Flare (Final Fantasy IX)

Flare is a Blk Mag spell, obtained near the end of Final Fantasy IX from the Black Robe. It is Vivi's most powerful single-target spell, dealing more damage than Doomsday, but cannot do additional damage due to its lack of an element. Nonetheless, it is exceptionally useful as it cannot be absorbed or resisted naturally.
Flare can be used as an enemy ability by Garland, Necron, Ozma, and Trance Kuja. The spell has varying power, with a base power of 85 when used by Necron, 161 when used by Ozma, and 96 when used by Trance Kuja, and also only costs 40 MP to cast. It works with the ability Return Magic and is vulnerable to Reflect.
==Obtained==
The Black Robe can be synthesized at Daguerreo, and also found using a Dead Pepper on foaming water near the southern tip of the Forgotten Continent while riding Choco (who needs to be at least ocean-faring to reach there). It can also be stolen from the Lich.
==Mechanics== 
Black Magic spells' damage is based on Vivi's Level, Magic stats, and the Spell Power of the spell. Vivi can use the Focus ability to increase his Magic during that battle by 25% per use. The effect stacks up to 99 and lasts for the entire battle, even if KO'd.
:Base = 119 - Target's~Magic~Defense
:Bonus = Magic + RndMOD ([(Level + Magic) / 8] + 1)
:Damage = Base \times Bonus
Where Rnd means a random number, while MOD means modulus operation. "Rnd MOD x" can be read as a random number between 0 and x-1.
Bonus is halved by target's Shell and by Vivi being under Mini. Bonus is doubled with Reflectx2.
In Vivi's Trance, Blk Mag turns into Dbl Blk where Vivi can cast two spells on his turn. The spells cost MP and expend the Trance gauge independently. Doublecasting Flare is one of the most damaging Trances in the game.
The support abilities that affect Flare are Reflect-Null (Flare pierces target's Reflect) and Reflectx2 (Flare deals more damage when reflected).
For Swd Mag, damage dealt is based on Steiner's Attack and Strength stat, as well as on the power of the spell.
The damage formula for Swd Mag spells is as follows:
:Base = Attack + 119 - Enemy's~Defense
:Bonus = Strength + RndMOD ([(Level + Strength) / 8] + 1)
:Damage = Base \times Bonus
==Use==
Flare is Vivi's most useful spell unless hitting an elemental weakness, in which case Firaga, Blizzaga, Thundaga, and Doomsday, if properly prepared for, are stronger. Otherwise, if the player is not certain on the enemy's elemental attributes, Flare is a safe option for high damage. When paired with Reflectx2, it can easily hit 9999 damage against most foes.
As a Swd Mag, it is a good option for Steiner, although his Swd Art abilities Climhazzard and Shock are more powerful. 
== Tetra Master ==
Flare is also a card obtained from Magic Master Thalisa in the Treno card stadium, some of the denizens of Black Mage Village in the endgame, and from the Strong Phantom in the Lost Memory area of the final dungeon.
==Etymology==
Category:Black Magic in Final Fantasy IX