Scathe (Final Fantasy XII)

Scathe is the ultimate Black Magick spell in both the original PlayStation 2 version of Final Fantasy XII and the Zodiac re-releases. It is a multi-target spell that deals massive non-elemental damage to all foes in range. Despite its animation sequence, the effect area is not just a straight line shooting from the caster, but a circular area just like other area magick. The beam does not usually point straight in front of the caster, but usually positions itself to hit most enemies in range.
As a Black Magicks spell, it is also a random outcome of the Shades of Black Technick.
Scathe is also an enemy ability used by Shadowseer, Exodus, Zodiark, and Krjn in the Trial Mode.
The spell can also be used via the Scathe Mote item. Scathe debuted in Final Fantasy XII, and has since appeared in some other games in the Final Fantasy series as well.
==Obtained==
Scathe's license costs 165 License Points in the Zodiac versions where the spell is found in Lhusu Mines' Staging Ground area; despite being the most powerful Black Magick, it can be obtained relatively early, as soon as the player unlocks the way to the deeper parts of Lhusu Mines. After the Antlion hunt, the player can find the Small Key to reach deeper into the mines next to a Fallen Bhujerban at the Phon Coast Hunters' Camp . The player can do this as soon as they can first reach Phon Coast after the gate in Salikawood has been fixed. Staging Area is right at the end, at an area with a save crystal just prior to where The Man of Legend is fought the second time for an elite hunt.
In the original version, Scathe's license costs 120 LP and the spell is bought for 18,100 gil from the baknamy merchant in the Necrohol of Nabudis after Sky Fortress Bahamut appears.
In the Zodiac versions, Scathe is used by the Black Mage job and also by the Esper Zodiark. In the original version, Zodiark also has it and is set to use it when there are multiple foes in the vicinity.
==Mechanics==
Scathe deals massive non-elemental damage to targets in range based on the caster's level and Magick Power, mitigated by the target's Magick Resist. Its range was expanded in the Zodiac versions, and though the animation is a beam shooting out from the caster, the effect area is spherical and same as the other multi-cast spells'.
The formula for damage calculation:
:[190 \times RANDOM(1 \sim 1.125) - Magick Resist] \times [2 + {Magick Power \times (Level+Magick Power) \over 256}]
With the Serenity license or the Magick Gloves accessory, the damage is inflated to 120% (original) or 150% (Zodiac) when the caster is in full health. With the Spellbreaker license or the Leather Gorget accessory, the damage is doubled when the caster is in HP Critical. If the caster has Faith, Scathe will damage for 30% more. Shell halves damage from Scathe.
Scathe bounces from Reflect unless the caster equips the Opal Ring. Damaging enemies with Scathe gains MP to the caster if they have the Warmage license. A target can sometimes avoid Scathe via their Magick Evade stat; for the player, this means wearing shields.
Scathe costs 70 MP to cast without Channeling licenses.
Scathe consumes the entire Effect Capacity in the PlayStation 2 versions, meaning no other spell or Technick can be used concurrently, and the actions will instead queue up. In The Zodiac Age, the effect capacity is much larger and using Scathe no longer stalls other characters' moves.
==Use==
Scathe is an excellent mid (Zodiac only) and endgame damaging spell that the player can set up via the gambit system (such as with Foe:Any→Scathe or Foe:Foes present 2+→Scathe). It can be good against flying enemies for characters who lack ranged weapons. Being non-elemental, Scathe gains no boost from enemy weakness, weather and terrain, or from potency gear, but conversely, enemies cannot resist it with innate elemental resistance either, and no weather or terrain will hinder it. The spell is more usable in the Zodiac versions where the damage limit does not restrict it, and in The Zodiac Age where other actions can still be performed during Scathe. However, Scourge may be the preferable non-elemental spell for the Black Mage to use as it is faster than Scathe and still hits all targets in range.
Scathe can be good for level grinding against Abysteels. Obtained just before Gilgamesh is fought in the Zodiac versions, it can be good when used against him.
The player can multi-cast the spell by using Reflect on their own party and then bouncing Scathe by casting it on the player's own party. Scathe is best used with the player's best staff and armor, and under Faith status.
Category:Black Magicks in Final Fantasy XII