fail", so assume that's tagged on for all status weapons.

Cat Claw: Random Sleep, +5 Strength, +5 Speed, 99% Accuracy (NOTE: Assume this just emans that the accuracy boost is high enough that it hits the cap, and not to be taken 100% literally)
Uses: Sleep lock down and all that.

Dragon Claw: Holy elemental, hits Dragon weakness, +10 Strength, +10 Spirit, +2% Magic Evasion
Uses: Mostly species weakness, Holy Elemental factor is already covered by the far superior God Hand

To speed things up a bit, Edge can also use God Hand and Tiger Fangs that is used on Yang and Ursula's default set. Useful for the speed boost, and random paralysis (from Tigerfangs), and MAYBE undead species weakness hitting of the God Hand.

RODS
Users of Rods are: Rydia, Palom, Leonora, Golbez, and Harley.
Generally speaking, Rydia, Palom and Golbez all want a Rod as default (assuming No Ultima Weapon for Golbez here); Harley and Leonora don't get any real use out of them (especially if you give Leonora Holy.)

Stardust Rod is hands down the best Rod, so not gonna waste time there. I will note that Fairy Rod offers the same boost in Intellect, so going with "2nd best for compromise", tends to have minimal impact Mages. Other stats on Rods are kind of meaningless as they're all damage inept and what not, they're only being used for their Intellect Boost.

Worth noting that there are other weapon classes (Daggers for example) that many of these characters can use which have the same effect, so yeah, I think it's safe to say that "Character is using a +10 Intellect Weapon in game" is a fair assumption.

If you allow item casting, there really isn't much worthwhile. Fairy Rod can inflict confusion and there's some healing Rods though the healing from Recovery Rod (the best) is pretty laughable end game, so not worth bringing up. Polymoprh Rod can inflict Pig, but that's kind of laughable as a status. Polymorph Rod, for those wondering, is +7 Intellect.

STAVES
All Staves are used by Cecil, Ceodore, Rosa, Porom, Leonora, Harley, and Golbez, unless spoken otherwise.

Generally speaking, Cecil, Ceodore, Golbez and Harley will never use a staff. Cecil, Ceodore and Harley all rely on their physical to do damage, and are lacking in any sort of support game for the damage loss to be worth it. Golbez has no use for Spirit Boosts of Staves; you MAY be able to squeeze out use from the item casts for him if you allow it, but generally, not worth it.

The Seraphim Mace is the best staff in the same way as the Stardust Rod, just for Spirit. If you don't allow that, the next best is the Sage Staff, which grants +10 Spirit (compared to Seraphim Mace's +15.) The Aura Staff provides the same boost, for that matter.

The only worthwhile alternative I see to a pure Spirit Based equip is Protect Staff, which is +5 Spirit and +10 Stamina, so grants a slight defensive push in favor of worse healing (and offense for those with Holy and MUCH worse offense for Golbez) It's completely useless for Cecil/Ceodore/Harley.

Psycho spiral can be used to Item Cast Confusion, but since most White Mages naturally learn confusion, and those that don't become completely damage inept and cannot deal without outside of Physicals, I shouldn't have to explain why this isn't very viable.

SWORDS
Swords are used by Ceodore, Cecil, Kain and Golbez, unless specified otherwise.

Ancient Sword: 35 Attack, +27% Accuracy, randomly inflicts curse
Uses: Curse is a nasty status when it comes off (halves physical offense + doubles damage taken), though realistically, only really worth it on Golbez due to the others taking a huge damage hit due to relying on physicals.
Worth noting that if you take a more restrictive view of equips, this weapon is Golbez's default, so legal for him regardless.

Blood Sword: 45 Attack, -5 Strength, -5 Speed, -5 Stamina, -5 Intellect, -5 Spirit, -1% Magic Evade Parasitic Healing equal to damage done, inverses on undead.
Uses: Parasitic Healing can be handy, but the speed and damage loss, likely not a lot; mostly listing for completion purposes. Again, Golbez is the only one likely to see use of this, since he has Non-Weapon based offense. (NOTE: I'm going to stop saying this because it's getting old; just assume this reason from here on in if not specified otherwise.)
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, there are 2 of these in the game, one in Kain's chapter, one in Golbez's. Personally, that's enough to be legal for me, since it's unlikely to use more than 2 Swordsmen in the final team, but make of this as you will.

Sleep Blade: 55 Attack, +27% Accuracy, randomly inflicts Sleep
Uses: Sleep locks are brutal in FF4, so obvious uses. Even if this hamstrings their offense, being able to stop person from attacking entirely (as well as breathing room to heal in between) has obvious uses.

Ragnarok: 150 Attack, 99% Accuracy, +10 Strength, +10 Spirit, +10 Stamina, +1% Magic Evasion, Holy Elemental, Hits undead Species weakness
Golbez cannot use this
Uses: Strongest weapon if you don't allow Ultima Weapon, otherwise useful for hitting elemental/species weakness.

Defender is a weapon that exists, but hard to justify legality for. In short, Challenge Dungeon #2 for Golbez, one in the game as a result, but there's a significant stretch where he's the only user. The only relevance this weapon has is +15 Stamina. If you do allow it for others...well, you likely allow Ultima Weapon which obsoletes this. Worth noting that Cecil has huge issues on damage getting around Holy Resistance if you don't allow Ultima Weapon.

There's a few elemental weapons, but realistically too weak to see use of them. Even Golbez if you want to hype them against DDS would rather just cast the elemental spell and move on.

SPEARS
Used by Ceodore, Kain, Golbez and Zangetsu

Blood Lance: 88 Attack, -28% Accuracy, -10 Strength, -10 Speed, -10 Stamina, -10 Spirit, -10 Intellect, -2% Magic Evasion, Parasitic Healing equal to damage done.
Uses: As Godly as ever, this is mostly listed for completion. The stat loss is that significant and no one really is going to make much use of this (especially since 3 of the 4 users can use Blood Sword which has the same benefits with far less detrimental downsides.)

Gungnir: 99 Attack, +10 Stamina, +30% Accuracy
Uses: Best Non-Elemental weapon (or is it Wind?) for anyone who uses a Lance (if you ban Ultima Weapon), Golbez excepted who generally doesn't care.

Worth noting that Holy Lance is Golbez's best 1H Weapon if you don't allow Ultima weapon. Ceodore and Kain have no real use for it, due to Ragnarok being straight up superior.

Flame and Blizzard Lance do exist as well, but their attack is not worth it unless they fight an SMT character or something.

BOOMERANG
Usable by Edge, Zangetsu, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, and Gekkou

At a glance the only useful Boomerang is Rising Sun for +10 Speed. Edge (who can use claws anyway) and Gekkou makes most use of this due to primary damage being Throw, while other Ninjas might use it for their Ninjutsu. Problem? There's only one of them, so legality is quite debatable, since all 5 have some use for it. For physical damage, it's worthless on Non-Edge/Tsukinowa characters, and even on them, it's suspect at best (especially since Edge has no reason to rely on his physical for damage ever.) 50 attack for those who care.

DAGGERS
Usable by Cecil, Ceodore, Kain, Edge, Rydia, Palom, Edward, Gekkou, Zangetsu, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, Harley, Golbez, Calca, Brina

Daggers are...suspect in legality, mostly because so many users and many want it. Triton's Dagger, for example, is potentially useful on any Black Magic user and the Ninjas due +10 Intellect. The only one that might pass is Phase Cutter due to being Calca and Brina restricted, but as a random drop, I'm quite "errrrr" on that.

Also, I think many will agree that handing half the cast an Instant Death weapon with +15 Speed in Assassin's Dagger that there's literally only one of in the game is not exactly justifiable.

KATANAS
Usable by Edge, Gekkou, Tsukinowa, Zangetsu, Izayoi

Katanas are fairly worthless as weapons for raw attack on characters not Edge/Tsukinowa; they have low attack and as such, obsoleted by other weapon classes. Edge and Tsukinowa can dual wield them and thus that adjusts their uses dramatically. For that reason, willing to pretend they're Edge/Tsukinowa unique if it's being equipped for raw attack. For that reason, willing to let Mitsunokami slide as being legal, and assume that's the 2nd weapon here.

Crimson Cherry: 26 Attack, FIre Elemental
Uses: Hitting Fire weakness with physical, mainly; low attack can be compensated for if the other weapon is strong, mind

Boltslicer; 35 Attack, Lightning Elemental
Uses: See above, change "Fire" to "Lightning"

Murasame: 55 Attack, casts Protect when used, +5 Strength, +5 Stamina, +5 Intellect, -5 Speed, -5 Spirit
Uses: Given everyone may want Masamune due to +3 Speed, you may argue this should be their second weapon. Generlaly speaking, -5 Speed is not worth the trade off for slightly stronger Ninjutsu.

AXES
Used by Cecil, Kain, Cid, Luca, Gekkou, and Golbez

Ogre Axe: 80 Attack, hits Giant's species weakness, +19% Accuracy
Uses: Anti Kongol weapon. Also best Single Handed weapon half the Axe users get (not that Gekkou cares), and also likely Cecil's best non-Elemental 1H weapon.

Cecil and Kain may want Gigant Axe for Non-Elemental damage as well, but that costs them a shield and by extension, significant amount of Defense. Also questionably legal due to 1 in the game, and best weapon for half the users of it.

HAMMERS
Used Cid, Luca, Gekkou and Golbez

Thor's Hammer: 140 Attack, Lightning elemental, +10 Strength, +30% Accuracy, Extra damage vs. Machines (?)
Uses: Best weapon if you ban Gigant Axe (on the "2nd best compromise" I keep going with), also elemental if that matters. The Machine weakness thing is something I am uncertain of, but speculating.

HARPS
Used by Edward

Due to Harps being Edward unique, they are all legal provided reasonable acquisition rates.

Generally speaking, Apollo's Harp and Muse Harp are useful for their elemental purposes (Apollo's Harp even retains +10 Strength and Speed, so no loss of Mults), though Muse Harp is a challenge dungeon and I know people don't like to allow those. Dream and Lamia's Harp are pathetic on damage, but can yield crucial status that can lock enemy or be used to stall with Salve. Dark Harp and Silver Harp are never seeing any legitimate use.

BOWS
Used by Cecil, Ceodore, Cid, Rosa, Rydia, Palom, Porom, Edward, Luca, Leonora, Izayoi, Harley

Perseus is far and away the best bow. Second best, Artemis, is a random drop with a lot of users and thus I mock it's legality. As a result, if you go by the 2nd best Compromise (which, for bows, feels legitimate because of how many users there are), then the best they get is:

Yoichi Bow: 60 Attack, +10 Strength

Black Magic users, however, may want to use this alternative:

Elfin Bow: 50 Attack, +5 Intellect, item casts Shell
Uses: Giving a black mage a semi-legitimate physical while keeping an intellect boost. Mostly an RPGmon thing I wager.

ARROWS
Used by all the samepeople who can use a bow (duh?)

Just gonna list arrows, and their attacks, + special properties. Everything else is the same. Uses should be straight forward just based on this:

Holy Arrows: 10 Attack, Holy Elemental, hits Undead and Ghoul weakness (not the same thing)
Fire, Ice and Lightning Arrows: 15 Attack, Fire, Ice and Lightning elemental respectively; Lightning ARrows also hit Machine weakness
Blinding Arrows: 20 Attack, inflicts Blind
Silence Arrows: 35 Attack, inflicts Mute
Angel Arrows: 40 Attack, inflicts Confusion
Yoichi Arrows: 50 Attack, listed because if you ban the Perseus Bow, the Arrows are no better

...yes, there is a POISON arrow, but Poison is laughable in FF4.

And yes, a Bow needs to be used to use an Arrow, that's a given.

WHIPS
Used by Rydia, Izayoi, Harley

NOTE: All whips can inflict paralysis, unless specified otherwise.

Queen's Whip: 5 Attack, randomly inflicts Piggy, does not inflict paralysis, 99% accuracy
Can Also be used by Rosa, Porom, Leonora, Ursula and Luca
Uses: Piggy status or something. And this is storebought! Yeah, not seeing much use, but listing it anyway.

Mystic Whip: 100 Attack, +10 Intellect, Holy Elemental
Uses: Elemental damage mainly, also Izayoi's best weapon for Ninjutsu, damage slightly worse than Yoichi Bow + Arrow means a decent attack status weapon for Harley/Izayoi

Elemental Whips exist too for the big 3, but are too weak to see any real use beyond SMT characters.

Worth noting that for White Magic users, Perseus Bow is +10 Spirit, so in game, it's REALLY hard to not have them get at least that much of a bonus.

Also, because Species weaknesses comes up rarely and sometimes we need Attacker's Definition for people who expand species to be a catch all for plot characters (eg calling CT Robo a "Machine" even though CT has no distinguishing factors towards Robo in this regard) as a result, I'll note that FF4TAY's species weakness appears to be 2x (contrast to FF4's 4x, and FF4DS' 1.5x.) Make of this as you will.

Status weapons worth also hinges upon how accurate the status is. Formal testing may be required in this regard.

SIDE NOTE: Do you get a bonus 1% Magic Evade for every 10 Spirit and Intellect? Because that seems to be the case. If that's the case, I should delete that because it's kind of redundant.

ONTO DEFENSIVE GEARS!!!

This is a little murkier because defensive stuff by nature is passive, so it's harder to justify some things as legal due to "useless on x character" unless the equip is outright obsoleted. I will make one general point though that sticks out to me, beyond the usual "No to Crystal Rings."

Lunar equips. These are hard to justify as legal because there's only one full set in the game and 3 users of it, and it's the best stuff they get (stat wise.) It's not impractical that you'd have 2 users in your party end game, to boot. Branching from that, Crystal Gear is a little murky too. One set, 4 users, though 3 of them can use Lunar Gear (so secondary compromise factor), issue however is that Crystal Gear is not straight up worse than Lunar Gear (Crystal Helm resists Elements, for example, Lunar Helm does not) The one exception is the Crystal Shield, however, and possibly the Lunar Shield:
The existence of the Hero's Shield means that having 3 users, all 3 are likely to be outfitted with AT LEAST Crystal Shield, and I would assume it's unlikely to have a team of all 3 Lunarians (as in, I'd see someting like Ceo/Golbez/Kain as more likely than Ceodore/Golbez/Cecil.) Technically, yes Cid can use it too, but given his weapon selection (all 2 Handed such) I'm willing to overlook that detail for these purposes. So yeah, Lunar and Crystal Shield I'm willing to see as exceptions for this.

Make of all this as you will. I'm tempted to say "Yes" to Crystal gear and "No" to Lunar Gear (sans the Shield), mostly for that 2nd best compromise factor + 2 Lunar users strikes me as more practical than 3 Crystal users.

Also think it's safe to say Ribbons are a huge "No" for obvious reasons. This means head gear is going to be requiring default gear listed...I hate myself sometimes <_<

THAT SAID, onto defensive gear!

SHIELD
Used by Ceodore, Kain, Cecil, Golbez and Cid, unless specified otherwise.

Kain and Cid miss out on Lunar SHield, Cid misses Crystal Shield, though Cid in general has problems with shields due to 2H Weapons. The Lunarian Trio can all use Crystal stuff. I already covered this, but just bringing it up again. Crystal Shield's stats listed on Kain's entry in stat topic, so not going to be redundant.

Dragon Shield: 6 Defense, 3 Magic Defense, 38% Evade, 5% M. Evade, Halves Fire, Ice and Lightning damage, resists attacks made by Dragons
Uses: If for whatever reason character needs to be flexible regarding equips, this option exists for its resists. Worth noting the drop from Crystal to Dragon Shield is fairly small (Lunar Shield is kind of notable though), so probably an ideal equip for Kain in this regard if he needs the equips.

Aegis Shield: 4 Defense, 5 Defense, 34% Evade, 4% M. Evade, +3 Intellect, Immunes Petrify
Uses: Petrify Immunity mainly, useful regardless on Kain, Golbez/Cecil/Ceodore depend upon equipping Lunar Mail or not.

Mythril Shield: 3 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, 26% Evade, 2% M. Evade, resists Spirit damage
Uses: Good against Pamela!!! And...uhh...VP1 GREY!!! ...yeah, this is almost never seeing use.

Lustrous Shield: 2 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, 24% Evade, 1% M. Evade, +3 spirit, resists Undead.
Used by Cecil, Ceodore and Kain only
Uses: If you absolutely hate the Crystal Shield, this resists Undead attacks then! Cecil starts with this, for whatever that's worth.

There's also elemental shields of sorts that resist elements but given the Dragon Shield is likely allowed by most, I think that sort of defeats the purpose of all three.

The Adamant Shield exists but given EVERYONE can use it (as opposed to armor users only), it doesn't really help the "divvy armor up" thing, and it's practically a Challenge Dungeon equip given the nature of Adamant stuff. Phase Shield exists for Calca and Brina, but "rare drop on very late game enemy only", I think I don't have to explain what's wrong there.

HELMET
Used by Ceodore, Cecil, Kain, Golbez, Cid, Luca

First off, yes, I am distinguishing Helmets from Hats and such. Going to make arbitrary splits in this regard, actually, just for organization. That said, ONTO HELMETS!

As usual, Crystal Helm can be used by the Lunar Equipment users as well, and is arguably a better helmet due to the elemental resists. This of course doesn't matter if they equip a Dragon equip alongside it (and often it's worth the loss) or something, but thought I'd note that. All Armor users can use Dragon Gear, so reference Cid/Luca if you think that should be their defaults due to stricter purposes. If you allow Crystal Helm, see Kain's entry (though "All elements" really means "Fire, Ice and Lightning")

As far alternatives go...really isn't much that is useful. I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here guys, so don't snipe at me!

Genji Helm: 10 Defense, 6 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 6% M. Evade
Can be used by Edge, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, Gekkou, and Zangetsu on top of the normal users
Uses: May potentially be the best defensive helmet the Ninjas can use, depending on views. Sees no real use on any of the other Helmet users.

Cross Helm: 9 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, Grants immunity to Blind
Uses: Good if someone has a genuinely threatening Blind status and that's their key to winning.

Mythril Helm: 8 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, -10% Evade, 2% M. Evade, resists Spirit damage
Uses: Dubious resists against spirits! Mostly useful for Luca who can't use the Shield.

Horned Helmet: 8 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, -10% Evade, 1% M. Evade, +3 Strength, -3 Intellect, -3 Spirit
Uses: +3 Strength might come in handy if the character hits a multiplier benchmark or something. I'm not holding my breath on that one though.

Lustrous Helm: 7 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, -10% Evade, 1% M. Evade, +3 Spirit, resists Undead Attacks
Can only be used by Cecil, Ceodore, Kain
Uses: If you have something completely against the Crystal Gear, the Undead Resistance might come in handy on a very rare chance! Cecil starts with this, as a reminder, so even if you're absolutely against these kinds of things, it's an initial equip for him.

There's also Diamond Helmet but see Dragon stuff scenario there. Branching from that, also the usual Phase and Adamant equips but well, you know.

CIRCLETS
Used by: Cecil, Ceodore, Rosa, Rydia, Palom, Porom, Leonora, Harley, Golbez, Calca, Brina

Circlets are a catch all term for "used by Mages" because screw you; I'm aware most aren't anything close to this, but uhh...Phantasy Star 4 Rune Hype or something.

Cat Ear Hood: 7 Defense, 18 Magic Defense, 8% Evasion, 16% M. Evasion, +5 Speed, resists Ice,
Uses: Potential default equip for those who can't use Helmets, +5 Speed and Elemental Resistance are obvious perks. Magic Defense score is nice for the Helmet uses as well.

Hypno Crown: 7 Defense, 16 Magic Defense, 8% Evasion, 18% M. Evasion, +5 Intellect, grants immunity to Toad, Mini, and Piggy
Uses: Alternative to Cat Ear Hood, but less useful in general, mostly since only a handful of characters can use +5 Intellect while everyone can use +5 Speed (also lower Magic defense); personally, I'm tempted to call this the default equip for Non-Helmet users as far as Circlets go, due to secondary Compromises and all that. Like with Cat Ear Hood, Magic Defense completely trashes Helmets in this regard, so potential option there.

Sage's Miter: 5 Defense, 7 Magic Defense, -2% Evade, 5% M. Evade, +5 Spirit, resists Undead attacks
Uses: If you really hate the above two, this ends up being the best Circlet class equip. Otherwise, mostly good for the Undead resistance and not much else outside of giving Holy that extra OOMPH.

Circlet: 4 Defense, 7 Magic Defense, 7% M. Evade, +5 Intellect
Uses: Alternative to the above, though mostly only sees use on Black Magic users.

Wizard's Hat exists, but +3 Intellect and SPirit is the only interesting thing it does, which is to say all of Leonora might care...and even then, not really (her damage is unsalvage-able unless you allow Holy, in which case, Sage's Miter is just straight up better)

HATs

No other headgear seems to fall under any sort of classification so I'm gonna have to go through these one by one, great...

White Tiger Mask: 8 Defense, 3 Magic Defense, 6% Evade, 3% Magic Defense, +5 Strength, grants immunity to Paralysis
Used by Edge, Yang, Edward, Ursula, Zangetsu, Gekkou, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, Harley
Uses: Possible default helmet for these users...also +5 Strength and Paralysis immunity never hurts. Note that anyone who can use this can use Red Cap as well.

Black Cowl: 5 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, 4% Evade, 1% M. Evasion, +3 Strength, +3 Speed, +3 Stamina, grants immunity to sleep
Used by: Everyone
Uses: it's hard to justify this as legal, but whatever. Might be best helmet for some users, sleep immunity, yada yada yada, still not sure why I listed it...

Beret: 5 Defense, 4 Magic Defense, 4% M. Evasion
Used by Everyone
Uses: Possibly default gear in a more strict setting...in terms of raw defense anyawy. Frankly, if they're forced to use this, just use one of the below, more interesting options

Green Beret: 3 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, 2% Evasion, 1% M. Evade +5 Strength, +5 Stamina,
Used by: Everyone
Uses: Stat Boosts mainly. I'm unsure if the defense listed here takes the Stamina boost into account, because going off an FAQ, so that's possibly slightly off. Note the difference won't be significant one way or another as this helmet is ass regardless for raw defense.

Headband: 1 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, 1% M. Evade, +5 Strength, grants immunity to confusion
Used by: Everyone
Uses: +5 Strength if you don't allow Green Beret, and otherwise Confusion immunity if desperately needed. Pretty much one of those "Last resort" equips.

Queen's Mask: 1 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, -5% Evade, 1% M. Evade, grants immunity to Blind, Silence, Mini and Berserk
Used by: Rosa, Rydia, Porom, Luca, Ursula, Leonora, Izayoi, Harley
Uses: The status immunities, of course. Like Headband, it's pretty much a "last resort" style equip, only to be used if the status is literally the only thing preventing from winning.

ARMOR
Used by Ceodore, Cecil, Golbez, Cid, and Luca

First off, I should note exactly what the Lunar Mail and Crystal Mail grant resistance too. The game doesn't do jack to tell you other than "resists status" though thankfully I did find information on this so here they are!

Crystal mail: Mini, Pig, Toad, Berserk, Silence
Lunar Mail: Poison, Sleep, Hold, Confuse, Stone, Instant Death

For those playing at home, yes, those two are literally complete opposites for status immunity, outside of neither immuning Stop or Slow (which seem to function different from other status due to the much greater number of enemies vulnerable.) As an easy way to remember what gets what? Crystal Mail = FF6's White Cape w/ Berserk Immunity, and by extension, Lunar Mail is "anything that doesn't hit." This just made Lunar Mail vs. Crystal Mail and legality surrounding them all the more prominent.

That said, again, all Lunar Mail users can use the Crystal Mail, so just refer to Kain for the stats on that. Likewise, all of them can also use Dragon Mail, for the Elemental resists/Dragon resistance so refer to Cid/Luca there, though generally speaking, this will rarely come up because chances are they can get said resists from a different equipment slot with lower penalties (likely the Shield), but I'm not gonna go through every potential equip combination to prove this, so just remember it's there.
Also, as a reminder, "All Elements" is not "All Elements"; it's specifically Fire, Ice and Lightning. FF4TAY does have other elements (Holy for example), which these equips typically do nothing against.

That said, onto other potentials!

Genji Armor: 21 Defense, 7 Magic defense, -20% Evasion, 4% Magic Defense
Also usable by Edge, Zangetsu, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, and Gekkou
Uses: Haven't gone through all the Light armor stuff, but there's a chance that, under stricter interpretations, this may end up being the best (in terms of raw defense) armor the Ninjas can use. I don't think that's the case, but felt it couldn't hurt to list it anyway.

Bone Mail: 18 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, -10% Evade, 1% M. Evade, Poison Immunity, Resists Undead attacks
Uses: Undead resistance for Cid/Luca mostly, also POIZN IMMUNITY or something.

Mythril Armor: 13 Defense, 4 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 2% M. Evade, resists Spirit attacks
Uses: GOOD AGAINST THE ALMOST NEGLIGIBLE CHANCE THEY FIGHT A SPIRIT!!!

Bunch of other lesser stuff but not really worth it. At best, there's the elemental armors specifically but only useful if you do not allow Dragon equips for anyone and all that, so not really worth bringing up.

GEAR
Used by Edge, Izayoi, Gekkou, Zangetsu, Tsukinowa, Yang, Ursula, Edward, Harley

Ok, first off, Brave suit qualifies as Gear, and is usable by all the Ninjas. It's kind of something everyone wants if only for that +10 Speed (and anyone who uses basic physicals, +10 Strength), so hard to justify; Black Garb is highest defensive gear for the Ninjas specifically for that matter.

So onto the lesser stuff and alternatives that may be useful or something!

Red Jacket: 21 Defense, 12 Magic Defense, 20% Evade, 4% M. Evade, +10 Strength, +10 Speed, resists Fire
Uses: Brave Suit with slightly worse stats, but offering Fire resistance.

Fire Scarf: 20 Defense, 10 Magic Defense, 50% Evade, 10% M. Evade +3 Strength, +3 Stamina, +3 Intellect, Absorbs Fire
Only usable by Edge, Gekkou, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, and Zangetsu
Uses: Fire Absorption is obvious, essentially a lesser Black Garb beyond that.

ROBES
Used by Ceodore, Cecil, Rosa, Golbez, Palom, Porom, Rydia, Leonora, Harley

Due to the number of users, and how the game spontaneously splits the Robes, I'm just going to say "White Magic users" vs. "Black Magic Users" because the split is pretty much always that. Harley apparently counts as a Black Magic user, and Leonora does indeed count as both. The rest should be straight forward...and yes, Kain, despite using White Magic, cannot use any Robes.

White Robe: 18 Defense, 10 Magic Defense, 7% Magic Evade, +10 Spirit, resists Undead attacks, immunes Blind
White Magic users only
Uses: Likely best armor for non-Armored white Magic users if you're more restrictive on equips.

Luminous Robe: 12 Defense, 9 Magic Defense, 10% M. Evade, +5 Spirit, resists Lightning, resists Undead Attacks
Uses: Probably best armor for Black Magic users, Lightning resistance doesn't hurt for White Magic users though better accessed through a different equip likely (accessory, namely)
NOTE: I thought this armor boosted Intellect, but according to guides it does not. If this is wrong, I will correct it in the future

Ebony Robe: 11 Defense, 9 Magic Defense, 1% Evade, 10% M. Evade, +5 Intellect, +5 Spirit, resists Undead
Usable by Golbez only
Uses: if Golbez desperately needs damage and can sacrifice defense, he may want this...yes, this is a big if.

Black Robe: 8 Defense, 7 Magic Defense, 7% M. Evasion +5 Intellect
Black Magic Users only
Uses: Damage boost, if desperate, not much else.

Gaia Gear exists for Gradual Petrify immunity, but that comes up like...never, and kills defense so bad, it's not even funny.

CLOTHES
Usable by everyone but Calca and Brina

Silver Breastplate: 7 Defense, 4 magic Defense, 5% Evasion, 2% M. Evade, resists Spirits
Uses: Extremely rare chance the resistance might matter or something

Queen's Tights: 5 Defense, 5 Magic Defense, 15% Evade, 5% M. Evade, immunity to Pig, Confuse and Paralysis
Females Only
Uses: If specific status immunity is desperately needed...

First off, Robe of Lords is usable by Ceodore and Cecil in addition to those mentioned in this topic. Sage's Robe is usable by Harley, Leonora and Golbez as well for that matter as well.

ACCESSORY STUFF!

Stuff held in the final slot, yada yada yada, self explanatory from here. As I said, I don't think allowing the Crystal Ring is realistically fair at all, since random drop + usable by all.

GLOVES
Used by Ceodore, Cecil, Cid, Kain, Golbez, Luca, Edge, Izayoi, Gekkou, Zangetsu, and Tsukinowa

Lunar Gloves: 12 Defense, 9 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 5% M. Evade, +5 Strength
Only usable by Ceodore, Cecil, and Golbez
Uses: Should be default for Ceodore and Cecil if allowed. Golbez may prefer something else, but best equip for defensive purposes.

Crystal Gloves: 10 Defense, 7 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 5% M. Evade, +3 Stamina
Only usable by Ceodore, Cecil, Golbez and Kain
Uses: Kain's Default if you allow this, default for Ceodore and Cecil if you don't allow Lunar Gloves, best defensive gear for Golbez as well under same conditions

Dragon Gloves: 9 Defense, 6 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 3% M. Evade, resists Fire, Ice and Lightning, resists attacks by Dragons
Only usable by Ceodore, Cecil, Golbez, Kain, Luca, and Cid
Uses: Default for Luca and Cid, another option that resists the big 3 elements for the others. Worth noting this is a rare drop on top of being found in a chest, unlike other Dragon equips.

Genji Gloves: 8 Defense, 5 Magic defense, -10% Evasion, 3% M. Evade
Uses: Best raw defense arm equip for the Ninjas, no real purpose for the armor users, probably not best as default for the Ninja

Bone Wrist: 7 Defense, 1 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 1% M. Evade, immunes Poison, resists Undead
Uses: Beat Evil Gaia for free or something...

Mithril Gloves: 6 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, -10% Evasion, 2% M. Evade, resists Spirits
Uses: Resists Ghost damage! ...yeah, I'm stretching shut up

Queen's Gloves: 2 Defense, 2 Magic Defense, 1% M. Evade, immunes Poison, Toad and Petrify
Only usable by Rosa, Rydia, Porom, Luca, Ursula, Leonora, Izayoi, Harley
Uses: The status immunities.

As a side note, I would not be shocked that if you equip all of the Queen gear, you are immune to all immune-able FF4 status. Of course, your stats take a huge blow...so it's basically the same as Lufia 2's Bunny Gear...

ARMLETS
Used by Rosa, Rydia, Edge, Yang, Palom, Porom, Edward, Ursula, Leonora, Gekkou, Zangetsu, Izayoi, Tsukinowa, Harley, Golbez, Calca, Brina

Diamond Armlet: 6 Defense, 8 Magic Defense, 6% M. Evade, resists Lightning
Uses: Probably default equip for the Ninjas (+2 Defense vs. High Magic defense, Evade, Lightning resistance and Magic Evade...uh, yeah), Edward and Harley, otherwise easy access to Lightning resistance for others

Rune Armlet: 5 Defense, 8 Magic Defense, 8% M. Evade, +3 Intellect, +3 spirit, immunes Silence
Uses: Being slightly worse on physical defense in exchange for Silence immunity and higher offense/healing, Rune Ring is easily the best equip for going in "Blind" for the pure mages, especially if they use the Luminous Robe

Silver Armlet: 4 Defense, 4 Magic Defense, 4% M. Evade, resists Spirits
Uses: Rare species resistance hype is ago!

I chose not to list Ruby Ring because it's only use is immuning a non-existent status outside of FF4 related products. Edward and Harley both have unique starting equips, but neither are actually relevant in the DL, as their effects are pointless on the respective character, and the stat boosts are obsolete.

And that, as they say, is that!

Reiska · « **Reply #8 on:** May 20, 2015, 09:06:43 AM »

At least in the mobile/PC version (I haven't checked on other platforms), ice/fire and holy/dark resists are no longer opposed (meaning, fire resist does not give you ice weakness and vice versa). I tested this by equipping a flame mail and then using Libra on the character wearing it, no weaknesses were reported, and the character didn't take extreme damage from an enemy's Fira either. Could stand to do a little more thorough testing just for the sake of argument, but.

In the mobile and PC versions (only) of After Years, there are no Challenge Dungeons. The following items are instead now storebought from the Namingway shop on the moon in The Crystals:

Edit: Now includes stats, at least as far as FAQs tell me.

WEAPONS
Shuriken - 200 [Attack 20, for Edge/Gekkou to use with Throw only]
Manji Shuriken - 20000 (note: this was called the Cross Shuriken on Wii) [Attack 40, for Edge/Gekkou to use with Throw only]
Wing Edge - 6800 [Attack 32, Accuracy 99, back row compatible; usable by Edge and the Eblan Four]
Cat Claws - 6500 [Accuracy 99, Strength/Speed +5; chance to inflict Sleep; usable by Edge/Ursula/Yang]
Muse Harp - 6500 [Attack 35, Accuracy +40, holy element, effective vs. demons/ghosts/undead; usable by Edward]
Gaia Hammer - 12000 [Attack 65, Accuracy +25, Strength +5; FAQ claims it's fire element; itemcasts Quake; usable by Cid/Luca/Gekkou/Golbez]
Sledgehammer - 32000 [Attack 90, Accuracy +30, Strength +5; chance to inflict Confuse; usable by Cid/Luca/Gekkou/Golbez]
Wizard's Rod - 5000 [Attack 21, Accuracy +5, Intellect +9, fire/ice/lightning element; has a non-element damaging itemcast; usable by Rydia/Palom/Leonora/Harley/Golbez]
Power Staff - 6000 [Attack 30, Strength +10; chance to inflict Berserk; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Rosa/Porom/Leonora/Harley/Golbez]
Master's Staff - 10000 [Attack 42, Accuracy +15, Spirit +7, itemcasts Cura; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Rosa/Porom/Leonora/Harley/Golbez]
Blitz Whip - 10000 [Attack 40, Accuracy +10, lightning element, chance to inflict Paralyze; usable by Rydia/Izayoi/Harley]
Obelisk - 35000 [Attack 85, Accuracy +40, Strength +5; usable by Ceodore/Kain/Zangetsu/Golbez]
Demon Slayer - 40000 [Attack 82, Accuracy +40, effective vs. demons; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Golbez]
Enhancement Sword - 37000 [Attack 82, Accuracy 99, Intellect +7; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Golbez]
Defender - 57000 [Attack 105, Accuracy +40, Stamina +15; itemcasts Protect; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Golbez]

ARMOR
(Shields)
Ice Shield - 10000 [Def 3, MDef 2, Evade +30, MEvade +2, resist fire, strong vs. demon attacks; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Cid/Golbez]
Diamond Shield - 15000 [Def 4, MDef 2, Evade +32, MEvade +3, resist lightning; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Cid/Golbez]
(Head)
Gold Hairpin - 20000 [Def 7, MDef 10, Evade +10, Intellect +10, resist lightning, strong vs. dragon attacks; usable by Rosa/Rydia/Porom/Luca/Ursula/Leonora/Izayoi/Harley/Brina]
Chakra Band - 4000 (note: this was called the Chakra Headband on Wii) [Def 5, MDef 3, MEvade +5, Strength/Speed/Spirit +3, immune poison/blind/silence/sleep; usable by everyone]
Mystic Veil - 7000 [Def 8, MDef 8, Evade -2, MEvade +9, Speed +1, Intellect/Spirit +7, resist holy, immune curse; usable by Rosa/Rydia/Porom/Luca/Ursula/Leonora/Izayoi/Harley]
Goblin Mask - 4500 [Def 7, MDef 5, MEvade +6, Speed/Intellect/Spirit +3, immune blind; usable by everyone]
Officer's Hat - 5500 (note: this was called the Circular Hat on Wii) [Def 7, MDef 7, Evade -3, MEvade +7, Strength/Stamina +3; usable by everyone]
Diamond Helm - 10000 [Def 9, MDef 2, Evade -10, MEvade +3, resist lightning; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Cid/Luca/Golbez]
(Body)
Black Robe - 10000 [Def 8, MDef 7, MEvade +7, Intellect +5; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Rydia/Palom/Harley/Golbez]
Black Belt Gi - 14000 [Def 10, MDef 3, Evade +20, MEvade +2, Strength/Stamina +5; usable by everyone but the dolls]
Red Robe - 20000 [Def 11, MDef 9, MEvade +8, Intellect/Spirit +4; usable by Rosa/Rydia/Palom/Porom/Leonora/Harley/Golbez]
Mist Wrap - 20000 [Def 8, MDef 8, Evade +35, MEvade +10, Speed +5, immune poison; usable by everyone but the dolls]
Exorcist's Gown - 11000 [Def 11, MDef 6, MEvade +6, Intellect/Spirit +2, strong vs. demon attacks; usable by everyone but the dolls]
Professor's Robe - 10000 [Def 10, MDef 5, Evade +5, MEvade +6, Spirit +5; usable by everyone but the dolls]
Diamond Armor - 40000 [Def 19, MDef 4, Evade -10, MEvade +2, resist lightning; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Cid/Luca/Golbez]
(Hands)
Flan Ring - 10000 [Def 7, MDef 0, Evade +2, MEvade -10, strong vs. flan attacks; usable by everyone]
Sprint Ring - 10000 [Def 1, MDef 5, Evade +5, MEvade +15, Strength -5, Speed +5; usable by everyone]
Hyper Wrist - 5500 [Def 4, MDef 3, MEvade +3, Strength +10; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Rydia/Edge/Cid/Yang/Luca/Ursula/Gekkou/Zangetsu/Izayoi/Tsukinowa/Golbez]
Talisman - 8000 [Def 2, MDef 12, Evade -5, MEvade +13, Intellect/Spirit +5; usable by Rosa/Rydia/Edge/Yang/Palom/Porom/Edward/Ursula/Leonora/Gekkou/Zangetsu/Izayoi/Tsukinowa/Harley/Golbez/Calca/Brina]
Single Star - 10000 [Def 3, MDef 3, Evade -5, MEvade +5, reduces MP consumption by 25%; usable by everyone]
Treasure Hunter - 10000 [not DL relevant]
Rapid Ring - 10000 [Def 4, MDef 4, Evade -6, MEvade +4, reduces skill charge times by 25%; usable by everyone]
Level Band - 10000 [not DL relevant]
Diamond Gloves - 5000 [Def 7, MDef 3, Evade -10, MEvade +3, resist lightning; usable by Cecil/Ceodore/Kain/Cid/Luca/Golbez]
Rare Band - 10000 [not DL relevant]

Note that there are a few challenge dungeon items not listed here, many of which are expected:

Consumables of any kind that weren't already buyable (Megalixirs, Silver Apples and Soma Drops are the notable ones)
Lustful Lali-hos and Adamantites, which were found in the chapters proper now
Hell Claws - now OPG, from a chest in Yang's tale
Protect Staff - now OPG, initial equipment on Fusoya
Aura Staff - now OPG, from a chest in Golbez's tale
Wind Spear - now OPG, initial equipment on temporary Kain
Flame Lance - now enemy drop/steal only (Flame Knight)
Angel Arrows - now enemy drop only (Lamia variants)
Ice Whip - now OPG, from a chest in The Gathering
Flame Shield - one from a chest in Kain's tale, more from Flame Knight drops
Aegis Shield - now enemy drop only (Catoblepas)
Black Cowl - now OPG, from a chest in The Gathering
Rose Twine Dress - now enemy drop only (Amazon)
Luminous Robe - now 2PG, both from chests, one in The Gathering, one in Golbez's tale
Flame Mail - one from a chest in Kain's tale, more from Flame Knight drops

Dhyerwolf · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2017, 10:12:22 AM »

I'm playing through this now and thinking of doing a topic refresh with second best weapons. Should I do challenge dungeons or not?

DjinnAndTonic · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2017, 03:26:56 AM »

What version are you playing?

If it's the original version that was released in chapters and designed around the idea of players having nothing else to do but play the challenge dungeons for hours between releases of each chapter, then yes.

If you're playing any of the collected versions, the challenge dungeons aren't really required to be up-to-date with the difficulty level of successive chapters, and you could skip them. The exception might be Golbez's challenge dungeon, which seems to be considered by many to be a big help in preparing for the last chapters.

Dark Holy Elf · « **Reply #11 on:** December 11, 2017, 05:18:13 AM »

I don't think it overly matters. By the time you hit endgame any level advantage granted by challenge dungeons should be long gone. The stat topic assumes equal levels and I'm inclined to agree for convenience.

I generally wouldn't see equipment which is CD-only to be legal (unless it's actually unique I suppose). TAY equipment legality is already a huge headache to figure out (I'd be curious to see discussion on what should and shouldn't be allowed) and I don't think that extra complication is needed. That said, if there is a limited piece of equipment in the maingame which a challenge dungeon gives you an extra copy of, I'd consider that towards helping said equip's legality.

Dhyerwolf · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2017, 02:30:10 AM »

I'm playing the PSP Collection version. My thoughts on equipment are some combination of the shop in the most recent version (since it at least provides the most reasonable baseline/sanity check even if you played a previous version) or 2nd best weapon for weapon types aren't sold in that store (unless it's a weapon that is generally dual-wielded, in which case it might be 3rd/4th best). I definitely agree that a 2nd best weapon that is only in a CD might have legality issues though.

Dark Holy Elf · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2017, 02:35:45 AM »

Doing "second best" for raw weapon power is a simple enough call. I think the bigger issue is dealing with limited equipment with unique and desirable effects, like status weapons (which I'd generally give the finger to), element blockers, and statusblockers.

Dhyerwolf · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2017, 07:03:18 AM »

So, how do these weapons look:

Cecil- Ragnarok (Ultima Weapon is best)
Ceodore- Ragnarok (Ultima Weapon is best)
Golbez- Holy Lance (Ultima Weapon is best, Assassin's Dagger is second best)
Kain- Ragnarok (Ultima Weapon is best)
Edge- Masamune + Triton’s Dagger (Matsunokami + Rising Sun is best)
Gekkou- Thor’s Hammer (Gigant Axe is best)
Izayoi- Matsunokami (Mystic Whip is best)
Tsukinowa- Masamune + Triton’s Dagger (Matsunokami + Rising Sun is best)
Zangetsu- Gungnir (Holy Lance is best)
Yang- Dragons Claws + Faerie Claws (Godhand + Tiger Fangs is best)
Ursula- Dragons Claws + Faerie Claws (Godhand + Tiger Fangs is best)
Cid- Thor’s Hammer (Gigant Axe is best)
Luca- Thor’s Hammer (Gigant Axe is best)
Rydia- Triton’s Dagger (Mystic Whip is best; Assassin’s Dagger is 2nd best)
Palom- Triton’s Dagger (Assassin’s Dagger is best)
Rosa- Sage’s Staff (Seraphim Mace is best)
Porom- Sage’s Staff (Seraphim Mace is best)
Leonora- Sage’s Staff (Seraphim Mace is best)
Harley- Mystic Whip (Assassin’s Dagger is best)
Calca- Triton’s Dagger (Assassin’s Dagger is best)
Brina- Triton’s Dagger (Assassin’s Dagger is best)

Also, thoughts on whether some armors should be more restrictive than second best since armor types generally have more users than weapon types?

Dark Holy Elf · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2017, 07:21:31 AM »

Looking over that list I notice you gave the dual-wielders their 3rd and 4th best weapon. I'd definitely lean towards 2nd+3rd? Neither faces that much competition for their weapons, compared to the folks fighting over Ultima Weapon.

I wouldn't allow any unique properties (e.g. added status, or species slaying) from the limited weapons regardless.

Dhyerwolf · « **Reply #16 on:** December 31, 2017, 08:00:25 AM »

Yeah, I wasn't sure to go for 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th. I'll probably say that Rising Sun is likely Edge/Tsukinowa's best weapon because 10 Speed and backing them fully back row is worth more than squeezing out a bit more physical damage.

Dhyerwolf · « **Reply #17 on:** January 12, 2018, 01:38:52 AM »

So here is what I am thinking for the rest of the equips

General Rules
Weapons- 2nd best for 1 weapon wielders & 2nd and 3rd best for dual wielders or shield holders
Helmets- 2nd best, excluding Ribbons (of which you get 2 and they are pretty awesome). Could arguably should be your best helmet since your best helmet is generally worse than Ribbons.
Armor- 3rd best. In a few cases, someone’s third best armor was still pretty awesome. Unlike Helmets/Armlets, there are no awesome universal armor, so it's much more likely that you'll be getting your 3rd best.
Armlets- 2nd best, excluding Protect Rings (of which you get 2 and they are pretty awesome). For a lot of people, this ended up being the Diamond Armlet which is appropriately fitting. For many people, this ends up as Diamond Armlet, which is appropriately fitting

Exceptions
Excluded Items: Assassin's Dagger (2nd best for many), Black Cowl (nearly every single character would have had this as their default otherwise, you get only one, and it's pretty atypical of headgear)

Speed is the best stat in game. Besides being completely literal, it improves physical damage as well as durability (although the effects on durability aren't great). I think characters that have a large number of speed boosting equips that aren't DL legal should still get some reward for having a better equipment draw in the one stat that really matters. The following exceptions are both relatively small groups that share at least 3 notable speed boosting equips where at least one of the equips is limited among a relatively small group.

Cat Ear Hood- Golbez, Palom, Rydia. All these characters have access to the following: Assassin's Dagger (with a relatively large user pool), Sage's Robe (which only a small number of people can use) and Cat Ear Hood (with a relatively large user pool). Cat Ear Hood is the least helpful of these items by a longshot (in game and in the DL)
Rising Sun- Male Ninjas. Ninjas have access to 2 +10 speed armors (with a relatively large user pool) and Rising Sun (just ninjas, although dual wield does make this slightly more competitive). Rising Sun is the least useful in the DL (although awesome in game). The reason Izayoi is not included is because she then gets access to her third best armor, which is still offering the +10 Speed
Some type of Dragon Gear- Luca and Cid. I can't imagine using either of these characters in game and not giving them at least 1 piece of Dragon gear, which offers marginal stat boosts over the next best option and all have the same effect. I'd probably use the Helmet and Armlet.

There's also a question of whether any alternate gear non-storebought should be allowed. Several characters can run very divergent builds with "lesser" non-storeboughts.

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