This section goes into detail about Celes' abilities during combat, the type
of magic she can cast and how to learn it, what equipment she can use, etc.
Espers, or Phantom Beasts (eidolons), are special, intelligent creatures with
magical abilities that used to co-exist with humans before the War of the Magi.
However, the humans became corrupt, draining the Espers' powers to infuse
themselves with magic. The surviving Espers created another world and moved
there. Unfortunately, twenty years ago, some humans accidentally stumbled
across into the world (Madonna's first arrival). Then, the Empire, which
knew of the Espers, found the world and entered, kidnapping Espers to bring
back for experiments. In response, the Espers threw out the humans and sealed
off the world.
Espers, when they die, turn into Magicite, which is how they truly transfer
their magical power onto another. Professor Cid of the Empire has been
perfecting a way of incorrectly transferring magic from an Esper to people;
this is how Kefka and Celes are able to use magic, as well as random other
people in the game.
Celes is one of the few characters who can naturally use magic without the
aid of Magicite. Her strongest magic relates to ice, though she can also
do some basic healing spells such as Cure and Antdot. Over the course of
time, Celes gradually learns stronger Ice attacks and general status and
healing spells on her own, and her ultimate spells are Flare and Meteor-
she does not need to have Magicite to learn them. However, you will
probably want to give her Magicite anyway so that she will learn the spells
quicker.
With Magicite, Celes can learn any spell in the game. There are three types
of magic in
FFVI: White Magic (healing), Black Magic (offensive), and
Grey Magic (status). Not only does Magicite teach users magic, it also can
be used to summon an Esper. Magicite can only be used once per battle, and
only the person equipped with the Magicite can use it.
Magic Spells; the list of spells Celes can learn
Espers and Magicite; the complete list of Espers
and Magicite in the game
Celes' special ability is Runic. This skill allows her to draw magic spells, whether
they're cast by an enemy or another party member, towards herself. The spells are
absorbed by her and are transformed into MP for herself. Most spells will be
absorbed by Runic, but very powerful spells like Meteor and Ultima won't. Using
Runic is helpful against enemies that focus on magic attacks: the spells will be
absorbed by Celes and won't hurt party members. On the other hand, Runic also
prevents Celes and party members from casting spells. Therefore, if you're fighting
against an opponent that concentrates mostly on physical attacks, Runic in
counterproductive since you won't be able to heal yourself with Cure spells. Celes
can only use Runic when equipped with certain swords.
Celes can equip most swords, some whips, and some dirks as weapons. However, not all
swords allow her to use the Runic skill. Also, some swords may gain extra strength
by draining Celes' magic points. As for armor and gear, Celes can equip most armors
and mails, as well as certain female-only pieces and items that are geared towards
magic users. Personally I like giving her the Atma Weapon or the Ragnarok; this is
not only because I'm biased towards her, but also because I don't find Runic to be
very useful later in the game. (I prefer letting Edgar use his tools and Terra use
her Morph and magic spells, since they are the other characters who can use swords.)
Weapons List; list of weapons Celes can use
Armor List; list of armor and shields celes can equip
Celes can equip most relics. Relics she cannot equip or use are usually character
specific, such as the Memento Ring, Thief Glove, Moogle Charm, and Fake Mustache.
Relics are special items that can enhance abilities, prevent status effects, grant
special powers, etc. Celes and other characters can equip up to two relics at a
time.
Most of the characters in
FFVI have very rare desperation attacks that
are triggered when they are near death. These desperation attacks are used
automatically when the Attack command is given, and they have a very low
percentage of actually being called.
Celes' special desperation attack is Spin Edge. Honestly, it's kind of
a lame name, especially when compared to Locke's Mirager or Mog's Moogle
Rush.
