Final Fantasy I
Game by Squaresoft
For the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Weaponry Guide
Written by Reverend Eric "Vegita" Johnson ([email protected])
Version 3.141


Sections:

I    - Introduction
II   - Weapon Notes
III  - Weapon Chart
IV   - Normal Swords
V    - Magical Swords
VI   - Knifes
VII  - Staves
VIII - Hammers
IX   - Axes
X    - Nunchaku
XI   - Various
    A   - Revision History
    B   - Thanks
    C   - No Thanks


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    --------------------------I:  Introduction---------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Welcome!  I am Vegita, Guardian Of Destiny, and I see you want help for the
Nintendo game "Final Fantasy".  Rock on!  This is my 3rd guide for the game,
and you're probably wondering why I even bother anymore.  I mean, it IS an
older game, and this is a guide so specialized that it probably won't matter.
Wellsir, lemme tell ya, I've found myself looking for a FAQ such as this, and
since I didn't find one - just like when I didn't find an Armor guide - I've
decided to make my own.  There, now you know why I'm typing this.

First off, let's get one thing straight: Even though I am Vegita, I will try to
write from an un-biased point of view (although I still think I'm the best at
everything).  Second of all, if I catch anyone copying all or part of this FAQ,
ANY part of this FAQ (not counting little, inconsequential sentences like
"First off, let's get one thing straight"), I will destroy you.  I will rip you
limb from limb like the excessively weak individual you are, and then I will
sue you for copyright infringement.  Well, ok, maybe I'll just sue you, but if
I got the chance I'd certainly go for the ripping of limbs from other limbs.

Third of all, I do not own the rights to this game, the names of the characters
in this game or FAQ, or have any ownership whatsoever of this game (except for
the cartridge sitting in my room, that is).  Those are the property of their
respective owners.  If I find a website with this FAQ on it, and it has been
changed in any way, does not give me proper credit, or is selling it without my
knowledge and consent, then I WILL have my lawyers contact that site.  Are we
clear (this means YOU, Vertsk8!)?


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    --------------------------II:  Weapon Notes--------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

All right, let's get down to business.  I've broken up the weapon list into
sections, each Section containing a certain type of weapon.  These are then
sorted alphabetically by the name of the weapons (in that category), followed
by the individual statistics of the weapon.  Here is a preview of the system:

-----[Weapon Name]-----

Damage:              [Number]
Hit %:               [Number]
Cost:                [Price]
Purchase Locations:  [City Name(s)]       --- If you need more information
                                             about where a city is, consult
Find Locations:      [Item Location(s)]       another FAQ or the map at
Who Can Equip It:    [Character Classes]      GameFAQs.com
Special Properties:  [Properties]

If I feel the need to (which I can pretty much guarantee I will), I'll include
some various thoughts about each item, its' applications in the game, and maybe
even a little history.  You never know, you might even learn something!


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    --------------------------III: Weapon Chart--------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

For simplification purposes, here's a chart with each weapon's basic stats and
who can use 'em.  You might not get as much information about the weapon, but
90% of the time you'll probably just be looking for a quick bit of reference on
an item.  Thus, the chart has its use.

Reading the chart is simple as pie (Mmm, pie).  Along the left are the various
Weapons, grouped in categories: Swords, Magic Swords, Knives, Staves, Hammers,
Axes, and Nunchaku ("Chucks").  The top portion of the chart lists the
character classes (abbreviated), and form columns that cross each of the
weapons' rows.  If a character class can equip that particular weapon, then
there will be an X in the space where the two meet; if not, then there will be
a period.  At the far right of the chart is that particular piece of weapon's
Damage Rating and Hit Percentage.

The weapons are not sorted alphabetically; instead, they are listed in
ascending order by their damage rate (per category), then by Hit Percentage,
THEN alphabetically.   Thus, "Rapier" may come after "Bane Sword" in the
dictionary, but you will see the Bane Sword (Damage = 19) come before the
Rapier (Damage 9) in my chart.  I makes da chart, so I makes da rules, ya dig?

Shorthand:

Fighter    = Fi    Knight       = Kn
Black Belt = BB    Master       = Ma
Thief      = Th    Ninja        = Ni
Red Mage   = RM    Red Wizard   = RW
White Mage = WM    White Wizard = WW
Black Mage = BM    Black Wizard = BW
_______________________________________________________________________________
|       Class |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
| -=Swords=-  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Rapier       | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |   9   |   5   |
|Scimitar     | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  10   |  10   |
|Sabre        | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  13   |   5   |
|Falchion     | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  15   |  10   |
|Short Sword  | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  15   |  10   |
|Long Sword   | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  20   |  10   |
|Silver Sword | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  23   |  15   |
|Vorpal Blade | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  24   |  25   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
|-=M. Swords=-|   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Were Sword   | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  18   |  15   |
|Rune Sword   | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  18   |  15   |
|Dragon Sword | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  19   |  15   |
|Coral Sword  | X | . | X | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  19   |  15   |
|Giant Sword  | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  21   |  20   |
|Bane Sword   | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  22   |  20   |
|Flame Sword  | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  26   |  20   |
|Ice Sword    | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | . | . | . | . |  29   |  25   |
|Defense      | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  30   |  35   |
|Sun Sword    | X | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | . |  32   |  30   |
|Xcalibur     | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | . | . | . | . |  45   |  35   |
|Masamune     | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  56   |  50   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
| -=Knives=-  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Small Dagger | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X |  5    |  10   |
|Large Dagger | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X |  7    |  10   |
|Silver Knife | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X | X | . | X |  10   |  15   |
|Catclaw      | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | X | . | X |  22   |  35   |
|Katana       | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | . | . |  33   |  35   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
| -=Staves=-  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Heal Staff   | . | . | . | . | X | . | . | . | X | . | X | . |  6    |  0    |
|Wooden Staff | X | X | . | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  6    |  0    |
|Power Staff  | X | X | . | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  12   |  0    |
|Mage Staff   | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | . | X | . | . | X |  12   |  0    |
|Iron Staff   | X | X | . | . | . | . | X | X | X | . | . | . |  14   |  0    |
|Wizard Staff | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | X |  15   |  15   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
| -=Hammers=- |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Iron Hammer  | X | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | X | . | X | . |  9    |  0    |
|Silver Hammer| X | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | X | . | X | . |  12   |  5    |
|Thor's Hammer| . | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | X | . |  18   |  15   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
|  -=Axes=-   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Hand Axe     | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | . | . |  16   |  5    |
|Great Axe    | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | . | . |  22   |  5    |
|Silver Axe   | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | . | . |  25   |  10   |
|Light Axe    | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | . | X | . | . | . |  28   |  15   |
|             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|             |Fi |BB |Th |RM |WM |BM |Kn |Ma |Ni |RW |WW |BW | Damage| Hit % |
|-=Nunchaku=- |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |       |       |
|Wooden Chucks| . | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | X | . | . | . |  12   |  0    |
|Iron Chucks  | . | X | . | . | . | . | . | X | X | . | . | . |  16   |  0    |
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    --------------------------IV: Normal Swords--------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Usually constructed of metal and ranging anywhere from 1-8 (!) feet in length,
swords have aided armies all throughout history as being the primary arms for
soldiers and guards alike.  This basic weapon stemmed from the concept of
taking a club (oft made of wood) and constructing a similar shape out of metal,
thus making it heavier and harder.  It was then improved on, giving the weapon
an edge so as to cut with.  From here, the sword progressed through a variety
of fashions all around the world, taking on different styles and shapes.  Some
were thinner and used for piercing opponents (Rapiers), some were meant for
slashing or drawing (Scimitar, Sabre), and some were made simply to be big and
heavy, so as to crush their target as well as slice it (Long Sword).

Your regular, run-of-the-mill swords can be crafted by any Blacksmith with some
proficiency in smithing.  Although they lack the magical abilities of other
swords, they easily make up for it with their lower cost (for the most part)
and the fact that quite a few people (including your thief) can use 'em with
some proficiency.  If you need a weapon and you're not a mage (in which case,
you SHOULDN'T need a weapon), then a sword is for you!  Heck, there are more
swords than every other weapon combined in the game, so they'd BETTER be
common...

Here are the Normal Swords, listed in the order in which they appear:

             A)  Falchion            E)  Scimitar
             B)  Long Sword          F)  Short Sword
             C)  Rapier              G)  Silver Sword
             D)  Sabre               H)  Vorpal Blade

_____________________________====================______________________________
                               A   - Falchion
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The falchion is one of the oldest styles of swords known to man, dating back
2,000 years to the ancient Egyptians.  Development of their weaponry eventually
lead to the Khopesh, a scythe-like weapon that had been straightened and
sharpened on both edges to give a slashing ability, as well as the occasional
poking (due to the pointed tip).  The Greeks straightened the blade and
shortened the handle further, renaming it the "Kopis" and claiming it as their
own.  Eventually, the Falchion found its way into India (thanks to Alexander
the Great's expansive empire) where it was renamed again - this time called the
"Khukri".  This blade was more of a long, curved knife, used in ceremonies
rather than as a basic armament for soldiers.

The blade's evolution came through a desire to improve the damage-capacity of a
slashing weapon, culminating in the equivalent of a modern-day machete.  The
Falchion has a broad, curved edge, with the spine thickened and extra weight
put toward the tip of the blade.  By doing so, this caused the Falchion's
center of gravity to be further away from the handle, giving added momentum to
the slash and increasing its damage.  Thanks to its added force, the Falchion
was a preferred weapon against armored opponents than a straighter blade (such
as a longsword).

In Final Fantasy, the Falchion is a sword with the same damage capacity as a
short sword; however, due to its lessened weight (thanks to the shift in weight
distribution within the weapon), even a Thief can use it.

Damage:              15
Hit %:               10
Cost:                450 Gil (Sell Price:  225 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Melmond
Find Locations:      Northwest Castle (Astos' Castle, locked room)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                              B   - Long Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Truth be told, there actually was no such thing as a "long sword"; at least,
there was no weaponry that was designated as such, as well as Short Swords or
Broad Swords.  Swords were not created to fall underneath certain length or
width amounts; if a sword was deemed to be longer than normal, you would call
it a longsword (and likewise for short- or broad-swords).  Thus, a "Longsword"
could vary in length, anywhere from 3 feet (for a shorter soldier) to 8 feet
(although one would argue that THAT would be more of a Claymore, an actual
designation of such weaponry).

In Final Fantasy, the Long Sword is a weapon that - due to its size and length
- deals more damage than most regular swords, but is unfortunately less
accurate.  It is useable only be a select few, namely those with the proper
strength to wield such an unwieldy weapon.  Unfortunately, by the time you can
purchase or find one of these weapons, you've probably already purchased the
Silver Sword, and any better weaponry for other classes (i.e., Thieves) will
have been found already.  It's a decent weapon, it's just overshadowed before
you ever have a chance to effectively use it.

Damage:              20
Hit %:               10
Cost:                1,500 Gil (Sell Price:  750 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Melmond
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                                C   - Rapier
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Rapier was known as the duelist's weapon.  Sporting a long, slender blade
with sharp edges, coming to a fine point (sic) at the tip, the Rapier was a
lightweight weapon commonly used for fencing duels (aside from Epees, which
were the practice weaponry).  These swords were the real deal when it came to
finesse, since they lacked the weight or stability of make to inflict heavy
damage upon another, and could do practically nothing against heavily armored
opponents save scratch their metallic hides...but when it came to piercing an
opponent, 1 good shot (which would be very quick with a rapier) could puncture
something vital and end the match thusly.  The point of the Rapier could find
its way through the links of chain armor, making it useless versus the slender
weapon...however, it wasn't a good weapon for one to take upon the battlefield,
since it could easily be broken in half from a heavier weapon's smash.

In FFI, the Rapier is a basic weapon that does little damage but is light
enough to be used by even the Thief.  Therefore, it's an ideal starting weapon
for any class that can use it...although you'll want to upgrade as soon as
possible.

Damage:              9
Hit %:               5
Cost:                10 Gil (Sell Price:  5 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Coneria
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                                 D   - Sabre
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Heavier than a rapier yet still light enough to fence with, the Sabre was the
commonly-used weapon of the army general when in close quarters.  Its added
weight gave more power to its slashing, while the fine point could be used for
piercing as well.  Its lengthy edge usually demanded a full scabbard instead of
a beltloop for holding, else the wearer find themselves with holey pants and
nicks upon their legs.

In Final Fantasy, the Sabre is a decent-weapon for the price you'll pay, and
can be equipped by the thief as well as other classes. It carries the same hit
capacity as the rapier, but deals more damage per strike from hits greater
girth.  See, being a lighter weapon is a good thing!


Damage:              13
Hit %:               5
Cost:                450 Gil (Sell Price:  10 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Elfland, Melmond
Find Locations:      Castle Coneria (Locked Room)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                               E   - Scimitar
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The scimitar originated in Arabic lands during the Medieval ages.  Seeking a
weapon to counter the Crusaders' longsword, the Scimitar was created - a weapon
who was well known for its curvature of blade, as well as its deadliness in the
hands of the right wielder.  The blade was not as long as the English
opponents' armaments; however, it was grew wider as the blade lengthened,
giving it more weight behind each blow despite its thinner size.  The curve of
the blade aided in getting around an opponents' armor or shielding, often
making defense against the weapon a troublesome encounter.

In Final Fantasy I, the Scimitar is a versatile weapon that can be equipped by
any of the fighting classes (save the Black Belt, of course).  It does slightly
more damage than a rapier, but is much more likely to hit thanks to its curve
and weight.  It's also very cheap, meaning you should equip your Thief with it
as soon as possible.  Until you start finding magical weaponry or happen upon a
Falchion, it'll be the best sword he can get.  Heck, since you can get a
Falchion at the same time you can pick up the best sword a Thief can use (the
Coral or Dragon Sword), why even bother with that?

..but until then, the Scimitar is the way to go, definitely.

Damage:              10
Hit %:               10
Cost:                200 Gil (Sell Price:  100 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Pravoka
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                             F   - Short Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

As I spoke of with the Long Sword, there truly was no definitive "short sword";
a shortsword was a smithed sword that lacked the length of its weaponry
bretheren.  These were wider blades than rapiers and heavier than scimitars,
although the lacked the length of either.  Thus, they could be used by the
majority of fighters, although their short range often cost them victories when
faced with more lengthy weapons (such as longswords or a mounted knights'
lance).  They did have a decent amount of weight to them, giving more force
behind each blow without the encumberance of a larger weapons' size.  The
shortsword was the staple of a mans' army, being effective enough for the cost.

In Final Fantasy, the Short Sword is a decent-damage weapon that can be picked
up in the port town of Provoka.  It hits harder than any other weapon you've
had the option of buying thus far, save the Hand Axe (which, coincedentally,
can also be purchased at Provoka).  I suggest your fighter pick up this sword
instead of the axe, since the axe only does 1 point of damage more, but loses 5
hit%.  Wouldn't you rather hit more often instead of inflict 1 measly point
more?

Damage:              15
Hit %:               10
Cost:                550 Gil (Sell Price:  275 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Pravoka
Find Locations:      Marsh Cave (Floor 2A)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                             G   - Silver Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Silver is a rare and expensive metal, although not nearly to the extent of
gold.  Excavation in certain portions of Asia, as well as on certain islands
located within the Aegean Sea, have found indications that man knew how to
separate traces of Silver from Lead dating back as far as 3000 B.C.  In its
purest form, Silver has a white sheen to it, although it is usually seen in
less-than-pure forms (hence the tendancy to visualize Silver as a grey or blue
metal).  Pure Silver is actually the most conducive of all the metals on the
Perodical Table of Elements, yet it still has little more tensility than Gold.

Great...so Silver - if displayed in a pure form - is supposed to be White
instead of Blue, and is extremely conducive to electricity.  It isn't terribly
powerful as a metal, despite its density (oh well, at least it's not Gold)...so
why the devil do these games make Silver weaponry to be so effective?  Granted,
in certain cultures' mythology, the use of Silver often is taken on for Holy
purposes (or, more often, used as an means of deterring the unholy)...but does
that make the metal itself a magical presence?  Bah!

In Final Fantasy, the Silver Sword is a remarkable (yet horribly inaccurate)
weapon of mass destruction.  Its hit percentage is high enough to allow your
Fighter (or Red Mage) to hit twice, and the damage yielded is considerable
enough indeed.  By equipping this weapon, you are giving your Fighter-Type
character(s) a weapon that gives them a definite edge (sic) over their
opponents, and gives your team a physical offense that can easily surmount your
enemies at that period of time (i.e., when you hit Elfland, where the toughest
of foes are sharks, ogres, wizards, and Astos).  Its only real downside is the
VERY high price; you'll be fighting those Ogres (and Kyzoku, if you're lucky)
for a good long time before you can afford one.

Damage:              23
Hit %:               15
Cost:                4,000 Gil (Sell Price:  2,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Elfland
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

_____________________________====================______________________________
                             H   - Vorpal Blade
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Truth be told, I do not know the origins of the Vorpal Blade.  For most, their
first exposure to a sword with such a name is in Lewis Carroll's poem
"Jabberwocky", in which it is the narrator's instrument for disposing of the
foul creature.  Since then, the sword has gained new meaning through role
playing games and such, most notably in the realm of 'Dungeons and Dragons'.
Within its set of rules and artifacts, the Vorpal Blade has been molded to
become a mystical sword with the ability to lop its opponents' head off simply
by connecting a blow (and their failing the subsequent saving dice-roll).

In the Final Fantasy world, the Vorpal Blade is really nothing more than a
highly-specialized sword.  Only 3 Prestige Classes may use it, and by the time
you happen upon it you will have most likely found better weaponry to equip;
heck, the Sun Sword isn't too far away from where you find the Vorpal Sword,
and it's better than the Vorpal in every way!  Do yourself a favor, and pick up
this weapon for selling purposes only.  If you need a better sword, you'll very
quickly find one.

Damage:              24
Hit %:               25
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  10,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Mirage Tower (1st Floor)
Who Can Equip It:    Knight, Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    --------------------------V: Magical Swords--------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Magical Swords are swords that have been embued with magical ability, created
by magical creatures or those with the knowhow to make them extra effective, or
simply are weapons of legend and lore.  These swords are the créme de la créme,
and although they all require that you find them rather than purchase them,
they are well worth the effort of locating them.  For some of the base classes
(Red Mage, Thief), their best weapons (outside of the Masamune) are Magical
Swords that give them a higher capacity for damage than regular weaponry.  Find
those swords and equip them (or at least keep the ones that have certain uses,
like the Bane Sword).

   A)  Bane Sword          E)  Flame Sword        I)  Rune Sword
   B)  Coral Sword         F)  Giant Sword        J)  Sun Sword
   C)  Defense             G)  Ice Sword          K)  XCalibur
   D)  Dragon Sword        H)  Masamune           L)  Were Sword

_____________________________====================______________________________
                              A   - Bane Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Bane Sword's use might elude you at first, given when and where you get it.
Finding a weapon on the first level of the Floating Palace would usually mean
it's going to be something of worth, yes?  So what's the deal with this hunk of
orange metal, that can only be used by 3 Prestige classes and is actually
weaker (in damage) than the Silver Sword?  Wellsir, it's uniqueness lies in is
magical ability; when used as an item, the Bane Sword casts the spell of BANE
on all enemies.  As with other weapons that give an infinite use of spells,
this one's usefulness is instantly increased...and not because of its attack
power.  It doesn't have much in the way of damage going for it, but it makes up
for it by allowing its wielder to cast an Insta-Kill spell whenever they want.
Since you do not have to have the Bane Sword equipped, this means that even a
simple White Mage (or, shoot, even a Black Belt) can have it in their inventory
and be able to use it!  Rock!

Damage:              22
Hit %:               20
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  30,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Floating Palace, 1st Floor
Who Can Equip It:    Knight, Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used as an item in battle, the Bane Sword casts the
                    spell BANE on all enemies.  This is especially useful for
                    taking out enemies that are suceptable to it without
                    worrying about using magic to get the job done.

____________________________=====================______________________________
                             B   - Coral Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Coral Sword isn't that that wonderful a weapon.  The Silver Sword does more
damage and can be purchased earlier, and the Dragon Sword - which, along with
the Coral Sword, is the best weapon the Thief can use - is found in an earlier,
less-dangerous location.  So for non-Wonderswan gamers will not even want to
bother with this sword, since it just isn't worth the effort.  However, for
those of you who aren't playing the NES version, it's a good-enough weapon for
taking down enemies that fall under the "Water" class.  It may be a weaker
sword, but when it comes to taking down opponents like elementals or Sahaugins
then this is the weapon of choice.

Damage:              19
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  4,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Earth Cave
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Water"
                    category (such as fish, Water Elements, Sahags, etc), it
                    does increased damage.  However, this only works on the
                    Wonderswan Color version of Final Fantasy, so NES fans
                    won't have the benefit.  It's just a colorful sword,
                    that's all.

____________________________=====================______________________________
                               C   - Defense
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

"Defense" is the name given to this magical weapon, one that serves its user in
attacking as well as defending.  Its damage and hit% are quite good, allowing
for more hits, harder hits, and more frequent hits.  That's not all, though -
this weapon, when used as an item in battle, casts RUSE upon its owner.  Thus,
Defense adds to its proprietor's evasion while giving them a viable offense.
Of course, it does have its downside, that being that only 3 Prestige Classes
can equip it (the usual ones, unfortunately)...but that doesn't mean other
classes can't benefit from its RUSE-casting ability.  It doesn't have to be
equipped for this to happen, so give it to your Wizard (if you want to) and
have 'em use it to beef up their Evasion instead.  'tis a great weapon, lemme
tell ya...

Damage:              30
Hit %:               35
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  25,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Waterfall (Robot Room)
Who Can Equip It:    Knight, Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used as an item, Defense casts the spell RUSE on its
                    owner.  Thanks to infinite uses of such an item as a
                    spell, you can increase your evasion rate very quickly
                    without cost of magic.

_____________________________====================______________________________
                             D   - Dragon Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Ah yes, the Dragon Sword.  For those of you whom happen to own a Wonderswan
Color, this weapon will find its way into battles where Dragons will be known
to appear; obviously enough, the Dragon Sword carries an affinity towards
destroying its titular opponents.  These creatures aren't entirely common
(unless you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time), so such a
weapon might find itself as more of a burden to WSC players who actually gain
the added damage towards Dragons.  However, it - along with the Coral Sword -
is the best weapon that the Thief class can equip other than the Masamune
(before upgrading to Ninja), and is easily found in the Dwarven Cave once
you've located the Mystic Key, so why bother going out of your way in a
dangerous locale to find the Coral Sword?  Give it to your thief, use it
against Dragons (WSC), or sell it...you know, whatever you want to do with it.

Damage:              19
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  4,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Dwarven Cave
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Dragon"
                    category (such as various Dragons or Salamanders), it does
                    increased damage.  However, this only works on the
                    Wonderswan Color version of Final Fantasy, so NES fans
                    won't have the benefit.  It's just a colorful sword,
                    that's all.

____________________________=====================______________________________
                             E   - Flame Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Flame Sword is quite the potent weapon, although it is not an easy find by
ANY stretch of the imagination.  It is located deep inside the Ice Cave,
forcing you to not only brave the monsters inside but the various pitfalls,
enemy-squares, and damage floors strewn throughout.  This makes for a
frustrating trek; however, the sword is definitely worth the effort, especially
if you have more than 1 fighter-type that can use it.  Your fighter will want
the sword so that he can add even more damage to each hit, and the improvement
to hit hit percentage isn't too shabby, either...plus, if you have a Red Mage,
then you can equip him with a darn good weapon too.  It's a tad difficult to
get ahold of, but it is worth the effort for NES and WSC players alike.  WSC
players get the benefit of additional damage against Ice enemies AND the
Undead, making it a much, much more valuable weapon for them to receive.

Damage:              26
Hit %:               20
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  5,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Ice Cavern (Basement 2)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Ice"
                    category (such as Frost Giants, Frost Wolves,
                    Frost...etc.), it does increased damage.  Also, when used
                    against enemies that fall under the "Undead" category
                    (like Zombies and such), it does increased damage.
                    However, these only work on the Wonderswan Color version
                    of Final Fantasy, so NES fans won't have the benefit.
                    Still, it's a good sword, eh?

____________________________=====================______________________________
                             F   - Giant Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

A quandry - what is the purpose of a weapon that gives you an edge against
monsters that are already excessively weak, or - for the stronger ones - are
easily surpassed with a couple of levels worth of work?  That's an excellent
question!  The Giant's Sword -- which is NOT an oversized weapon (despite the
first images conjured up by my imagination when I initially picked it up) -- is
a moderately powerful sword embued with the ability to do extra damage versus
enemies of the "Giant" class.  This is all fine and good...but the most
powerful Giants that you come across would be Frost Giants and Wizard Ogres,
neither of which should present too much of a problem to you if you are at a
reasonable level (by the time you reach their respective areas), of if you use
the Flame/Rune Swords (respectively) against them.  Worse yet, you have to go
out of your way to find the Giant Sword, which makes it practically worthless.

It doesn't sell for much, it Damage is less than that of the Silver Sword
(although its Hit % is better), it can't be used by Thieves, and it's not easy
to come by, and the bonus damage only works for WSC players.  Plus, the only
place you'd really want to have such a weapon handy is for the Giant's Hall
back in the Earth Cave...and you've already PASSED that area, so it would only
be good for level-building.  Take my advice: if you want to build levels, go to
the PNWOP (Peninsula Northwest of Provoka) and use your more powerful Flame
Sword to damage the enemies there; plus, they're already weak to Fire, so your
magicians will be able to aid more.

Here, let me put it this way - Giants aren't a very common opponent.  As such,
the usefulness of this weapon is already diminished, since you cannot switch
weapons in mid-battle (and, thus, you are probably not going to walk around
with this equipped since it would be universally less-useful than other weapons
at your disposal).  Furthermore, the only Giants that cannot be harmed by other
Magical Swords - Imps, (Green) Giants, and Pink/Green Ogres - should be easily
dispatchable by the time you come across the Giants' Sword, so you won't need
the added "edge" against them.  The more powerful Giant-Types - the
aforementioned Frost Giants or Wizard Ogres - are weak to Magical Swords that
are easier to find or simply more useful in general.  The Giant's Sword is a
waste of time and effort.  Do not bother.

Damage:              21
Hit %:               20
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  4,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Gurgu Volcano, Floor 2
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,       Red Mage
                    Knight, Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Giant"
                    category (such as Imps, Ogres and Giants), it does
                    increased damage.  However, this only works on the
                    Wonderswan Color version of Final Fantasy, so NES fans
                    won't have the benefit.  It's just a colorful sword,
                    that's all.

____________________________=====================______________________________
                              G   - Ice Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

All right, so we've covered the fact that just about all of the Magic Swords
lose a lot of their worth to NES Players, since they don't do the damage
they're supposed to.  That's ok; not all of 'em end up faltering, and the Ice
Sword is one such weapon.  It's not too terribly difficult to get ahold of
since there are two in the game, and they are a great step up from the Silver
Sword AND the Flame Sword.  This means your Fighter and/or Red Mage will be
able to utilize these better swords (both can have one, if you visit the
Volcano AND the Castle of Ordeals), allowing for more damaging attacks from
their offensives.  WSC players gain the additional benefit of additional damage
versus fire enemies, which is nice (but not as handy as you'd like; there
aren't THAT many Fire enemies in the game -- in fact, Ice and Water seem to be
the most prevelant).

I would highly suggest picking up this sword, regardless of which version of
the game you're playing.  It's a high-damage weapon that is easily come across
and will last your fighters for a good long while; plus, there's no irritating
"fight for hours and hours to earn enough money to buy this" syndrome related
with this sword (cough SILVER SWORD cough), so it's got somethin' else goin'
for it. Odd, how the more powerful weapon (Ice Sword vs. Fire Sword) comes
sooner in the game, yes?

Damage:              29
Hit %:               25
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  7,500 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Gurgu Volcano, Basement 4
                    Castle of Ordeals, 3rd Floor
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Fire"
                    category (such as Kary, and anything that looks like it's
                    on fire), it does increased damage.  However, this only
                    works on the Wonderswan Color version of Final Fantasy, so
                    NES fans won't have the benefit.  It's still pretty good
                    as a weapon for your Fighter or Red Mage, though (until
                    you gain access to the Mirage Tower, that is).

___________________________======================______________________________
                              H   - Masamune
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Many people have tried to inform me of a variety of backstories relating to
Masamune and its origin; I've heard that it was Shinobi's chosen weapon, it was
the weapon of a mysterious Ronin, etc.  All of these tales had something to do
with a mystical sword with mysterious powers, and all of them were 100% wrong.
Masamune was not a sword, but rather the name of the smith himself.

Goro Nyudo Masamune was a Swordsmith who lived and worked in the the Kamakura
and Sagami Provinces of Japan, circa the 13th Century.  His swords were
reknowned even then as the best the world had ever seen, exhibiting the highest
standard of craftmanship and design anyone had ever seen.  There is a legend of
a competition between Masamune and Murasama, a student and sometimes-rival in
smithing, where they both took a sword and placed it in a river.  A leaf was
then sent down the river towards each blade; Murasama's blade cleanly sliced it
in half, while Masamune's sword repelled it entirely.  Masamune's blade carried
a spiritual energy that allowed it to surpass all other swords (and
swordsmiths) in the land, and thus Masamune was declared the winner and his
blades the best.

In Final Fantasy, the Masamune blade is...slightly different.  Yes, it is the
best weapon in the game, but it has no strange spiritual powers that are known
of.  Instead, it has the highest damage and hit percentage of any weapon in the
game, and - for some odd reason - can be used by any class in the game.
Anyone, from the all-weapon-using Knight to White Mages and Black Belts can use
this thing with proficiency.  It's a challenge to find (the next-to-last level
of the final dungeon), but is WELL worth the effort.  Suggesting that you find
it seems a little weak...stating that you MUST get this sounds much better.

Damage:              56
Hit %:               50
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  30,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Temple in the Past, Tiamat's Floor
Who Can Equip It:    Everyone.  Seriously.
Special Properties:  The Masamune can be used by everyone in the game - even
                    base classes (a White Wizard hitting harder than a fighter
                    is always a funny sight) - and is the most powerful sword
                    in the game.  That's pretty darn special, ain't it?

___________________________======================______________________________
                             I   - Rune Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Rune Sword is one of those swords that does extra damage against a certain
type of enemy.  Now, its usefulness beyond that comes in 3 flavors: how easy it
is to find the weapon, how common its favored enemies are, and how effective a
weapon it is beyond its magical properties.  Guess what, folks?  This sword
only has 1 thing going for it, and that is the fact that it is easily found (in
the Temple of Fiends).  It's the weakest magical sword (along with the Were
Sword), and it's not too terribly useful since magical enemies are few and far
between.  Honestly, the only times you consistently fight enemies of this style
are far enough in the game that by then, you will have found much better
weapons.  Granted, your Thief can equip this (unlike the Were Sword)...but that
doesn't increase its use that much, since you have to have the Mystic Key to
get this particular weapon (and instead of getting this, you could get the
Thief's best sword by heading to the Dwarven Cave).  Heck, NES players don't
even get the benefit of additional damage versus Magicks, so there is REALLY no
reason to bother picking this up.

Damage:              18
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  2,500 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Temple of Fiends
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Magic"
                    category (such as Eyes or Sorcerers), it does increased
                    damage.  However, this only works on the Wonderswan Color
                    version of Final Fantasy, so NES fans won't have the
                    benefit.  It's just a colorful sword, that's all.

____________________________=====================______________________________
                              J   - Sun Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=====================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Ah yes, the Sun Sword.  The is the last (and best) "Specialty" Sword, those few
weapons that do increased damage versus certain enemy types.  The beauty of the
Sun Sword, however, is that it rises above its magical status with a few extra
abilities.  For starters, it's the best sword that the Red Mage may use
(barring the all-encompassing Masamune), which is handy enough.  For WSC
players, they get additional damage versus the Undead, which are actually
fairly common throughout the game.  It's not too terribly hard to come across,
since you have to travel through the Mirage Tower anyways (and, with a little
effort, you can get it shortly after defeating Lich).  If you need money, it
even sells for a good price.  It has a high hit percentage, giving a guaranteed
hit (and more hits per attack to boot), and the damage ain't too shabby either
(it's 4th in the game, behind the Masamune, Xcalibur, and Katana)...so why
wouldn't you want this sword?  Unless you have a party that lacks a Thief
(whom becomes a Ninja), a Fighter, or a Red Mage, then you really should get
this thing.

Damage:              32
Hit %:               30
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  10,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Mirage Tower, Floor 2
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter         Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Undead"
                    category (such as Vampires, Mummies, Zombies, and anything
                    that looks like it is dead...and yet still alive), it does
                    increased damage.  However, this only works on the
                    Wonderswan Color version of Final Fantasy, so NES fans
                    won't have the benefit.  It's just a colorful sword,
                    that's all.

___________________________======================______________________________
                              K   - Xcalibur
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The mystical sword and weapon extrodinaire from English lore...I give you
Excalibur!  After having his original weapon, the Sword in the Stone, smashed
against the powerful armoring of the Black Knight, King Arthur needed a new
weapon that would both aid him well as a weapon and serve as a show of his
stature (that of King).  Upon Merlin's disclosure, he travelled until he met
the Lady of the Lake, a fair maiden who bestowed upon him the Excalibur and
scabbard.  The sword itself was a mystical weapon with tremendous power behind
it, but the scabbard was the real tool - with it, Arthur would no longer bleed
from wounds he suffered, and thus would have less fear from scraps and cuts
received in battle.  Wonderful, eh?

In Final Fantasy, the Xcalibur (not enough spaces for the full name, hence the
shortened title) is an uber-powerful weapon that can only be equipped by the
Knight Class.  However, for the difficulty of getting it, you are rewarded with
the 2nd most powerful weapon in the game.  Yes, the Knight is the only class
that can use it...but once he has it, you really don't HAVE to worry about
picking up the Masamune (although it's nice to upgrade any character to a top-
class fighter, or even bump your Knight up even further with it).  Heck, it
even sells nice!  Finally, for you WSC players, you have the added benefit of a
sword that does additional damage to everything in the game.  That's right, it
does MORE damage...to EVERYTHING.  I don't really know how you figure that one
out, but that's just how it works.  Nicities abound.

..now if only you could get the Scabbard as well.

Damage:              45
Hit %:               35
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  30,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Floating Castle (Adamant)
                    Dwarven Cave (Creation)
Who Can Equip It:    Knight
Special Properties:  Xcalibur is a magical sword that does increased damage to
                    EVERYTHING in the game.  It's funny enough that it's
                    terribly powerful as a weapon, but it actually does MORE
                    than it should.  Rock on, Knights!

___________________________======================______________________________
                             L   - Were Sword
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

If this magical sword has a use, then I don't seem to know of it.  Found in the
Temple of Fiends through the use of the Mystic Key, it has a fairly low
offensive capability (less than the Silver Sword), and a Thief cannot use it
(although the Rune sword CAN be used by them, which is also found in the Temple
of Fiends).  Since it is actually less of a weapon than the Rune Sword - or any
OTHER Magical Sword - then there really is no use to picking this thing up,
aside from selling it.  However, if you're playing the Wonderswan Color version
of Final Fantasy, then feel free to pick this up and do extra damage against
any enemies of the "Were" category.  Since this added damage does not work in
the NES version, you Nintendo Players might as well not get it at all.  In
fact, WSC players will find that they very, very rarely fight Were-ANYTHING in
the game, so it serves little purpose for them as well!

Damage:              18
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  3,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Temple of Fiends
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Red Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard
Special Properties:  When used against monsters that fall under the "Were"
                    category (such as werewolves), it does increased damage.
                    However, this only works on the Wonderswan Color version
                    of Final Fantasy, so NES fans won't have the benefit.
                    It's just a colorful sword, that's all.


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    -----------------------------VI:  Knives-----------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Knives often serve as a last-ditch resort for fighters.  They were small and
easily-concealed, so one could have their "last weapon" hidden in the most
unlikely of places (such as a boot, a sleeve, or even in one's hair).  For
people requiring more stealth in their work, knives provided them with a blade
without the cumbersome size and weight of a sword.  However, Knives just don't
have the length or girth of other weapons, making it nigh impossible to use
them in a battle versus someone with armaments of a longer reach.  Unless the
user was extremely skilled at avoiding strikes and getting in close to his
enemy, then the knife-wielder would surely lose in the fight.

In Final Fantasy, knives are low-damage weapons that - for the most part -
aren't going to do you much in battle.  They are light enough for the Black
Mage/Wizard to use, as well as the more standard "fighting" characters
(excepting Black Belts, that is), and one of the Knives is even a powerful
Japanese Knife of lore - the Katana.  Plus, due to their light weight, knives
have better-than-average hit percentage.  However, don't expect that to
increase the damage you do, since they ARE much smaller than more conventional
means (i.e., swords).

__________________________=======================______________________________
                              A   - Catclaw
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

I had initially believed that the Catclaw was derived from two characters
located in the "Deities and Demigods" volume from the Dungeons and Dragons
rulebooks.  How naive of me to believe they were original creations, since the
entirety of other Gods and Monsters were taken from various religions or
stories that have existed over time.  Thus, it should come as no surprise that
Dan ([email protected]) would send me the following info:

  "Cat's Claw was the dirk belonging to one of the two principal characters in
  Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar series of books, also referred to as the "Swords"
  books. All of the books have the word "swords" in the title (i.e. The Swords
  of Lankhmar, Swords in the Mist, Knight and Knave of Swords). The owner of
  Cat's Claw is named Gray Mouser, a dirksman and thief nonpareil, who wielded
  Cat's Claw in his left hand and a rapier named Scalpel in his right. His
  partner, a barbarian swordsman named Fafhrd, used a broadsword named
  Graywand and a short sword / long dagger named Heartseeker.

  At any rate, Gary Gygax was greatly taken with the series, and went so far
  as to incorporate not only elements from Lankhmar in the D&D and AD&D games,
  but actually went so far as to include the Lankhmar mythos in the original
  Deities and Demigods sourcebook."

Ah, so now I know.  Thanks for the backstory, mate!

In Final Fantasy, the Catclaw is a powerful dagger, arguably the best for the
Black Mage.  Since you can purchase it instead of having to find a weapon for
him, this makes it even better for the little guy to work with.  Plus, it has
an absurdly high hit-percentage (it ties with the Xcalibur and Katana), making
sure that if your Wizard has to physically attack, he's probably going to land
a hit.  It's damage is 1 point below that of the Silver Sword, meaning your
Wizard isn't going to be too shabby when it comes to the damage either.  Of
course, you're going to be fighting much, much more powerful opponents by then,
so it's offset a bit...but not that much.

Damage:              22
Hit %:               35
Cost:                65,000 Gil (Sell Price:  32,500 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Gaia
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Knight, Ninja, Red Wizard, Black Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

Uh...if anyone wants to help me out by reminding me more of this thief, I would
be much abliged.  Just e-mail me, and make sure you put "Final Fantasy
Weapons" as the subject of the mail.  Thanks!

___________________________======================______________________________
                               B   - Katana
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

There is archaeological evidence to suggest that swords have existed in Japan
since as far back as 2,000 B.C.; however, the first appearance of the more
traditional Japanese Sword didn't make an appearance until 700 A.D.  According
to Legend, Amakuni and his son Amakura set themselves to forge the perfect
blade, and spent an entire month within their forge until they had created the
first Japanese blade.  This weapon, unlike previous swords, had only 1 edge,
and curved slightly so as to allow for quicker drawing.  Japanese swords prior
to this (straight swords, or "chokuto") had grown longer and longer as
improvements in metallurgy arose.

The curved blade allowed a much quicker drawing of the weapon, so much so that
the very art of drawing has been the focus of many sword arts.  Finished swords
were given to professional sword tester, whom would then use condemned
criminals (or their corpses) to test the cutting blade of the weapon through
flesh and bone; if the weapon was efficient enough, you might find written on
the handle "5 arms severed" or "3 men cut" as a show of how deadly the weapon
had proven to be.

The "Katana" was actually a designated length of sword, rather than a specific
weapon.  If you were to find a Katana, then you knew how long it was going to
be rather than any other specifics about the weapon.  Such blades tended to be
anywhere from 18-36 inches in length, with the hilt providing an extra 6-9
inches for grips.  Thus, you could have a Katana that extended over 4 feet, or
possibly even one as short as 2 feet.  To reduce the length of the blade
further would cause a category shift; if it dropped below 18 inches, it would
be considered a Wakizashi, and below 13 renamed it again to the Tanto.

In the world of Final Fantasy, the Katana is (logically) a weapon that can only
be used by the Ninja Class.  As such, it is incredibly powerful, only being
less-damaging than the Xcalibur.  Thus, the Ninja gets a truly powerful weapon
to his credit, even if it isn't as wonderous as the Knight's own personal
weapon.  No worries about it, though - it sells nice even if you don't need it,
and it's easy enough to come across.

Finally - and I do feel this is worth mentioning - to lay down the rumors that
the Katana is some sort of mystical sword and not simply just a class of
weapon...if it is a unique, one-of-a-kind weapon, then why are there 2 of them?
Please, don't give me the "one exists in the past" argument, since that would
be a logical fallacy for you to be able to own both at the same time.  Thus
there would have to be infinite timelines for you to be able to gain the past
one and still retain the future one.  Since the world of Final Fantasy clearly
revolves around a single-timeline (Garland constantly being sent back in time
to start the whole mess again), this demonstrates the fact that there truly are
2 Katanas.  Wee!

Damage:              33
Hit %:               35
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  30,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Floating Castle, Floor 3
                    Temple in the Past, Kary's Floor
Who Can Equip It:    Ninja
Special Properties:  Despite being a dagger, this is the most powerful sword
                    that the Ninja Class can use (not counting the Masamune,
                    of course).  I don't know if it does any additional damage
                    to any enemy classes, I just know that it's a wicked
                    weapon that does great damage.

__________________________=======================______________________________
                            C   - Large Knife
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Let's face it, knives are small blades that are easier to handle, but can't do
as much damage due to their lack of weight.  In order to make the dagger a more
damaging weapon, you would have to swing it with more force, add more weight to
the blade itself, enchant it, or possibly make the blade even better/sharper.
In the Large Knife's case, it has simply been increased in size, giving more
weight to the blade and (thus) marginally increasing the damage done with it.
It's not too terribly much, but it's a nice, cheap upgrade for the Black Mage
of the party who wants to do a little more when he goes into his stabbity-fits
of rage.

Damage:              7
Hit %:               10
Cost:                175 Gil (Sell Price:  87 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Elfland
Find Locations:      Marsh Cave (Floor 2A)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage,   Black Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard, Black Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

___________________________======================______________________________
                            D   - Silver Knife
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Once again, we are presented with a weapon made of Silver, and told that it is
a better weapon than more conventional metals.  This is still a fallacy, since
Silver is a flimsier metal than Iron or Steel (though not as malleable as
Gold), and isn't too terribly lightweight, either.  Thus, the concept that you
can use less of it to form a more powerful sword is inherently wrong - you
would have to use MORE of it to create a weapon of the same tensility and
strength as Iron...and it's already heavier from the start!  Still, you can't
really argue with the game...so here's the Silver Knife!  By all rights, it
should be nothing more than a ceremonial dagger and worthless to the group.

All logic aside, the Silver Knife is a decent weapon for your Black Mage to
utilize.  It gives them better a little more damage and better Hit % than
previous weapons, plus it's fairly easy to find (provided you don't mind a
little extra searching in the Marsh Cave).  It's not necessary to give you
Black Mage a better weapon, since he should be equipped with spells...so
finding it is good, and much more optimal than buying it.

Damage:              10
Hit %:               15
Cost:                800 Gil (Sell Price:  400 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Crescent Lake
Find Locations:      Marsh Cave (Floor 3)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage,   Black Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard, Black Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

__________________________=======================______________________________
                            E   - Small Knife
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The title dictates what it is, folks.  Knives are small, so a "small knive"
should really clue you in to the fact that it's going to be weak.  That this
is...it's Hit % is decent enough, but its damage is pathetic.  However, it is
also an extremely cheap weapon, so there's no harm in picking one up for the
Black Mage who can't afford an offensive spell.  He's bound to run out, so you
might as well give him something to stab with.

Damage:              5
Hit %:               10
Cost:                5 Gil (Sell Price:  2 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Coneria
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter, Thief, Red Mage,   Black Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, Red Wizard, Black Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    -----------------------------VII: Staves-----------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

A Staff is the traveller's best friend.  It serves as a walking stick for the
weary wanderer, and can quickly double as a means of self-defense should the
need arise.  Magicians have been known to store magical spells and powers
within their staff, making it more potent as a weapon or a more effective
defensive item.  The Staff, while not as effective of a killing weapon as a
sword or axe, can still provide a valuable tool for classes that cannot equip
the heavier weaponry but still wish for something to bash with.

___________________________======================______________________________
                             A   - Heal Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

This staff is the epitome of the traveller's aid; not only is it a staff
(commonly used for walking), but it can heal the user as well.  When used as an
item instead of attacked with, the Heal Staff casts the spell of HEAL on
everyone in the party (regardless of whether or not they are living at the
time).  Since it doesn't need to be equipped by anyone (although it certainly
doesn't hurt to have your White Mage using it), that means anyone can turn into
an impromptu healer.  Make sure you pick this up!

Damage:              6
Hit %:               0
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  12,500 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Castle of Ordeals (3rd Floor)
Who Can Equip It:           White Mage
                    Ninja, White Wizard
Special Properties:  When used as an item in battle, this casts HEAL on all
                    party members.  An infinite use of the HEAL spell?  Rock!
                    Healing all around!

___________________________======================______________________________
                             B   - Iron Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

A staff made of iron would initially seem to be the antithesis to what your
physically-weak wizard or world-weary traveller would want to equip themselves
with.  The staff should aid in the walking, as well as double into an effective
weapon should the need arise; thus, a heavier staff would seem logical from an
attacking standpoint, but would serve less as a tool for hiking.  In this, you
would be correct - this particular staff's emphasis on weight (due to the being
forged from iron instead of carved from wood) makes it a tool that can only be
used by certain fighting classes, as well as the Black Belt/Master classes.  I
guess that makes sense, giving them a heavy bo-staff made of iron with which to
pummel their enemies with.

Damage:              14
Hit %:               0
Cost:                200 Gil (Sell Price:  100 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Elfland
                    Melmond
Find Locations:      Castle Coneria
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        Black Belt
                    Knight,  Ninja, Master
Special Properties:  N/A

___________________________======================______________________________
                             C   - Mage Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Although not too terribly deceptive in its usefulness, the Mage Staff is a
weapon that should be picked up by all parties, not just ones whom have a Black
Mage in their employ.  Granted, it gives nothing to their Hit%, and is only a
scant 2 Damage points higher than the Silver Knife, but it's real usefulness is
not in its damage capability; no, you would do better to use this staff as an
item.  When done so, the staff casts FIR2 on all enemies, giving the weapon a
new style of attacking.  Heck, you'll probably end up doing more damage via
FIR2 than you would attacking, so there really isn't any reason for a Black
Mage to get this staff and even bother equipping it!

..not that you have to have the Black Mage using it.  You can give it to the
Fighter and watch 'em blaze enemies left and right while good ol' BM uses his
magic to do the same.  Yay!

Damage:              12
Hit %:               0
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  12,500 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Sea Shrine (Floor 4)
Who Can Equip It:           Black Mage
                    Ninja, Black Wizard
Special Properties:  When used as an item in battle, it casts FIR2 on all
                    enemies.  Since it does not need to be equipped to be used
                    in such a manner, this means anyone can have the flamin'
                    power of FIR2 at their beck and call.  Yay!

__________________________=======================______________________________
                            D   - Power Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

There's something incredibly odd about this weapon...namely the fact that it is
tied with the Wooden Staff for most useable weapon (aside from the Masamune, of
course).  EVERYONE in the game (not counting Thieves) can equip this thing,
which is a little strange.  I mean, shouldn't something like the Dagger be more
useful?  Bah...whatever the case, this weapon has decent power behind it, if
lacking any Hit % to aid its cause.  It's not too terribly difficult to come
across, either, although it does require a secondary venture to Astos' Castle
once you've picked up the Mystic Key.  Hey, if you're headed that way to
further equip your troops (i.e., a Falcion for the Thief) and gain levels
versus mummies, then why not get it?  Heck, it sells for a nice (if odd) amount
of Gil, too.

Damage:              12
Hit %:               0
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  12,345 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Northwest Castle (Astos' Treasury)
Who Can Equip It:    Everyone except Thieves
Special Properties:  Uh...can be equipped by almost everyone?  Eh?  Yes?

___________________________======================______________________________
                            E   - Wizard Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Some mages liked to have their walking staves be more than just simple aids in
movement.  Some wizards of yore were noted for using their staves as a foci for
their spells, storing charges of various debilitating crafts within their
wooden confines.  The Wizard's Staff is no exception to this rule, as whomever
created it decided that the spell CONF would suit their needs adequately.
Then, of course, they decided to leave it in a treasure chest deep within the
cavern behind a Waterfall...strange place to put something, eh?  Maybe this
Wizard was hiding the staff, along with the Glowing Cube that grants you access
to the Floating Castle.  Maybe...or maybe not, I dunno.

Ok, now here's an item that I'm a little torn on...I mean, you HAVE to go to
the Waterfall, to the very room in which this item is located.  However, should
you even bother nabbing it for your collection?  It's not that great a weapon -
by then, you should have picked up a Catclaw for your Black Wizard, and it
outclasses the Wizard Staff in Damage AND Hit% - and right there to pick
up...but for it's special ability, is that really worth it?  I'd say yes, since
a lot of matches might find you facing off against opponents that you wouldn't
want to waste any magic on, and BW's attack wouldn't really fare that well
against 'em either.  So why not have a little fun and confuse your opponents,
eh?  Heck, even if you don't want to bother with keeping it, it sells for a
VERY nice price.  Even if you don't want to use it, you might as well pick it
up for selling purposes.

Damage:              15
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  25,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Waterfall
Who Can Equip It:    Black Wizard
Special Properties:  When use as an item in battle, it casts CONF on all
                    enemies.  Handy if you want to save magic and mess with
                    your opponents, eh?

___________________________======================______________________________
                            F   - Wooden Staff
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

This, along with the club, are the two most common pieces of weaponry that an
adventurer can find (although the club, oddly enough, is absent from this
game).  The reasoning behind this is that either can be fashioned from a tree
limb, or simply by picking one up off of the ground and turning it into a quick
weapon -- there is no real work involved towards creating it, so they are
extremely easy to come across.  The difference between the Club's use and the
Staff's use is little more than a matter of length - a club could be used as a
makeshift sword, while the staff would serve a variety of purposes (attacking,
walking, etc).  Because of its commonality and broad use, the Wooden Staff is
very cheap and can be used by almost everyone in the game.  Stubborn
thieves...why don't you use 'em, eh?  Too big?  What?!?

Damage:              6
Hit %:               0
Cost:                5 Gil (Sell Price:  2 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Coneria
Find Locations:      Earth Cave (4th Floor)
                    Gurgu Volcano (Basement 4)
Who Can Equip It:    Everyone except Thieves
Special Properties:  N/A


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    ----------------------------VIII: Hammers----------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

"Hammers" is a fairly broad term, actually.  It could be applied to flails,
maces, morning stars, or even just a regular ol' mallet.  A hammer, so to
speak, is a weapon that sports a large, flat area used to hit opponents with;
granted, Flails, Maces, and Morning Stars usually have spikes adorning their
flat (curved) area, but the premise is oddly enough the same.  In the world of
Final Fantasy, however, no such deliniation is made between weapons - you have
oversized mallets of varying colors, and that's about it in terms of graphical
changes.

__________________________=======================______________________________
                            A   - Iron Hammer
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

A hammer made of iron is a hearty weapon indeed.  Sometimes modified into what
is known as a "maul", with 1 end of the block forged to a point for driving and
splitting (much like an axe), the Hammer's style never really changes - have a
big, heavy, blunt object with which to bludgeon your opponents with.  With
different materials being brought into the picture, the hammer might change
radically - wood might not make a heavy weapon, but it could be very
lightweight and thus be used for less force but quicker attacks.  Heavier
hammers would have more practical purposes, such as sending wedges through
blocks of wood or hammering heated metal into a sword.  Still, the Hammer can
be a potent weapon in the right hands...and for those classes that are
primarily relegated to them, you might as well give 'em a hammer that hits as
hard as possible.  That class is almost always of the Clerical sort, and in
Final Fantasy that particular class is the White Mage.  Go on, give 'em a good
weapon.

Damage:              9
Hit %:               0
Cost:                10 Gil (Sell Price:  5 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Coneria
                    Pravoka
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        White Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, White Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

__________________________=======================______________________________
                           B   - Silver Hammer
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Once AGAIN we are given a weapon that is embued with Silver!  Ok, maybe I've
just been lookin' at this wrong the entire time...maybe it's just a regular
ol' Iron Hammer that has been "Silvered", coated in a silver lining that gives
it some sort of magical properties.  In that case, I could understand why it
would be considered better than a regular Iron Hammer.  I mean, there's MAGIC
involved now, right?  There freakin' HAS to be for this to be better than a
normal Iron Hammer...'cause I don't see what a Silver Hammer could possibly
lend that would improve its damage capacity.  Silver is heavier and softer than
Iron, so it would have more weight but less impact.  Since a hammer has a
large, flat edge for striking, this would mean that ultimately less force would
be dealt per swing - and thus, the silver would be a detriment (especially when
it started to flatten and possibly come off).  Joy.

Ok, so all logical, RATIONAL arguments aside...the Silver Hammer is a fairly
potent weapon for the White Mage to use, despite its rather steep price.
Frankly, though, it's a weapon for your healer, whom isn't very good
offensively to begin with.  You'd best just save your money until you have the
Mystic Key, when you can get one for free.  No sense in saving up money for a
weapon that does a little more damage (3) and adds a little to your Hit %.

Damage:              12
Hit %:               5
Cost:                2,500 Gil (Sell Price:  1,250 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Crescent Lake
Find Locations:      Elf Castle
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter,        White Mage
                    Knight,  Ninja, White Wizard
Special Properties:  N/A

__________________________=======================______________________________
                           C   - Thor's Hammer
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Despite not having enough room for the weapon's actual name (that's right,
Thor's Hammer had a name of its own), this weapon has had enough done to it to
write stories about.  Honestly, though, it usually ends up just being an
absurdly powerful weapon of mass destruction for Thor, Lord of Thunder.  Thor
was known as the only God (or Half-God) who could keep the Giants out of the
land of Asgard.  Despite their magic and lack of brains, they simply couldn't
handle the sheer might that Thor (and his Hammer) exuded.  However, when Thor's
Hammer was stolen by Thrym, an evil Giant King, there was much trouble received
in trying to regain it.  Freyja, Queen of the Valkyries, had been bartered into
becoming his wife to regain the Hammer, but she was too angry to let this
happen; thus, they (she and Loki) disguised Thor as the bride-to-be, and when
Thrym produced the hammer before his "wife", "she" promptly grabbed it and
struck down all the Giants in the hall.

I guess that's a lesson for you - if your White Wizard has Thor's Hammer and
finds herself face-to-face with a burly person in a wedding dress, just hand
over the hammer and let that be the end of it.  Despite it being the WW's best
weapon (aside from the Masamune), it also fires off LIT2 as many times as you
want it to (when used as an item).  Joy!

Damage:              18
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  20,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Mirage Tower (2nd Floor)
Who Can Equip It:    Knight, Ninja, White Wizard
Special Properties:  When used as an item, Thor's Hammer casts LIT2 on all
                    enemies.  Since this does not actually need to be equipped
                    for the user to envoke such powers, that means that anyone
                    can use its abilities an infinite number of times in
                    battle.  Take that, water enemies!

It's official name is Mjolnir, just in case you're wondering.  Obviously, there
is no way that is going to fit into 4 characters, so "Thor (Hammer Symbol"
works fine for me!


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    ------------------------------IX:  Axes------------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Axes are quite the vicious weapons.  Usually comprised of large pieces of metal
affixed to a pole or staff and tipped with broad edges for cleaving, these big
clunkers are meant strictly for damage.  There is no finesse required for these
things, it is 100% hack-and-slash from an Axe's destructive path.  Although
commonly used for cutting wood, stronger fighters might decide to take up this
bulkier weapon with the intent of causing even more brutal damage with every
swing.  As such, you cannot expect an Axe to have as high a Hit Percentage as,
say, a sword or dagger (smaller, lighter weapons)...but pound for pound, the
axe will usually take larger chunks out of enemies than a sword would.

Unfortunately, the weight of the Axe often makes it an unwieldy weapon, one
that only certain classes (i.e., the Fighter) can EVER use.  Thus, there are
few axes in the game, despite their heavy-hitting capacity.

__________________________=======================______________________________
                             A   - Great Axe
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Hmm...well, there really isn't much info given on this particular axe as to
what makes it so "great", so I guess we can just assume that it's a really big
one.  Due to its increased size (and mass), the Great Axe does loads more
damage per hit than most swords (and the Hand Axe)...unfortunately, by the time
you get this weapon (in the Titan's Tunnel), you most definitely should have
something better for your fighter to use (i.e., the Silver Sword), so it
generally isn't worth it.  Heck, you can buy a Long Sword, which has a little
less Damage than then Axe, but makes up for it with double the Hit %.  You may
not hit as hard, but at least you'll hit more often (and possibly for more
hits, resulting in more damage anyways).  Finally...it doesn't sell for much.
Man, talk about a waste of time!  Only if you're really, REALLY hard up for
cash should you go for this weapon; otherwise, don't bother.  You should have
better already.

Damage:              22
Hit %:               5
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  1,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Titan's Tunnel
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter
                    Knight, Ninja
Special Properties:  N/A

___________________________======================______________________________
                              B   - Hand Axe
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

A Hand Axe might just be a simple farmer's tool, used for logcutting or
harvesting (although a Scythe might do better for the latter).  In times of
trouble, however, this handy little item can easily double as a viable weapon
to impliment.  Axes of this style usually sport a Wooden Handle, roughly 1 foot
in length, with a single-bladed head (usually crafted from metal).  Not too
difficult to wield, one would imagine, although there are better weapons to be
crafted and used by our heroes.  Still, if you want to upgrade your Fighter to
a better weapon, it's either this or the Short Sword.  You make the call.

Damage:              16
Hit %:               5
Cost:                550 Gil (Sell Price:  225 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Pravoka
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter
                    Knight, Ninja
Special Properties:  N/A

__________________________=======================______________________________
                             C   - Light Axe
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

I, personally, am of the opinion that this weapon was incorrectly named.  While
you could feasibly call it the "Light Axe", a more accurate punctuation of its
abilities would be "Holy Axe".  See, this particular Axe - for as damaging and
lightweight as it is - holds an affinity for the destruction of the Undead (or,
more specifically, the Unholy).  When equipped, it does added damage (WSC only)
versus the undead.  It's already the most powerful axe in the game, so that's
nothing to sniff your nose at; however, it goes further.  When someone has it
in their inventory and uses it as an item in battle (they don't have to have it
equipped), it casts HRM2 on everyone.  Of course, this is only effective
against the Undead, but it's always nice to give support characters and/or
less-than-stellar offensive characters the ability to damage the undead in such
a way.  Now your Black Belt, Fighter, and Thief (as well as prospective
Prestige Classes) can become slayers of the undead, too!  Plus, there are TWO
of these in the game!

Now c'mon, I ask you...what's the harm (sic) in picking these up?  They're not
egregiously out of the way, and you don't need to have 4 weapons equipped
(unlike armor, where open space is often difficult to find)...so why not pick
it up, eh?   Get 'em both!  Heck, gather the whole collection!

Damage:              28
Hit %:               15
Cost:                N/A (Sell Price:  5,000 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  N/A
Find Locations:      Sea Shrine (4th Floor)
                    Sea Shrine (Basement 2)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter
                    Knight, Ninja
Special Properties:  When used as an item, the Light Axe casts HRM2 on all
                    enemies.  This is good if you're fightin' the undead...but
                    what if you aren't?  Wellsir, it also does extra damage
                    against enemies falling under the "Undead" category, which
                    means that you don't have to worry about hitting 'em.
                    Even if they're not undead, you'll still put the hurt on
                    your opponents...unfortunately, it's a tad strict in who
                    can use it, and WSC players only get the added damage per
                    hit.

___________________________======================______________________________
                             D   - Silver Axe
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Look, I really don't know what to say here...it's an Axe made of Silver.  If
you've read about any of the other Silver items, you already know my feelings
on the matter.  As an Axe, it's not cheap, and it's not really that much better
than the Silver Sword - 2 points more damage versus 5 less hit%.  Great.
That's Awesome.  See, if it was, like, 10 points more damage, I could see
myself picking this thing up.  Since it isn't - and by now, you SHOULD have the
Silver Sword for one of your fighters - then you really shouldn't bother.  If
you pick it up in the Volcano, just sell it.

Damage:              25
Hit %:               10
Cost:                4,500 Gil (Sell Price: 2,250 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Crescent Lake
Find Locations:      Gurgu Volcano (2nd Floor)
Who Can Equip It:    Fighter
                    Knight, Ninja
Special Properties:  N/A


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    -----------------------------X: Nunchaku-----------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

The Nunchaku is a weapon that traditionally only saw use in the Eastern
Hemisphere of the world.  Although the components involved might change, the
basic structure of the Nunchaku was the same - 2 lengths of wood (or iron, or
whatever) joined together by a piece of cord (or chain, or whatever).  This
allowed the user to grasp and swing the weapon like a club or sword, but also
gave a flexible middle that alotted for trapping, disarming, tripping, and the
like.  Its strange premise often required the user to put in more hours of
training with the weapon just to become proficient with it; however, for those
who could master it, they would find themselves the wielder of a powerful
weapon indeed.

The Nunchaku has been changed over time to allow for different uses in
different situations.  The have been created with longer shafts for greater
reach, or longer chains for a wider swath to swing and more tripping ability
than before.  For certain users, they found the "tri-chuck" to be useful,
adding a 3rd bar w/chain to the end and using the whole mess as a complex tool
of attack.  In some instances, a single Nunchaku has been grafted to the end of
a Bo Staff, allowing for the traditional use of a Bo coupled with the crushing
swing and disarming qualities of the 'chucks.  As strange a weapon as it can
be, the Nunchaku should be feared...when in the right hands.

__________________________=======================______________________________
                           A   - Iron Nunchaku
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Logically, one would assume that a pair of Nunchaku formed out of heavier items
would be weightier, and thus have more force behind each blow.  This holds true
with the Iron Nunchaku, sporting a heavier component (iron vs. wood) than is
previous counterpart.  The Iron Nunchaku, much like the Wooden Nunchaku, can
only be used by the Black Belt/Master Class (and Ninjas), which means that they
generally have to be very, very specialized weapons and should benefit the user
as much as the equivalent weapon for a rival class.  This does not hold true,
unfortunately, as it offers little additional Damage per hit...and, worse yet,
is that it tends to remove a Black Belt's multiple hits (every 10 levels, the
Black Belt does an extra 2 hits per attack).  So while you might be hitting
harder per hit, you don't hit nearly as often as you could without them...and
thus, the weapon really does not serve much of a purpose.  I do not suggest
getting these, since - by the time you arrive at Elfland - your Black Belt(s)
should be of a high enough level to inflict more damage with their fists than
with a pair of Nunchaku.

Damage:              16
Hit %:               0
Cost:                200 Gill (Sell Price: 100 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Elfland
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:           Black Belt
                    Ninja, Master
Special Properties:  N/A

__________________________=======================______________________________
                          B   - Wooden Nunchaku
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The Nunchaku is a fairly exotic weapon, eh?  I suppose that's why it falls
under the "Exotic Weapon" category of weapons in AD&D's 3rd Edition Rules.
Generally, weapons come in 3 flavors  - Simple, Martial, and Exotic - as Small,
Medium, and Large categories for each.  The Nunchaku is a medium-sized Exotic
weapon, since it is far above your simpler weaponry (i.e., clubs and staves)
and requires special training past those of martial weaponry (swords and axes).
Size is relative; however, D&D assumes that humans, elves, and dwarves are all
of the "medium" size, and thus can use any medium weapon that their character
class allows (larger and smaller races might require specially made weaponry to
fit their respective size category).

What does all this mean?  It means that the Nunchaku is a regular ol' weapon
that only a few people can use, given their background and relation to the
weapon.  Thus, only classes that essentially "hail" from the East can use these
weapons - and that singles out the Ninja, Black Belt, and Master classes.
Unfortunately, it's still not that great a weapon - it provides additional
damage, but it drops the Black Belt's inherent ability to strike multiple times
with their fists.  As such, they hit harder, but they hit less...so your
overall damage actually DROPS by using the Nunchaku.  Because of this, I would
only suggest buying a pair at the very beginning of the game, since - at that
time - your Monk's physical capacity won't be quite as damaging...yet.  Equip
'em with this until they hit level 3 or 4, get rid of the things and don't
bother with another pair for the rest of the game.

Sure, some monsters seem to be easier to damage with Nunchaku than with fists,
but you can't equip/de-equip in battle...so you either walk around without them
equipped and do well against most of what you fight, or you equip a pair of
Nunchaku and take your chances.

Damage:              12
Hit %:               0
Cost:                10 Gil (Sell Price: 5 Gil)
Purchase Locations:  Coneria
Find Locations:      N/A
Who Can Equip It:           Black Belt
                    Ninja, Master
Special Properties:  N/A


================================ Final Fantasy ================================
    -----------------------------XI: Various-----------------------------
================================ Final Fantasy ================================

Here's all that other stuff.  You know, stuff that doesn't matter to the game,
but matters (a lot) the the guide and the author (you know, me, the guy that
wrote all this junk you've been reading?).

__________________________========================_____________________________
                          A   - Revision History
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯========================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

10-23-02:  I started this FAQ today!  Yippee!
03-19-03:  Format revisions and a few added items.  Man, this think WILL get
          done, I promise!
04-01-03:  It's done...
          ...April Fools!
04-06-03:  Oh yeah, I never finished this.  Oh well, NOW it's finished.
          Seriously.  I mean, unless I decide to make more formatting changes
          - which I hope doesn't happen - then this should be the last time I
          have to even THINK about updating this thing.

___________________________======================______________________________
                               B   - Thanks
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

~CJayC ([email protected], www.gamefaqs.com) for putting this FAQ up.
~Al Amaloo (www.gamewinners.com) for being such a cool guy, and having
a great site.
~Daniel Barnes ([email protected]) for your help on all SORTS of stuff.
Man, I love it when I get things wrong...well, thanks for the updates!
~Dan ([email protected]) for the backstory on the Cat's Claw weapon.
Thanks, man, for enlightening the stupid (the stupid being me).
[email protected] for giving me a heart attack with your childish "I
stole your FAQ and sold it with my name on it" antics.  Because of that, I now
do dozens of things to make sure people don't steal my work.  If they do, I
know exactly what to look for to see if they took MY work or not.
~Uh...I can't exactly thank God for the role he's taken in my life, because
that would seem like I'm trying to force my religious opinions on someone else
(which I'm not).  Therefore, I'd like to thank "Murray" for the role he's
taken in my life (Murray, you know who you are).

__________________________=======================______________________________
                             C   - NO THANKS
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯=======================¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

If you write me asking for help with the game, I'll send you a link to my FAQ.
If you ask for specific help, I'll try to aid you.  However, if you ask me
about something that is already covered in the FAQ, I will simply refer you to
the FAQ again.  I wrote the FAQ so that your questions would be answered here,
not so I could repeat that FAQ bit by bit through e-mail for the next few
years.  If you need clarification about something in the FAQ, ask about it -
but don't ask me to repeat anything, please.


===============================================================================
                                   End FAQ
===============================================================================

The following are sites that can NOT use my work.  If you see these sites using
ANY of my FAQs, please e-mail me ASAP.  Each of these websites are sites that
have plagiarised myself or others in the past, or simply taken our work(s)
without our prior permission.  Since they do not have enough respect for the
authors (or an ignorance of the law), I am expressly forbidding them from using
my work.  I will not promote such sites that partake in these actions.

  911 Codes                     http://911codes.com
  9 Lives                       http://www.9lives.ru/eng/
  Bean's PlayStation Dimension  http://www.bean.dk/psx/index.htm
  Cheat Code Central            http://www.cheatcc.com
  Cheat Index                   http://cheatindex.com
  Cheat Matrix                  http://cheatmatrix.com
  Cheat Search                  http://cheatsearch.com
  Cheatstop                     http://www.panstudio.com/cheatstop/
  CNET Gamecenter               http://games.netscape.com/Faqs/
  Console Domain                http://www.consoledomain.co.uk
  Dirty Little Helper           http://dlh.net
  Dark Station                  http://www.darkstation.com/
  Dreamland                     http://kirby.pokep.net
  Games Domain                  http://www.gamesdomain.com
  Game Express                  http://www.gameexpress.com
  Games Over                    http://www.gamesover.com/
  Mega Games                    http://www.megagames.com
  Square Haven                  http://www.square-haven.net
  Ultimate System               http://www.flatbedexpress.com
  VideoGaming.net               http://www.videogaming.net/
  Cheats.de                     http://www.cheats.de

(Taken from Jim "Red Phoenix" Chamberlin's FAQ Theft Guide, as well as added
onto.)

As I stated above, if you want to use one of my guides, I ask that you e-mail
me to gain my permission first.  I like to keep track of which sites use my
work, so I know where to send the updates, and it's a little difficult to keep
you updated if you don't e-mail me.

This FAQ Copyright Reverend Eric "Vegita" Johnson, 2003