Alert (Final Fantasy IX)

Alert is a support ability in Final Fantasy IX for Zidane, Steiner, and Amarant that prevents back attacks (enemies act first, party is facing away from the enemies with reversed rows) for a cost of 4 Magic Stones.
==Obtained==
Alert is learned from Barbut, Ninja Gear, and Germinas Boots for variable amounts of AP; Amarant learns it the fastest at 30 AP, while Steiner learns it the slowest at 60 AP. Equipping two equipment pieces that both teach Alert, masters the ability double the pace.
Barbut for Steiner is bought from the Summit Station and Treno when Steiner is traveling with Princess Garnet. Everyone can learn it from the Germinas Boots, found in Burmecia. Ninja Gear for Zidane and Amarant is bought from Daguerreo in the endgame, and stolen from Quale.
==Mechanics==
Alert stops back attacks from happening. The normal rate for back attacks is 24/256.
==Use==
Alert makes traversing areas with random encounters a little safer and faster, but it is not a crucial ability to equip. The player can make use of it if they have some extra Magic Stones left over from other abilities they want to use. Alert is not useful in set encounters like boss battles; the Armodullahan will always back-attack the player if it catches them in the Fossil Roo. 
Category:Support abilities in Final Fantasy IX